Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Stanford University scored about 1510 to 1580 on the SAT, with an average of 1553. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1510 or lower and a quarter scored 1580 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Stanford at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1510 to 1580 | Average: 1553
Reading and Writing: 740 to 780 | Math: 770 to 800
ACT middle 50%: 34 to 35
Admission rate: 3.6%
Stanford SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 740 | 780 |
| Math | 770 | 800 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1510 | 1580 |
The total row adds the two section numbers, so treat it as a close estimate, not an exact percentile of total scores. For comparison, the average SAT score for the class of 2026 was 1045 (528 Reading and Writing, 517 Math), according to College Board.
Does Stanford require the SAT?
Yes. Stanford’s testing page says “ACT or SAT scores are required.” Stanford paused the requirement in 2020, then announced in June 2024 that it would require the SAT or ACT again starting with students applying in fall 2025 for the Class of 2030. The Class of 2029 was the last test-optional class.
- Self-report: you enter your highest scores in the application. You do not send official scores unless you are admitted and enroll.
- Honesty check: Stanford says it can revoke an offer if self-reported scores do not match the official report.
- No preference: Stanford does not prefer the SAT or the ACT.
- No minimum: there is no minimum score and no score that guarantees admission.
- International applicants: also required to send the SAT or ACT. English tests do not replace it.
- Recency: Stanford recommends scores from the past five years.
Stanford’s own number for the Class of 2029, when tests were optional, is a middle 50% of 1520 to 1570 among students who submitted. That is close to the College Scorecard range above.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Stanford’s middle 50% is about 1510 to 1580. Inside that range, your score looks like a typical Stanford student’s, and your essays, courses and activities decide the rest. At 1580 or higher, the score is an asset. Below about 1510, you are under three quarters of Stanford’s enrolled first-years, so a retake can be worth it.
Math is the tighter section: 770 to 800. A 770 is the 25th percentile. If your Math is below 770, the hardest Advanced Math and Geometry questions are usually where the points are.
Where do you stand against Stanford’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 780 (Reading and Writing) and 800 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to Stanford’s 75th percentile above.
- Practice at the top difficulty level. Scores in this range come from getting the hardest questions right. Try these hard SAT math questions and this hard SAT English practice test.
- Drill your weak skills in Targeted Practice.
- Compare schools with similar ranges in the College Finder.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for Stanford?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1510 to 1580.
What is the average SAT score at Stanford?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1553.
Does Stanford require the SAT?
Yes. Stanford requires the SAT or ACT starting with applicants to the Class of 2030, with self-reported scores and no minimum.
SAT scores by college
This guide is part of SAT Scores by College: Middle 50% and Testing Policy for 43 Schools.
Related guides:
- MIT SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1520-1580
- Penn State SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1240-1420
- Yale SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1470-1570
- NYU SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1480-1560
- Harvard SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1510-1580
- What Do SAT Scores Mean? How to Read Your Score Report
- Lowest Possible SAT Score: 400, and What a Low Score Means
Explore every SAT hub
- Digital SAT Complete Guide Format, scoring and a full study plan
- Advanced Math and Vocabulary Hub Hard math topics and high-value words
- SAT Grammar Guide Every grammar and punctuation rule
- SAT Reading Guide Reading question types and strategies
- SAT Practice Tests Guide Official tests and how to use them
- Desmos Guide Calculator shortcuts for SAT Math
- SAT Scores by College Ranges and testing policies for 43 schools
- PSAT Guide PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9 and National Merit
- Test Strategy Hub Timing, pacing and prep resources
- SAT Predictions Questions most likely to repeat
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: Stanford University (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- Stanford Undergraduate Admission, Standardized Testing.
- Stanford Report, Stanford to resume standardized test requirement (June 2024).
- Stanford Report, Stanford shares admissions criteria (July 2025).
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for Stanford?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1510 to 1580.
What is the average SAT score at Stanford?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1553.
Does Stanford require the SAT?
Yes. Stanford requires the SAT or ACT starting with applicants to the Class of 2030, with self-reported scores and no minimum.