Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at American University scored about 1280 to 1460 on the SAT, with an average of 1381. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1280 or lower and a quarter scored 1460 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
American University at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1280 to 1460 | Average: 1381
Reading and Writing: 660 to 740 | Math: 620 to 720
ACT middle 50%: 29 to 32
Admission rate: 62%
American University SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 660 | 740 |
| Math | 620 | 720 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1280 | 1460 |
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 American University require the SAT?
No. American University says it has been test-optional for over a decade, under every decision plan: Early Action, Early Decision I and II, and Regular Decision. AU says there is no disadvantage, and applying without scores does not affect merit awards or admission to the AU Honors Program.
- How to choose: answer the Common App or Coalition question on your preferred testing plan.
- Self-report: allowed. Only admitted students who enroll send official scores.
- International and Global Nomad applicants: students finishing high school outside the US are not required to send scores.
- Classroom first: AU says your grades in class are the most important factor.
AU’s own fall 2026 numbers: admitted students who sent scores had a middle 50% SAT of 1320 to 1430. Only 37% of admitted students sent scores.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Use AU’s fall 2026 range, 1320 to 1430. Send your score if it is 1320 or higher. With 63% of admitted students applying without scores, test-optional is the most common path at AU, so a score below 1320 is usually better left out.
At AU, Reading and Writing (660 to 740) is the stronger section in the Scorecard numbers, higher than Math (620 to 720). If your Reading and Writing is strong, that is the part of your score that matches AU students best.
Where do you stand against American University’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 740 (Reading and Writing) and 720 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to American University’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 American University?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1280 to 1460.
What is the average SAT score at American University?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1381.
Does American University require the SAT?
No. American University has been test-optional for over a decade, and scores do not affect merit aid or Honors Program admission.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: American University (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- American University Admissions, How to Apply Test-Optional to American University.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for American University?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1280 to 1460.
What is the average SAT score at American University?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1381.
Does American University require the SAT?
No. American University has been test-optional for over a decade, and scores do not affect merit aid or Honors Program admission.