Short answer: ASU does not require the SAT or ACT for admission or merit scholarships. But the SAT can still help you meet ASU’s rules. An SAT of 1120 (Arizona residents) or 1180 (nonresidents) meets ASU’s aptitude requirement.
ASU at a glance
SAT required: no (but encouraged)
Aptitude requirement: SAT 1120 resident / 1180 nonresident, OR top 25% of class, OR 3.00 core GPA
English competency: SAT Reading and Writing 580
Math competency: SAT Math 580
College Scorecard does not list an SAT range for ASU’s main campus, so this page uses ASU’s own published requirements.
How the SAT fits ASU’s admission rules
To be admitted, ASU says you must meet one aptitude requirement:
- Top 25% of your high school graduating class, or
- 3.00 unweighted GPA in competency courses, or
- ACT 22 (24 for nonresidents), or
- SAT 1120 (1180 for nonresidents).
So if your GPA is under 3.00 and you are not in the top 25%, an SAT score is your path to meeting the aptitude rule.
Using SAT section scores for course competencies
ASU also requires 16 competency courses. Test scores can stand in for some of them:
- English: 580 on SAT Reading and Writing.
- Math: 580 on SAT Math.
Some ASU colleges have higher competency requirements, including business, engineering, journalism, nursing and sustainability.
What SAT score should you aim for?
For general admission, aim for 1120 as an Arizona resident or 1180 from out of state. To also cover the English and math competencies, aim for at least 580 on each section, which adds up to 1160. Even though scores are not required, ASU says they are encouraged and can be used for course placement.
Need 1120 or 1180 for ASU?
Take a free practice test and see how far you are from it.
How to raise your score
- Find your weaker section with a free full-length practice test.
- Practice at the top difficulty level with these hard SAT math questions and this hard SAT English practice test.
- Drill your weak skills in Targeted Practice.
- Compare schools in the College Finder.
Frequently asked questions
Does ASU require the SAT?
No. ASU does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission or merit scholarships, but it encourages them.
What SAT score do you need for ASU?
An SAT of 1120 (Arizona residents) or 1180 (nonresidents) meets ASU's aptitude requirement, which you can also meet with grades or class rank.
Can the SAT cover ASU course requirements?
Yes. 580 on SAT Reading and Writing can meet the English competency, and 580 on SAT Math can meet the math competency.
Sources
- ASU Admission, First-year admission requirements.
- ASU Admission, Course competency requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ASU require the SAT?
No. ASU does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission or merit scholarships, but it encourages them.
What SAT score do you need for ASU?
An SAT of 1120 (Arizona residents) or 1180 (nonresidents) meets ASU's aptitude requirement, which you can also meet with grades or class rank.
Can the SAT cover ASU course requirements?
Yes. 580 on SAT Reading and Writing can meet the English competency, and 580 on SAT Math can meet the math competency.