Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Case Western Reserve University scored about 1430 to 1540 on the SAT, with an average of 1513. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1430 or lower and a quarter scored 1540 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Case Western at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1430 to 1540 | Average: 1513
Reading and Writing: 700 to 760 | Math: 730 to 780
ACT middle 50%: 32 to 34
Admission rate: 36.5%
Case Western SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 700 | 760 |
| Math | 730 | 780 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1430 | 1540 |
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 Case Western require the SAT?
No. Case Western says it is test-optional, and that no testing is required for any of its 100+ undergraduate programs, including the Pre-Professional Scholars Program (conditional admission to medical or dental school) and every scholarship and financial aid program.
- Change your mind: you can switch between test-optional and sending scores until two weeks before your decision release date, using your applicant portal.
- Superscoring: CWRU uses your highest score in each section.
- Self-report: on the Common App, Coalition with Scoir, or your applicant portal. Enrolling students confirm with official reports.
- Timing: a November senior-year SAT arrives in time for Early Action and Early Decision I. A January SAT works for Early Decision II and Regular Decision.
- SAT code: 1105.
CWRU’s own numbers: admitted students had a middle 50% SAT of 1420 to 1510, and 42% applied test-optional.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Use CWRU’s admitted range, 1420 to 1510. Send your score if it is about 1420 or higher. Since you can change your choice until two weeks before decisions come out, a later SAT can still count if it comes in higher.
CWRU students score higher in Math (730 to 780) than in Reading and Writing (700 to 760) in the Scorecard numbers. For pre-med or engineering, a strong Math score is the clearest plus.
Where do you stand against Case Western’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 760 (Reading and Writing) and 780 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to Case Western’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 Case Western?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1430 to 1540.
What is the average SAT score at Case Western?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1513.
Does Case Western require the SAT?
No. Case Western is test-optional for all programs, including Pre-Professional Scholars and scholarships, and superscores.
SAT scores by college
This guide is part of SAT Scores by College: Middle 50% and Testing Policy for 43 Schools.
Related guides:
- American University SAT Scores: Admitted Middle 50% Is 1320-1430
- RPI SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1375-1510
- SMU SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1340-1490
- Bucknell SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1310-1470
- UConn SAT Scores: Storrs Admitted Middle 50% Is 1320-1460
- 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: Case Western Reserve University (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- Case Western Reserve Admission, Test Policy.
- Case Western Reserve Admission, Application Tips.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for Case Western?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1430 to 1540.
What is the average SAT score at Case Western?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1513.
Does Case Western require the SAT?
No. Case Western is test-optional for all programs, including Pre-Professional Scholars and scholarships, and superscores.