Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Johns Hopkins University scored about 1520 to 1570 on the SAT, with an average of 1553. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1520 or lower and a quarter scored 1570 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Johns Hopkins at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1520 to 1570 | Average: 1553
Reading and Writing: 740 to 770 | Math: 780 to 800
ACT middle 50%: 34 to 36
Admission rate: 6.4%
Johns Hopkins SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 740 | 770 |
| Math | 780 | 800 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1520 | 1570 |
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 Johns Hopkins require the SAT?
Yes. Johns Hopkins brought back its SAT or ACT requirement for first-year applicants starting with fall 2026 entry. The requirement covers the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and the Whiting School of Engineering. A Hopkins review found that test scores are “an important predictive metric” of academic success there.
- No minimum score: scores are weighed with the rest of your application.
- Superscoring: Hopkins uses your highest section scores across all test dates.
- Self-report: allowed through the Common App. Admitted students who enroll send official scores.
- When to test: by October of senior year for Early Decision, or December for Regular Decision.
- Exceptions: transfer applicants and the Peabody Institute (music) do not require scores.
- SAT code: 5332.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Johns Hopkins’ middle 50% is about 1520 to 1570, among the highest on this list. Math runs 780 to 800, so a 780 is only the 25th percentile. If you are applying to Hopkins, aim for 1520 or higher and push Math to 780 or above.
Hopkins superscores, so you can retake to raise one section. With a Math floor this high, a single missed hard Math question can move you out of the range, so practice at the top difficulty level.
Where do you stand against Johns Hopkins’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 770 (Reading and Writing) and 800 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to Johns Hopkins’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 Johns Hopkins?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1520 to 1570.
What is the average SAT score at Johns Hopkins?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1553.
Does Johns Hopkins require the SAT?
Yes. Johns Hopkins requires the SAT or ACT for first-year applicants starting with fall 2026 entry, and superscores. Peabody and transfer applicants are exempt.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: Johns Hopkins University (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- Johns Hopkins Admissions, Standardized Testing.
- The Hub (JHU), Johns Hopkins to return to standardized testing requirement (August 2024).
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for Johns Hopkins?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1520 to 1570.
What is the average SAT score at Johns Hopkins?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1553.
Does Johns Hopkins require the SAT?
Yes. Johns Hopkins requires the SAT or ACT for first-year applicants starting with fall 2026 entry, and superscores. Peabody and transfer applicants are exempt.