Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at New York University scored about 1480 to 1560 on the SAT, with an average of 1520. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1480 or lower and a quarter scored 1560 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
NYU at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1480 to 1560 | Average: 1520
Reading and Writing: 720 to 760 | Math: 760 to 800
ACT middle 50%: 34 to 35
Admission rate: 9.2%
NYU SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 720 | 760 |
| Math | 760 | 800 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1480 | 1560 |
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 NYU require the SAT?
No. NYU is test-optional, and NYU says it will stay test-optional through the 2027 to 2028 application cycle. You are not required to send SAT or ACT scores to any NYU school or program.
- Test flexible: if you do send scores, NYU also accepts the IB Diploma, three AP exam scores, three IB Higher Level exam scores, or certain international exams instead of the SAT or ACT.
- Unofficial scores: NYU accepts unofficial test scores for application review.
- SAT code: 2562.
- Arts programs: Tisch and Steinhardt arts applicants submit an audition or portfolio, which can take the place of testing.
- English proficiency: this is separate. If English is not your first language, you usually still need TOEFL, IELTS or a similar exam, and SAT scores do not replace it.
Because NYU is test-optional, the ranges above only include students who chose to send scores. Students with lower scores are less likely to send them, so the range for all NYU students is probably wider.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Send your SAT to NYU if it is at or above about 1480, the 25th percentile of students who submitted. At 1560 or higher you are in the top quarter of submitters, and the score clearly helps. Below about 1480, a test-optional application may serve you better, unless the score is strong for your school or region.
NYU’s Math range (760 to 800) is higher than its Reading and Writing range (720 to 760). A 760 in Math is only the 25th percentile among submitters, so if Math is your weaker section, that is where to put your prep time.
Where do you stand against NYU’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 760 (Reading and Writing) and 800 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to NYU’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.
For cost, graduation rate and earnings data, see the full NYU college profile.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for NYU?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1480 to 1560.
What is the average SAT score at NYU?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1520.
Does NYU require the SAT?
No. NYU is test-optional through the 2027-28 cycle and also accepts AP, IB and some international exams under its test-flexible policy.
SAT scores by college
This guide is part of SAT Scores by College: Middle 50% and Testing Policy for 43 Schools.
Related guides:
- Stanford SAT Scores: Submitted Middle 50% Is 1520-1570
- MIT SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1520-1580
- Penn State SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1240-1420
- Harvard SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1510-1580
- UChicago 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: New York University (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- NYU Admissions, Test Optional at NYU: What It Is and Isn't.
- NYU Admissions, First-Year Applicants.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for NYU?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1480 to 1560.
What is the average SAT score at NYU?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1520.
Does NYU require the SAT?
No. NYU is test-optional through the 2027-28 cycle and also accepts AP, IB and some international exams under its test-flexible policy.