Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Penn State University Park scored about 1240 to 1420 on the SAT, with an average of 1337. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1240 or lower and a quarter scored 1420 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Penn State at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1240 to 1420 | Average: 1337
Reading and Writing: 620 to 700 | Math: 620 to 720
ACT middle 50%: 27 to 32
Admission rate: 60.6%
Penn State SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 620 | 700 |
| Math | 620 | 720 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1240 | 1420 |
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 Penn State require the SAT?
No. Penn State says it is test-optional and that all first-year applicants, in every major, can apply without scores. The one exception is the Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program, which requires the SAT or ACT.
- No superscore: Penn State uses your highest combined score from a single test date. It does not mix sections from different dates.
- Self-report in MyPennState: Penn State does not use scores entered in the Common Application. Report them in MyPennState after you apply.
- Official scores later: only students who decide to attend send official scores. Students admitted without scores never need to send them.
- SAT code: 2660.
- Honors and scholarships: the Schreyer Honors College and the Millennium Scholars Program do not require scores, and merit scholarships no longer factor in test scores.
Because Penn State is test-optional, the ranges above only include students who sent scores. The numbers are for the University Park campus.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Penn State’s middle 50% is about 1240 to 1420. If your best single-date score is 1240 or higher, sending it puts you in range. At 1420 or higher you are in the top quarter of students who submitted. Below about 1240, applying test-optional is usually the better choice.
Penn State does not superscore, so your best single sitting is what counts. Plan to peak on one test date rather than spreading your best sections across several.
Where do you stand against Penn State’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 700 (Reading and Writing) and 720 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to Penn State’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 Penn State college profile.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for Penn State?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1240 to 1420.
What is the average SAT score at Penn State?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1337.
Does Penn State require the SAT?
No. Penn State is test-optional for all first-year applicants except the Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program, and it uses your best single-date score.
SAT scores by college
This guide is part of SAT Scores by College: Middle 50% and Testing Policy for 43 Schools.
Related guides:
- Yale SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1470-1570
- UF SAT Scores: Admitted Middle 50% Is 1420-1520
- Princeton SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1510-1580
- MIT SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1520-1580
- Stanford SAT Scores: Submitted Middle 50% Is 1520-1570
- 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: Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- Penn State, Test Optional FAQs.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for Penn State?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1240 to 1420.
What is the average SAT score at Penn State?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1337.
Does Penn State require the SAT?
No. Penn State is test-optional for all first-year applicants except the Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program, and it uses your best single-date score.