Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Tufts University scored about 1470 to 1560 on the SAT, with an average of 1513. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1470 or lower and a quarter scored 1560 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Tufts at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1470 to 1560 | Average: 1513
Reading and Writing: 720 to 770 | Math: 750 to 790
ACT middle 50%: 33 to 35
Admission rate: 11.5%
Tufts SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 720 | 770 |
| Math | 750 | 790 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1470 | 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 Tufts require the SAT?
No. Tufts says it is test-optional for all undergraduate applicants, first-year and transfer, and lists the 2026 to 2027 Early Decision deadlines with that policy. For the Class of 2030, Tufts says more than half of applicants sent SAT or ACT scores.
- Tufts’ own advice: Tufts encourages applicants with an SAT of 1300 or higher (or ACT 28 or higher) to send their scores.
- No assumption: Tufts says it will not assume your scores are low if you do not send them.
- Superscoring: Tufts takes your highest section scores across all SAT dates.
- Self-report: allowed. Admitted students who enroll verify with official scores.
- Early Decision I: Tufts accepts November SAT scores. ED I is due November 2, 2026, and ED II is due January 4, 2027.
- SAT code: 3901.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Tufts’ middle 50% is about 1470 to 1560 among students who sent scores. Tufts’ own line is 1300: it encourages you to send any SAT at 1300 or higher. Tufts says admitted students who sent scores ranged from 1240 to 1600.
For a stronger application, aim for 1470 or higher, the bottom of the middle 50%. Math at Tufts runs 750 to 790 and Reading and Writing 720 to 770, and Tufts superscores, so retake for whichever section is further below those numbers.
Where do you stand against Tufts’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 770 (Reading and Writing) and 790 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to Tufts’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 Tufts?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1470 to 1560.
What is the average SAT score at Tufts?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1513.
Does Tufts require the SAT?
No. Tufts is test-optional, encourages sending an SAT of 1300 or higher, and superscores.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: Tufts University (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- Tufts Admissions, SAT and ACT Tests.
- Tufts Admissions, Early Decision.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for Tufts?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1470 to 1560.
What is the average SAT score at Tufts?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1513.
Does Tufts require the SAT?
No. Tufts is test-optional, encourages sending an SAT of 1300 or higher, and superscores.