Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at University of Chicago scored about 1510 to 1580 on the SAT, with an average of 1554. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1510 or lower and a quarter scored 1580 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
UChicago at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1510 to 1580 | Average: 1554
Reading and Writing: 740 to 780 | Math: 770 to 800
ACT middle 50%: 34 to 35
Admission rate: 4.5%
UChicago SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 740 | 780 |
| Math | 770 | 800 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1510 | 1580 |
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 UChicago require the SAT?
No. UChicago is test-optional, and it uses a “No Harm” policy: any SAT score you send is used only if it helps your chances. UChicago says scores that could hurt an admission decision are not considered. The policy applies to domestic, international and transfer applicants. UChicago still encourages everyone with scores to send them.
- Superscoring: UChicago superscores the SAT and ACT.
- Self-report: allowed. Admitted students who enroll send an official report.
- Last SAT dates: November for Early Action and Early Decision I, December for Early Decision II, and January for Regular Decision.
- Changed your mind: if you already sent scores, you can ask to be reviewed without them.
- Digital SAT: treated the same as earlier versions.
- SAT code: 1832.
UChicago’s Class of 2029 profile lists an SAT range of 1280 to 1600 for admitted students, the full range rather than the middle 50%. The College Scorecard middle 50% above is much narrower.
What SAT score should you aim for?
UChicago’s middle 50% is about 1510 to 1580. Because of the No Harm policy, there is little risk in sending a score: if it helps, it counts, and if it does not, UChicago ignores it. That makes sending your score the smart default.
To stand out, aim for 1510 or higher. Math runs 770 to 800 and Reading and Writing 740 to 780, so Math is where the bar is highest.
Where do you stand against UChicago’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 780 (Reading and Writing) and 800 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to UChicago’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 UChicago?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1510 to 1580.
What is the average SAT score at UChicago?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1554.
Does UChicago require the SAT?
No. UChicago is test-optional with a No Harm policy: scores are used only if they help, and UChicago superscores.
SAT scores by college
This guide is part of SAT Scores by College: Middle 50% and Testing Policy for 43 Schools.
Related guides:
- Harvard SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1510-1580
- NYU SAT Scores: Middle 50% Is 1480-1560
- Stanford SAT Scores: Submitted Middle 50% Is 1520-1570
- Bright Futures SAT Score
- ASU SAT Scores: Not Required, but 1120 Can Get You In
- 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: University of Chicago (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- UChicago College Admissions, UChicago Admissions FAQ.
- UChicago College Admissions, Required Materials.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for UChicago?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1510 to 1580.
What is the average SAT score at UChicago?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1554.
Does UChicago require the SAT?
No. UChicago is test-optional with a No Harm policy: scores are used only if they help, and UChicago superscores.