Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Vanderbilt University scored about 1500 to 1570 on the SAT, with an average of 1549. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1500 or lower and a quarter scored 1570 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Vanderbilt at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1500 to 1570 | Average: 1549
Reading and Writing: 730 to 770 | Math: 770 to 800
ACT middle 50%: 34 to 35
Admission rate: 5.9%
Vanderbilt SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 730 | 770 |
| Math | 770 | 800 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1500 | 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 Vanderbilt require the SAT?
Not yet. Vanderbilt is test-optional for students entering in fall 2027 or fall 2028. On July 23, 2026, Vanderbilt announced it will require test scores again for students entering in fall 2029. If you are in the class of 2029 (10th grade in fall 2026), plan to send a score.
- Superscoring: Vanderbilt superscores both the SAT and ACT and uses whichever superscore is higher.
- Self-report: allowed. Admitted students who enroll send official scores.
- Scholarships: for fall 2027 and 2028, merit scholarship applicants who apply by December 1 are considered with or without scores.
- Recommended last SAT dates: October 3, 2026 for Early Decision I, and December 5, 2026 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision.
- SAT code: 1871.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Vanderbilt’s middle 50% is about 1500 to 1570. If you apply while it is test-optional, send your score if it is near 1500 or higher. If you will apply for fall 2029 entry, a score is required, so aim for 1500 or higher and 1570 or higher to stand out.
Math at Vanderbilt runs 770 to 800, so a 770 is only the 25th percentile. Reading and Writing runs 730 to 770. For most students, the extra points are in hard Math.
Where do you stand against Vanderbilt’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 Vanderbilt’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 Vanderbilt?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1500 to 1570.
What is the average SAT score at Vanderbilt?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1549.
Does Vanderbilt require the SAT?
Vanderbilt is test-optional for fall 2027 and 2028 entry, and will require test scores again for students entering in fall 2029. It superscores.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: Vanderbilt University (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- Vanderbilt Admissions, Testing Policies.
- Vanderbilt Admissions, Vanderbilt to reinstate testing requirement for fall 2029 applicants (July 2026).
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for Vanderbilt?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1500 to 1570.
What is the average SAT score at Vanderbilt?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1549.
Does Vanderbilt require the SAT?
Vanderbilt is test-optional for fall 2027 and 2028 entry, and will require test scores again for students entering in fall 2029. It superscores.