Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Yale University scored about 1470 to 1570 on the SAT, with an average of 1534. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1470 or lower and a quarter scored 1570 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Yale at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1470 to 1570 | Average: 1534
Reading and Writing: 730 to 780 | Math: 740 to 790
ACT middle 50%: 33 to 35
Admission rate: 3.9%
Yale SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 730 | 780 |
| Math | 740 | 790 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1470 | 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 Yale require the SAT?
Yes, starting with the 2026 to 2027 admissions cycle. In May 2026, Yale announced that first-year and transfer applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores. AP and IB scores no longer count toward the requirement. This ends the test-flexible policy Yale used for two cycles and brings back the rule Yale had before 2020.
- Why Yale changed: Yale College Dean Pericles Lewis said SAT and ACT scores are strong predictors of a student’s future academic performance at Yale.
- Most applicants already sent them: Yale says almost 80% of applicants submitted SAT or ACT scores last year.
- Superscoring: Yale superscores. For the ACT, the superscore must come from ACT, not your own math.
- No preference: Yale does not prefer the SAT or the ACT.
- AP and IB: you can still share them. They just do not replace the SAT or ACT anymore.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Yale’s middle 50% is about 1470 to 1570. With testing required again, every applicant now sends a score, so where you sit in that range matters more than it did under test-flexible. At 1570 or higher, your score is in the top quarter. Below about 1470, you are under three quarters of Yale’s enrolled first-years, and a retake is worth thinking about.
The two sections are close at Yale: Reading and Writing 730 to 780, Math 740 to 790. Because Yale superscores, you can retake to raise just your weaker section.
Where do you stand against Yale’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 780 (Reading and Writing) and 790 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to Yale’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 Yale?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1470 to 1570.
What is the average SAT score at Yale?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1534.
Does Yale require the SAT?
Yes. Starting in 2026-27, Yale requires the SAT or ACT. AP and IB scores no longer meet the requirement, and Yale superscores.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: Yale University (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- Yale News, Undergraduate admissions updates testing policy (May 2026).
- Yale Admissions, Application Update 2026-2027.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for Yale?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1470 to 1570.
What is the average SAT score at Yale?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1534.
Does Yale require the SAT?
Yes. Starting in 2026-27, Yale requires the SAT or ACT. AP and IB scores no longer meet the requirement, and Yale superscores.