College SAT + ACT Score Requirements
SAT and ACT score ranges, acceptance rates, and test policies for the colleges Greater Philadelphia families apply to most. Updated for the 2026–2027 admissions cycle.
Highly Selective (15% or lower acceptance rate)
These schools are among the most competitive in the country. Strong test scores — when submitted — can reinforce an already excellent academic profile.
UPenn
Test RequiredPhiladelphia, PA · Private
Swarthmore
Test-OptionalSwarthmore, PA · Private
Haverford
Test-OptionalHaverford, PA · Private
NYU
Test-OptionalNew York, NY · Private
Georgetown
Test RequiredWashington, DC · Private
Boston College
Test-OptionalChestnut Hill, MA · Private
Northeastern
Test-OptionalBoston, MA · Private
Selective (16–35% acceptance rate)
Strong academics and solid test scores (when submitted) are expected at these schools. Test-optional policies give students flexibility.
Villanova
Test-OptionalVillanova, PA · Private
Lehigh
Test-OptionalBethlehem, PA · Private
Lafayette
Test-OptionalEaston, PA · Private
Bryn Mawr
Test-OptionalBryn Mawr, PA · Private
Bucknell
Test-OptionalLewisburg, PA · Private
UVA
Test-OptionalCharlottesville, VA · Public
Competitive (36%+ acceptance rate)
These schools have broader admission, but strong scores can unlock merit scholarships, honors programs, and competitive majors.
Temple
Test-OptionalPhiladelphia, PA · Public
Drexel
Test-OptionalPhiladelphia, PA · Private
Penn State
Test-OptionalUniversity Park, PA · Public
Delaware
Test-OptionalNewark, DE · Public
Rutgers
Test-OptionalNew Brunswick, NJ · Public
Pitt
Test-OptionalPittsburgh, PA · Public
Maryland
Test-OptionalCollege Park, MD · Public
How to Use This Guide
These pages cover the 20 colleges that Greater Philadelphia families apply to most frequently. For each school, you'll find the current middle 50% SAT and ACT score ranges, acceptance rate, test policy (required vs. optional), and practical guidance on what makes a competitive applicant and how to prepare.
The "middle 50%" range means 25% of admitted students scored below the lower number and 25% scored above the upper number. Scoring within this range puts you in the competitive zone, but admissions at every school on this list is holistic — test scores are just one component alongside GPA, course rigor, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations.
Test-Optional vs. Test-Required: What It Means for You
Most schools on this list are currently test-optional, which means you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. A few — including Georgetown, UPenn, and Boston College — now require scores. The trend is shifting: several schools that went test-optional during COVID are reinstating requirements.
Even at test-optional schools, strong scores can help. If your score falls within or above a school's middle 50% range, submitting it can reinforce your academic profile. If your score is well below the 25th percentile, you may benefit from applying without scores. A qualified test prep tutor can help you make this strategic decision.
Getting Started with Test Prep
The most effective first step is taking a full-length diagnostic practice test of both the SAT and ACT to establish your baseline and see which format suits you better. From there, set a target score based on the colleges you're considering and work with a tutor to build a focused study plan.
Read our complete SAT & ACT prep guide for a detailed timeline and study strategy, or browse our tutor directory to find experienced test prep professionals in the Greater Philadelphia area.