What are the SAT exam eligibility criteria in the USA?

Any high school student, usually in grades 11-12, can take the SAT; there is no age limit.

Is the SAT exam mandatory for USA universities?

Many US colleges are test-optional, but most competitive universities still consider SAT scores.

How many times is the SAT conducted in a year in the USA?

The SAT is conducted seven times a year in India, typically in March, May, June, August, October, November, and December.

SAT Score for USA (2026): Top Universities Accepting SAT in USA

SAT scores show how strong your application is for US universities. Most colleges accept students within a score range, and top schools usually pick students with scores near the high end. Knowing your SAT score range helps you target the right universities and plan your applications wisely.

Key Highlights:

Caltech, MIT, and the University of Chicago ask for one of the highest SAT score ranges, from around 1510 to 1580.
University of Florida, Binghamton University, and Indiana University Bloomington have mid-to-low SAT ranges, between 1255 and 1360.
An ideal range of 1350 to 1450 on your SAT exam can make you competitive for most US universities.

What is the SAT Cutoff in the USA?

No, US universities do not set a fixed SAT cutoff for 2026. For most of the universities in the USA, the SAT scores for a clear selection range from 1200 to 1580. One important shift for 2026 is that many top universities in the USA have put back mandatory SAT submission, which means competitive scores now matter more than in recent test-optional years.

SAT Cut-off for Top Universities in the USA

Top US universities like Harvard or Cornell use SAT scores to check the academic potential of a student. These colleges set competitive SAT cutoffs ranging from 1200 to sometimes even 1580.

Here is a comparative overview of top US universities, their typical SAT score ranges, and what makes them unique:

University Name	SAT Reading & Writing Score	SAT Math Score	Composite SAT Score Range
Harvard University	670-790	680-800	1350-1590
Cornell University	680-760	720-800	1400-1560
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	730-780	780-800	1510-1580
University of Pennsylvania	700-770	720-790	1420-1560
Stanford University	680-780	700-800	1380-1580
Columbia University	700-780	710-790	1410-1570
Princeton University	740-780	770-800	1510-1580
Yale University	680-790	690-800	1370-1590
University of Chicago	745	775	1520
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	740-780	790-800	1530-1580
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	620-710	600-740	1220-1450
New York University (NYU)	720-770	750-800	1470-1570
University of California, Berkeley	660-750	680-790	1340-1540
Johns Hopkins University	735	780	1515
University of Rochester	700-760	730-790	1430-1550
University of Virginia (UVA)	705	725	1430
Tulane University	700	720	1420
Binghamton University	650	725	1300
Stony Brook University	640	695	1340
University of Florida	675	685	1360
Indiana University Bloomington	625	630	1255
Chapman University	640	640	1280
Pitzer College	690	720	1410
Boston University	670-750	690-780	1360-1530
Georgia Institute of Technology	680-730	710-790	1390-1520

What is a Good SAT Score for US Colleges?

A good SAT score depends on the type of university you want to apply to in the United States. Top colleges expect higher scores up to 1600 sometimes, while mid-tier and accessible universities accept a wider score range from 1000 to 1450.

The table below shows how different SAT score ranges match different groups of universities:

Category	Typical SAT Score Range	Universities	Description
Ivy League	1450-1600	Harvard, Cornell, Yale, Princeton, Columbia	These colleges have the highest SAT expectations. Scoring near the 75th percentile greatly improves your chances of getting in.
Mid-Tier Universities	1200-1450	University of Wisconsin, Penn State, University of Miami	A score in this range makes you competitive. Strong essays and extracurriculars can further boost your profile.
Accessible Universities	1000-1200	SUNY, University of Arizona, University of Florida	These colleges allow more flexible scores. They also consider GPA, activities, and essays along with SAT scores.

How to Send SAT Scores to US Colleges?

After your SAT scores are released, you must send them to the US colleges you are applying to. Most universities in the United States only accept official SAT score reports sent through the College Board. This makes it important to send your scores on time so that each college receives your verified report before the application deadline.

Free Score Reports: You get 4 free score reports if you select your US colleges within 9 days of your test date.
Additional Reports: Each Additional SAT Score Report costs around USD 15 (approx. INR 1300).
Superscoring: Many US universities accept superscores, which means they consider your best section scores across multiple test dates. Always verify each college’s policy before sending scores.
Sending Scores: You can send your scores online through your College Board account. Reports are usually delivered to colleges 1-2 weeks after your results are available.

From the Desk of Yocket

The SAT plays a key role in undergraduate admissions at US universities. As an international student, it is important to know the score expectations for your target colleges. Top universities also consider academics, essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters. Plan each part of your application carefully to align with college priorities. With proper preparation and guidance, you can present a strong and compelling profile.

Yocket Prep can help you shortlist universities, improve your profile, and create a personalised admission strategy based on your strengths.