SAT Scores for Admission to the Big Ten

If you're wondering if you have the SAT scores you'll need to get into one of the Big Ten universities, here's a side-by-side comparison of scores for the middle 50 percent of enrolled students. If your scores fall within or above these ranges, you're on target for admission to one of these universities.

Big Ten SAT Score Comparison (mid 50%)
(Learn what these numbers mean)

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ACT Scores for Admission to the Big Ten

By Allen Grove

View the ACT version of this table.

If your SAT scores fall below the lower number in the table, don't lose hope of being admitted. 25 percent of all enrolled students scored at or below that lower number. That said, you'll need to show significant strengths in other areas of your application to make up for less-than ideal SAT scores. 

All of the Big Ten schools are selective, and all have some form of holistic admissions. In other words, admissions decisions are not based entirely upon numerical data such as class rank, standardized test scores, and grades.

The most important part of your application will be a strong high school record. The admissions folks will be looking at more than grades. They will want to see that you have challenged yourself throughout high school. Success in Advanced Placement, IB, Honors, and dual enrollment courses can all strengthen your application, for these classes are one of the best measures of college readiness.

Non-numerical measures are also important at most of the Big Ten schools. The universities will want to see depth in meaningful extracurricular activities, and many will also request an application essay and letters of recommendation. Demonstrated interest and legacy status can make a difference at some schools.

data from National Center for Education Statistics