SAT Scores for Admission to SUNY

When applying to colleges within the State Universities of New York (SUNY) system, good SAT or ACT scores are crucial. However, it may not be clear what scores count as good, especially when it comes to applying to state schools like those in the SUNY system as opposed to colleges in the Ivy League or top liberal arts colleges.

Comparison of SAT Scores for SUNY Students

If you're wondering if you have the SAT scores you'll need to get into one of the four-year SUNY colleges and universities, here's a side-by-side comparison of scores for the middle 50% of enrolled students. If your scores fall within or above these ranges, you're on target for admission to one of these public universities in New York State.

As an example of what these numbers mean, the middle 50% of students who entered SUNY Albany had an SAT evidence-based reading score between 550 and 630. This tells us that 25% scored a 550 or lower, and the top 25% scored a 630 or higher. Similarly, the middle 50% of students scored between a 550 and 630 on the math section. This means that 25% scored a 550 or lower, and at the upper end, 25% scored a 630 or higher.

SUNY and Holistic Admissions

Although SAT and ACT are important, they are not the only factors the admissions folks will use when determining whether or not a student will be accepted to a SUNY campus. In fact, some of the SUNY schools like Potsdam do not even require applicants to submit their scores at all. These test-optional universities recognize the limits and biases linked to standardized tests, and they instead evaluate students based their academic records and holistic measures.

For nearly all SUNY programs, a strong academic record will be the most important part of your application. The admissions folks will want to see that you have earned high grades in challenging college preparatory classes. IB, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment classes can all play an important role on this front, for success in challenging courses is the best predictor of an applicant's potential for college success.

Numerical data, however, is just one part of the SUNY application. The admissions officers will also want to see a winning essay, meaningful extracurricular activities and good letters of recommendation. Fine art and performing art applicants are likely going to need to submit a portfolio or audition, and other specialized programs may have additional application requirements.

In general the SUNY schools do not require SAT Subject Tests or the optional writing sections of the SAT or ACT, but be sure to check the specific requirements for the school and program to which you are applying. Also, requirements can be different for international and home-schooled students.

Data Source: National Center for Education Statistics