Northwestern University - Average SAT Scores and Admission Chances by SAT

SAT scores needed to get into Northwestern University

Average Score and SAT Requirements

Average SAT Score 1525

The average composite SAT score for admitted Northwestern University freshman is 1525 out of 1600. Northwestern students have the 18th highest average SAT score in the United States. For perspective, a 1525 is in the 99th percentile of all SAT test takers.

SAT Score Range 1490 to 1560

The middle fifty percent of incoming students have SAT composite scores ranging from 1490 to 1560. The 75th percentile score is 1560 while the 25th percentile score is 1490.

Minimum SAT score requirement

The lowest SAT score accepted is not reported by Northwestern but we estimate it to be around a 1450 total composite SAT score.

Average SAT Math Score 775

The average score for Northwestern students on the math portion of the SAT is 775 out of 800. The 25th percentile of students score a 760 and the 75th percentile score 790.

Average SAT Reading Score 750

The 25th and 75th percentile range for SAT reading scores range from 730 to 770 and the average score for Northwestern University students is 750.

Number of Students Submitting SAT Scores

50 percent of students submit SAT scores with their application to Northwestern University

Admission Chances by SAT Score

Below are estimated chances of being accepted at Northwestern University based on SAT score ranges and the overall admission rate of 7.2%. These chances assume you have an average GPA for the school, around 3.92.

Can I get into Northwestern with a 1560 SAT?

Score competitiveness Very Good

An SAT score of 1560 or higher is very competitive at Northwestern and is a better score than three quarters of students who are accepted. While having an above average chance of acceptance, admission is extremely competitive. The estimated chance of being accepted is around 13% or higher.

Can I get into Northwestern with a 1530 SAT?

Score competitiveness Above Average

Scores between 1530 to 1550 are above average giving you an advantage over most applicants. While scores in this range are higher than many who apply, admission is extremely competitive. The estimated chance of being accepted is around 8% to 11%.

Can I get into Northwestern with a 1490 SAT?

Score competitiveness Below Average

SAT scores between 1490 to 1520 are still in the middle range of accepted students a but a little lower than the average. You can get in and have about a 4% to 6% percent chance of being admitted.

Can I get into Northwestern with a 1450 SAT?

Score competitiveness Reach

SAT scores from 1450 to 1480 are on the very low end of the range where students are accepted. Scores in this range are not competitive with most other applicants but you still have a chance. We estimate scores in this range have less than a 3% chance of admission to Northwestern. SAT scores below 1450 likely fall out of the range where students are regularly accepted.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2023 starting class