Brandeis University Admission Requirements

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Brandeis University Admission Overview

Brandeis University admission requirements are competitive. Last year Brandeis University admitted 40.5% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.84 GPA (A-) and SAT 1390-1520 / ACT 31-34. Brandeis University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Brandeis University Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

40.5%

Admission Standards

Exceptional

Applicant Competition

Average

Very Low
Low
Average
High
Very High
Extreme

Admission difficulty for Brandeis University

Acceptance Rate

The Brandeis University acceptance rate is 40.5%. Last year, 4,237 of 10,462 applicants were admitted. That is the 15th lowest acceptance rate in Massachusetts and the 161st lowest in the nation.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Brandeis University and can you get accepted?

Brandeis University is a competitive school to get into, turning away a substantial share of applicants. You have a good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

Brandeis University typically attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.84. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class or better. 17% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Brandeis University GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.84

Typical High School Grades

A-

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.84

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at Brandeis University typically have around a 3.84 GPA (A-) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have exceptionally good grades. Brandeis University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

30% of enrolled freshmen had a 4.0. The school ranks #15 in Massachusetts for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.8 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.

High school GPA ranges for enrolled Brandeis University freshmen
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness
4.0 30.36% Good
3.75 to 3.99 33.81% Avg
3.50 to 3.74 20.48% Reach
3.25 to 3.49 7.14% Reach
3.00 to 3.24 4.64% Reach
2.50 to 2.99 2.62% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 0.71% Reach
1.00 to 1.99 0.24% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

What do these figures mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Brandeis University SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

1390-1520

Freshmen who sent SAT

30%

25th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 690
  • Math 700
  • Composite 1390
SAT 25th percentile scores for Brandeis University

75th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 750
  • Math 770
  • Composite 1520
SAT 75th percentile scores for Brandeis University

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at Brandeis University typically score around a 1460 SAT (middle 50% 1390–1520) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 98th percentile nationally. Brandeis University ranks #13 in the state of Massachusetts and #68 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1390 to 1520

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

Brandeis University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.

View other colleges which accept students in the 1460 SAT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at Brandeis University
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
1520+ Above 75th >56%
1460 to 1520 Avg + 41%-56%
1390 to 1460 Avg - 26%-41%
Below 1390 Below mid-50 <26%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Brandeis University ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

31-34

Freshmen reporting ACT

10%

25th Percentile Scores

  • English 31
  • Math 27
  • Composite 31
ACT 25th percentile scores for Brandeis University

75th Percentile Scores

  • English 35
  • Math 34
  • Composite 34
ACT 75th percentile scores for Brandeis University

Average ACT

Incoming testers at Brandeis University typically have around a 32 ACT (mid-50 31–34) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 97th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Brandeis University places #13 among colleges in Massachusetts and #72 nationwide for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 31 to 34

1 9 18 27 36

ACT policy

You may apply to Brandeis University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.

See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 32.0 ACT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.

ACT bands compared with last year's enrolled testers at Brandeis University
ACT Score (36 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
34+ Above 75th >61%
32 to 34 Avg + 40%-61%
31 to 32 Avg - 30%-40%
Below 31 Below mid-50 <30%

How to read these figures

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

High School Class Rank

Class Rank of Admitted Students

57% of Brandeis University freshman are in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class. For your application to be competitive, you need to graduate at the top of your class.

High School Class Rank for admitted Brandeis University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 57%
Top 25% of class 89%
Top 50% of class 97%

Data Source, Peterson's Data

Estimate How You Compare

See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.

Open the Brandeis University chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.

Brandeis University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 5,888 4,566 10,462
Accepted 2,591 1,642 4,237
Acceptance Rate 44% 36% 40%
Enrolled 412 323 735
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 16% 20% 17%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Brandeis University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Brandeis University application requirements
Requirement Used for Admission
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Required to be considered for admission
Recommendations Required to be considered for admission
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Brandeis University is $80.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at Brandeis University
Credit Type Accepted
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit No
Credit for Life Experiences No

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

Brandeis University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 40.5% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.84 GPA (about an A- average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1390-1520); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Other Colleges to Apply To

Students applying to Brandeis University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=165015.

GPA calculator: Brandeis University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026