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University Park, PATest-optional~61% admit rate

Pennsylvania State UniversitySAT & ACT Scores

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1250–1410 on the SAT and 27–32 on the ACT.

Admitted-student score ranges

Each bar shows the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile) of admitted students. Aim for the upper end to be comfortably competitive.

SAT total1250 – 1410
40080012001600

The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1250 and 1410 on the SAT total.

ACT composite27 – 32
1122436

The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 27 and 32 on the ACT composite.

Test25th percentile75th percentile
SAT total12501410
ACT composite2732

What the “middle 50%” actually means

These are not cutoffs. The 25th percentile (1250 SAT / 27 ACT) means a quarter of admitted students scored at or below it, and the 75th percentile (1410 SAT / 32 ACT) means a quarter scored at or above it. Half of admitted students land inside the range — and students are admitted both below and above it every year, because scores are only one part of the application.

Pennsylvania State University is test-optional

Pennsylvania State University does not require an SAT or ACT score, but will consider one if you submit it. Because the range below reflects students who chose to submit, a score at or above the 25th percentile (1250 SAT / 27 ACT) generally strengthens your application — while a lower score is usually better left off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honest answers about SAT and ACT scores for Pennsylvania State University, from the data above.

What SAT score do I need for Pennsylvania State University?+
There is no fixed cutoff. The middle 50% of recently enrolled Pennsylvania State University students scored between 1250 and 1410 on the SAT, so a competitive target is around 1410 (the 75th percentile). A score near 1330 would sit close to the middle of admitted students.
Is a 1250 SAT good enough for Pennsylvania State University?+
A 1250 sits at roughly the 25th percentile — about a quarter of enrolled students scored at or below it, so it is within range but on the lower end. Admitted students at that level typically stand out in other ways (grades, rigor, essays, activities). Aiming closer to 1410 gives you more margin.
What ACT score do I need for Pennsylvania State University?+
The middle 50% of recently enrolled students scored 27–32 on the ACT. A composite around 32 would place you near the top of that range; 27 is roughly the 25th percentile.
Is Pennsylvania State University test-optional or test-required?+
Pennsylvania State University does not require an SAT or ACT score, but will consider one if you submit it. Because the range below reflects students who chose to submit, a score at or above the 25th percentile (1250 SAT / 27 ACT) generally strengthens your application — while a lower score is usually better left off.

Know your score before you apply

See where you stand against Pennsylvania State University's ranges today, then build a plan to close the gap. The full-length adaptive diagnostic is free — no account needed to start.

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Score ranges describe the middle 50% of Pennsylvania State University’s admitted students (Fall 2024 entering class (CDS 2024–2025)); they are not admission cutoffs or guarantees. Penn State (University Park) extended test-optional admissions through the current cycle; scores are considered if submitted. Figures are compiled from official Common Data Set and college sources and may differ slightly from the most recent cycle — always confirm with Pennsylvania State University’s admissions office.

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