New York University SAT & ACT Scores
New York University will not require the SAT or ACT from fall 2027 applicants: it stays test-optional through the 2027–2028 application cycle. Enrolled students in the fall 2024 entering class who sent scores had middle 50% ranges of 720–760 in SAT Reading and Writing, 760–800 in SAT Math, and 34–35 on the ACT. NYU admitted about 9% of its 110,807 applicants for that class.
Where does your score land?
Compared with New York University's enrolled first-years, fall 2024 entering class.
Is New York University test-optional?
The rule for students applying now, for fall 2027 entry.
NYU is test-optional through the 2027–2028 application cycle; applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores.
Checked October 29, 2026 on New York University's admissions site . Policies can change each cycle.
Policy timeline
- Fall 2027 applicantsTest-optional
- AnnouncedNYU's stated commitment runs through the 2027–2028 application cycle (fall 2028 entry); nothing has been announced for later cycles.
NYU says applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores, and it calls its testing policy one of the most flexible of any college or university. The commitment runs through the 2027–2028 cycle, so students applying this fall for fall 2027 entry, and next fall for fall 2028 entry, can apply without scores. NYU's standardized testing policy covers all of its campuses. If you choose to send scores, read that policy before you register for a test or report results.
New York University SAT scores
New York University reports SAT section scores but no total range.
| SAT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading & Writing | 720 | 740 | 760 |
| Math | 760 | 780 | 800 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2024 entering class. Source: US Department of Education, College Navigator (IPEDS). 28% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score.
Among students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores, the middle 50% scored 720–760 on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 760–800 on Math. The section medians were 740 and 780. A quarter of these students scored at or below the low end of each range, and a quarter scored above the high end. NYU's federal report gives section scores only, so no combined SAT range or median is shown here.
28% of that class sent SAT scores and 10% sent the ACT. NYU did not require tests when these students applied, so the ranges describe only the students who chose to report a score, not the whole class.
If your section scores are at or above the medians, 740 and 780, they sit in the upper half of enrolled students who reported the SAT. If they fall below the low end of the ranges, consider whether the rest of your application makes a stronger case without them.
Take full-length Digital SAT practice tests free, with an explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
New York University ACT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 34–35 on the ACT, with a median of 34.
ACT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2024 entering class| ACT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 34 | 34 | 35 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2024 entering class. Source: US Department of Education, College Navigator (IPEDS). 10% of enrolled first-years sent an ACT score.
What your ACT means here
Students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent the ACT had a middle 50% composite of 34–35, with a median of 34. Only 10% of the class reported the ACT, so this range describes a small group. NYU's federal report does not include ACT English or Math section ranges.
A composite at or above 34 is in the upper half of enrolled students who reported the ACT. A composite below 34 is lower than most reported scores, and because NYU is test-optional for fall 2027, you can apply without it.
Take full-length ACT practice tests free, with a worked explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
New York University acceptance rate
Extremely competitive: 9% of first-year applicants were admitted (fall 2024 entering class).
Each dot is 1 in 100 applicants.
- First-year applicants110,807
- Acceptance rate9%
- Testing for fall 2027Test-optional
Early application plans: Early Decision I and Early Decision II (binding), plus Regular Decision; no Early Action.
Fall 2024 entering class. Source: US Department of Education, College Navigator (IPEDS).
NYU offers two binding Early Decision rounds, Early Decision I and Early Decision II, and Regular Decision. It does not offer Early Action.
What to aim for
If you plan to send scores to New York University, a practical target is SAT section scores at or above 740 in Reading and Writing and 780 in Math, or an ACT composite at or above 34. Scores near the top of the ranges, 720–760, 760–800 and 34–35, make the strongest case.
Scores are optional at NYU through the 2027–2028 cycle, so the rest of your application carries the weight. In its report to the U.S. Department of Education, NYU lists the high school record, GPA, recommendations and a personal statement or essay as required for admission review. If you do send a score, it should add to the academic picture your transcript already shows.
How New York University compares
Schools with a similar acceptance rate.
| School | Admit rate | Median SAT | SAT middle 50% | ACT middle 50% | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice University | 8% | 1540 | 1510–1560 | 34–36 | Test-optional |
| Cornell University | 8.4% | 1530 | 1490–1550 | 33–35 | Required |
| New York University | 9% | — | — | 34–35 | Test-optional |
| University of California - Los Angeles | 9.4% | — | — | — | Test-blind |
| Claremont McKenna College | 9.4% | 1510 | 1480–1540 | 33–35 | Test-optional |
| University of Notre Dame | 9.4% | 1500 | 1460–1540 | 33–35 | Test-optional |
Frequently asked questions
Is New York University test-optional?
For students applying for fall 2027 entry: NYU is test-optional through the 2027–2028 application cycle; applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores. NYU's stated commitment runs through the 2027–2028 application cycle (fall 2028 entry); nothing has been announced for later cycles.
What is the average SAT score at New York University?
New York University reports SAT section scores rather than a total. For the fall 2024 entering class, enrolled first-years scored Reading and Writing 720–760 (median 740) and Math 760–800 (median 780).
What SAT score do you need for New York University?
New York University doesn't report a total SAT range. Section scores at or above 760 in Reading and Writing and 800 in Math put you in the top quarter of its enrolled first-years (fall 2024 entering class).
What ACT score do you need for New York University?
New York University's enrolled first-years had a middle-50% ACT composite of 34–35, with a median of 34 (fall 2024 entering class). A 35 or above puts you in the top quarter.
What is New York University's acceptance rate?
New York University admitted 9% of first-year applicants for the fall 2024 entering class, which makes it extremely competitive.
How many New York University students submit test scores?
In the fall 2024 entering class, 28% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT score and 10% submitted an ACT score. Some students send both.
What are your chances at New York University?
Scores are one part. Add your GPA, courses, activities and recommendations for a free reach, target or likely estimate.