Swarthmore College SAT & ACT Scores

Swarthmore first dropped its SAT/ACT requirement for fall 2021 admission and has extended the test-optional policy since then. Its testing page now states that test scores are optional. When you apply, you pick one of two options: have your SAT and ACT scores considered, or suppress all of them. That choice can't be changed after you submit. Swarthmore superscores the SAT, using your highest section scores across test dates. It does not superscore the ACT and instead uses your highest composite from a single sitting. The writing sections of both tests are not accepted or considered. AP and IB scores are optional too, but students graduating with an IB Diploma must send their official IB score.

For the fall 2025 entering class, the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile SAT scores were 1480, 1520, and 1550. Section ranges were 740–770 in Reading and Writing and 740–790 in Math. These figures come from Swarthmore's 2025–26 Common Data Set and cover only enrolled students who submitted the SAT.

That group was 40.1% of the class. To be used in review, an SAT score must include both the Math and the Reading and Writing sections. Because Swarthmore superscores the SAT, your best section scores from different dates combine into one total, and that total is the number to compare with 1480–1550.

Enrolled students who reported the ACT had a composite range of 33–35 and a median of 34. The English range was 35–36, and the Math range was 30–35. 14.8% of the class submitted the ACT.

Swarthmore does not superscore the ACT. It considers your highest composite from a single test date, so compare your best single-sitting composite with 33–35. ACT scores must include English, math, and reading. The science section isn't required, but if you took it on a date you report, you must include it.

Swarthmore offers two binding Early Decision rounds, Fall Early Decision and Winter Early Decision, along with Regular Decision. It does not offer Early Action.

An SAT of 1550 or an ACT of 35 puts you in the top quarter of enrolled students who reported scores. A score near 1520 on the SAT or 34 on the ACT is in the middle of that group. With an admit rate of 7.5%, even top scores are only one part of the picture.

Swarthmore practices holistic and contextual admissions and says it does not decide on one factor like a test score. It looks at the rigor of your curriculum, your academic performance, essays, recommendations, extracurricular involvement, and contributions to your community, plus test scores if you choose to send them. If your scores sit below the range, the suppression option lets you apply without them.