Temple University SAT & ACT Scores
Temple does not require the SAT or ACT for fall 2027, and most of its applicants now apply test-optional. Among enrolled students in the fall 2025 entering class who sent scores, the median SAT was 1200 and the middle 50% was 1030–1310, while the ACT middle 50% was 23–30. Temple University admitted 86.2% of its 42,824 first-year applicants.
Where does your score land?
Compared with Temple University's enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class.
Is Temple University test-optional?
The rule for students applying now, for fall 2027 entry.
Temple is test-optional: first-year applicants choose on the Common App whether to submit SAT or ACT scores, and test-optional applicants are still considered for academic scholarships and the Honors Program.
Checked October 30, 2026 on Temple University's admissions site . Policies can change each cycle.
Policy timeline
- 2015Test-optional policy begins
- Fall 2027 applicantsTest-optional
Temple created its test-optional path in 2015, when it was one of the first public research universities in the Northeast to offer one. On the Common App, you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores or apply test-optional, and that choice can't be changed once you receive an admission decision. If you apply test-optional, Temple won't consider any scores you have already sent. Test-optional applicants are still automatically considered for academic scholarships and the Honors Program. Temple accepts both the SAT and the ACT, and its advice is to submit if you believe a score would complement your application.
Temple University SAT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1030–1310, and the median was 1200.
SAT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| SAT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 1030 | 1200 | 1310 |
| Reading & Writing | 530 | 610 | 670 |
| Math | 490 | 580 | 650 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores (19% submitted the SAT, 1% the ACT), fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 19% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score.
What your SAT means here
Among enrolled students in the fall 2025 entering class who submitted the SAT, the middle 50% scored 1030–1310, with a median of 1200. A quarter scored 1030 or lower, and a quarter scored 1310 or higher. Section ranges were 530–670 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 490–650 in Math.
Only 19% of the enrolled class sent SAT scores, so this range reflects a small, self-selected group. Since most Temple applicants apply test-optional, the range shows where submitted scores tend to fall, not a score you need to be admitted.
Temple suggests submitting if your score would complement your application, and applying test-optional if you don't think it reflects your potential. A score at or above 1200 sits in the top half of enrolled submitters, and one at 1310 or higher is in the top quarter. If your score is well below 1030, the test-optional path was designed for students like you.
Take full-length Digital SAT practice tests free, with an explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
Temple University ACT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 23–30 on the ACT, with a median of 27.
ACT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| ACT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 23 | 27 | 30 |
| English | 23 | 28 | 33 |
| Math | 21 | 25 | 28 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores (19% submitted the SAT, 1% the ACT), fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 1% of enrolled first-years sent an ACT score.
What your ACT means here
1% of the fall 2025 entering class submitted the ACT, compared with 19% for the SAT. Their middle 50% composite was 23–30, with a median of 27. English scores ran 23–33 and Math scores ran 21–28.
Because so few students send the ACT, this range can shift a lot from one year to the next, so treat it as a rough guide. A composite at or above 27 is in the top half of recent enrolled submitters, and 30 or higher is in the top quarter. Temple takes the ACT on the same test-optional terms as the SAT.
Take full-length ACT practice tests free, with a worked explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
Temple University acceptance rate
Less competitive: 86.2% of first-year applicants were admitted (fall 2025 entering class).
Each dot is 1 in 100 applicants.
- First-year applicants42,824
- Admitted36,922
- Acceptance rate86.2%
- Testing for fall 2027Test-optional
Early application plans: Non-binding Early Action (apply by early November, decisions in January) and Regular Decision (apply by early February). No Early Decision.
Fall 2025 entering class. Source: Temple University 2025–26 Common Data Set.
Temple offers non-binding Early Action and Regular Decision, and no Early Decision. Early Action applications are due in early November, with decisions in January. Regular Decision applications are due in early February, and decisions come after your application is complete. Temple says Early Action applicants are generally admitted at a higher rate and get priority review. Temple accepts only the Common App, and students at US high schools also self-report their grades through STARS.
What to aim for
If you plan to send scores, a practical target is 1310 or higher on the SAT or 30 or higher on the ACT, which puts you in the top quarter of enrolled students who submitted. Scores near 1200 or 27 put you in the middle of that group. If your scores are below 1030 or 23, applying test-optional keeps the focus on your transcript without costing you scholarship or Honors Program consideration.
In its 2025–26 Common Data Set, Temple rates the rigor of your high school record and your GPA as very important. Test scores, the essay, recommendations, activities, talent, character and several other factors are considered, while class rank and interviews are not. The essay and recommendation letters are optional, but Temple recommends completing the essay and reviews up to two letters if you send them. Some majors in music and dance, art and architecture, and theater and film also require an audition, interview or portfolio.
How Temple University compares
Schools with a similar acceptance rate.
| School | Admit rate | Median SAT | SAT middle 50% | ACT middle 50% | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota Twin Cities | 78.9% | 1390 | 1310–1460 | 26–32 | Test-optional |
| Michigan State University | 83.2% | 1210 | 1100–1310 | 25–31 | Test-optional |
| University of Arizona | 83.5% | 1220 | 1090–1320 | 20–28 | Test-optional |
| Temple University | 86.2% | 1200 | 1030–1310 | 23–30 | Test-optional |
| Arizona State University | 88.4% | — | — | — | Test-optional |
| Northern Arizona University | 89.6% | 1175 | 1010–1280 | 19–26 | Test-optional |
Frequently asked questions
Is Temple University test-optional?
For students applying for fall 2027 entry: Temple is test-optional: first-year applicants choose on the Common App whether to submit SAT or ACT scores, and test-optional applicants are still considered for academic scholarships and the Honors Program.
What is the average SAT score at Temple University?
The median SAT score of enrolled first-years was 1200 (fall 2025 entering class). The middle 50% scored 1030–1310, so a quarter scored 1310 or higher.
What SAT score do you need for Temple University?
A score at or above 1310 puts you in the top quarter of Temple University's enrolled first-years, and 1030–1310 is the middle 50% (fall 2025 entering class). Because the school is test-optional, those ranges come only from students who chose to submit.
What ACT score do you need for Temple University?
Temple University's enrolled first-years had a middle-50% ACT composite of 23–30, with a median of 27 (fall 2025 entering class). A 30 or above puts you in the top quarter.
What is Temple University's acceptance rate?
Temple University admitted 86.2% of first-year applicants for the fall 2025 entering class (36,922 of 42,824), which makes it less competitive.
How many Temple University students submit test scores?
In the fall 2025 entering class, 19% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT score and 1% submitted an ACT score. Some students send both.
What are your chances at Temple University?
Scores are one part. Add your GPA, courses, activities and recommendations for a free reach, target or likely estimate.