University of Chicago SAT & ACT Scores
Enrolled students in the fall 2025 entering class at the University of Chicago had a middle 50% SAT range of 1500–1560 and a median of 1540. The ACT middle 50% was 34–35. The University of Chicago admitted 4.5% of first-year applicants. Fall 2027 applicants do not need to submit the SAT or ACT: testing is optional, and a No Harm policy covers any score you send.
Where does your score land?
Compared with University of Chicago's enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class.
Is University of Chicago test-optional?
The rule for students applying now, for fall 2027 entry.
UChicago is test-optional for all applicants and uses a No Harm policy: a submitted SAT or ACT score is used only if it helps an applicant's chance of admission.
Superscoring. University of Chicago superscores the SAT and the ACT.
Checked October 29, 2026 on University of Chicago's admissions site . Policies can change each cycle.
Policy timeline
- Fall 2019 entryTest-optional policy begins
- Fall 2027 applicantsTest-optional
The University of Chicago dropped its SAT and ACT requirement in 2018. Under its No Harm policy, a submitted score is used in review only if it will help your chance of admission, and scores that could hurt are not considered. The policy applies to all applicants, including international and transfer students. If you do send scores, UChicago recommends sending all of them, and it superscores both tests by combining your highest section scores across test dates. You can self-report scores; only students who are admitted and choose to enroll must send an official report. For the early rounds, UChicago accepts October ACT and November SAT scores for Early Action and Early Decision I, and December SAT and ACT scores for Early Decision II.
University of Chicago SAT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1500–1560, and the median was 1540.
SAT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| SAT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 1500 | 1540 | 1560 |
| Reading & Writing | 740 | 760 | 770 |
| Math | 760 | 780 | 790 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 57% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score.
What your SAT means here
Enrolled first-year students who sent the SAT had a middle 50% of 1500–1560, with a median of 1540. A 1500 marked the 25th percentile and a 1560 the 75th. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing ran 740–770 and Math ran 760–790.
57% of enrolled first-year students submitted SAT scores, and 25% submitted the ACT. Because testing is optional, these ranges describe students who sent scores, not the whole class.
Because UChicago says it uses a score only when it helps, a score below 1500 should not count against you. A score at or above 1540 matches what enrolled students who sent the SAT typically reported.
Take full-length Digital SAT practice tests free, with an explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
University of Chicago ACT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 34–35 on the ACT, with a median of 35.
ACT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| ACT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 34 | 35 | 35 |
| English | 34 | — | 36 |
| Math | 31 | — | 35 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 25% of enrolled first-years sent an ACT score.
What your ACT means here
25% of enrolled first-year students sent the ACT. Their middle 50% composite was 34–35, with a median of 35. English scores ran 34–36 and Math scores ran 31–35.
UChicago superscores the ACT, so your best section scores from different test dates combine into one composite. You don't need to calculate the superscore yourself; send your scores as you receive them. A composite at or above 35 is in the upper half of enrolled students who reported the ACT.
Take full-length ACT practice tests free, with a worked explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
University of Chicago acceptance rate
Extremely competitive: 4.5% of first-year applicants were admitted (fall 2025 entering class).
Each dot is 1 in 100 applicants.
- First-year applicants45,533
- Admitted2,039
- Acceptance rate4.5%
- Testing for fall 2027Test-optional
Early application plans: Early Action (nonbinding, not restrictive), Early Decision I and Early Decision II, plus Regular Decision.
Fall 2025 entering class. Source: University of Chicago 2025–26 Common Data Set.
The University of Chicago offers nonbinding Early Action, binding Early Decision I and Early Decision II, and Regular Decision. Its Early Action plan is not restrictive.
What to aim for
If you plan to send scores, a practical target for the University of Chicago is an SAT of 1560 or an ACT of 35, the 75th percentile for enrolled students who reported scores. Under the No Harm policy, a lower score should not hurt you, but it may not help either.
UChicago says there is no minimum GPA or required test score. The admissions committee considers your whole application: academic and extracurricular records, essays, letters of recommendation, and optional testing under the No Harm policy. No one piece of information alone decides whether you would be a good fit for the College.
How University of Chicago compares
Schools with a similar acceptance rate.
| School | Admit rate | Median SAT | SAT middle 50% | ACT middle 50% | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | 4.2% | — | — | 33–35 | Required |
| University of Chicago | 4.5% | 1540 | 1500–1560 | 34–35 | Test-optional |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 4.6% | 1550 | 1520–1570 | 34–35 | Required |
| Yale University | 4.7% | 1540 | 1480–1560 | 33–35 | Required |
| Columbia University | 4.9% | 1540 | 1510–1560 | 34–35 | Test-optional |
| University of Pennsylvania | 4.9% | — | — | 34–35 | Required |
Frequently asked questions
Is University of Chicago test-optional?
For students applying for fall 2027 entry: UChicago is test-optional for all applicants and uses a No Harm policy: a submitted SAT or ACT score is used only if it helps an applicant's chance of admission. University of Chicago superscores the SAT and the ACT.
What is the average SAT score at University of Chicago?
The median SAT score of enrolled first-years was 1540 (fall 2025 entering class). The middle 50% scored 1500–1560, so a quarter scored 1560 or higher.
What SAT score do you need for University of Chicago?
A score at or above 1560 puts you in the top quarter of University of Chicago's enrolled first-years, and 1500–1560 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 University of Chicago?
University of Chicago's enrolled first-years had a middle-50% ACT composite of 34–35, with a median of 35 (fall 2025 entering class). A 35 or above puts you in the top quarter.
What is University of Chicago's acceptance rate?
University of Chicago admitted 4.5% of first-year applicants for the fall 2025 entering class (2,039 of 45,533), which makes it extremely competitive.
How many University of Chicago students submit test scores?
In the fall 2025 entering class, 57% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT score and 25% submitted an ACT score. Some students send both.
What are your chances at University of Chicago?
Scores are one part. Add your GPA, courses, activities and recommendations for a free reach, target or likely estimate.