University of Washington SAT & ACT scores.
University of Washington is among the most selective universities in the United States. In the latest admission cycle (for the Class of 2028), UW received roughly 52,000 applications and offered admission to only about 27,560 students—an acceptance rate near 53%. That means just around 53 in 100 applicants earn a spot, underscoring UW's high standards and competitive environment year after year.
University of Washington is test-optional, and about 81% of applicants still submit an SAT score — so submitted ranges skew toward higher scorers.
UW does not offer Early Decision or Early Action programs. All applicants are evaluated in the regular decision round, which means all students have the same deadline and are considered together. This approach reflects UW's commitment to a comprehensive review process that considers the entire applicant pool simultaneously.
Testing policy has evolved. UW was test-optional in recent years, but for the 2025–26 admissions cycle (for fall 2026 entry), UW will require SAT or ACT scores again (with hardship exceptions). In other words, applicants next year must submit test results. Even before this change, nearly all successful applicants who reported scores were at the very top of the national scale, reflecting UW's rigorous academic profile.
SAT scores
For UW's average SAT scores, admitted students' middle-50% composite SAT range is roughly 1200–1470. This elite band mirrors UW's high academic expectations and means admitted students typically score near the top of the national distribution.
For section detail: the SAT Reading and Writing component (formerly called Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) for UW's admitted students falls around 590–700 for the middle 50%. These scores reflect the critical reading, writing, and analytical skills UW expects across all majors.
On the Math portion, UW's middle-50% range is about 610–770. This upper-tier performance signals comfort with advanced algebra, data analysis, and precalculus—skills that UW seeks in both STEM and quantitatively rigorous social science applicants.
If you're wondering about a UW average SAT, aim for the mid-1400s. UW evaluates applications holistically, so scores below 1200 don't automatically disqualify you. But in such a competitive pool, you'll need compensating strengths (like outstanding coursework, unique talents, or leadership impact) to remain viable.
Policy note: UW superscores the SAT. They consider your highest Reading and Writing and Math section scores from all test dates. In practice, this means a weak section can be improved with a retake, boosting how your UW SAT scores are evaluated.
ACT scores
Looking at UW's ACT range, the middle 50% of composite scores is about 27–33. This implies most admitted students are scoring at or near the top percentile nationally. In other words, UW ACT results cluster in the mid-30s, reflecting the school's competitive applicant pool.
By section, admitted students tend to excel in English (ACT Reading and Writing). The middle 50% for ACT English is approximately 26–35, meaning the average admitted student often scores a 26 or above on this section. These scores demonstrate the strong critical reading and communication skills UW expects.
ACT Math scores at UW are similarly high: the middle 50% falls around 26–32. While there's a bit more spread than English, competitive applicants still show very strong quantitative fluency. Many engineering or economics hopefuls, for example, hit scores in the mid-30s on ACT Math.
UW superscores the ACT just as it does the SAT, taking the highest section scores across multiple test dates. The optional writing section is not required, but applicants may submit it if it strengthens their profile. Using superscoring, you can focus on improving any weaker sections in additional attempts.
If you're estimating a UW average ACT, plan around 33. Given UW's low admit rate, even moving from a 27 to 33 can enhance your profile. Pair high test scores with rigorous coursework, standout essays, and meaningful extracurriculars to maximize your chances.
Admission numbers
Here's the reality: UW's admit rate is only about 53%, with roughly 52,000 applications for about 27,560 spots (around 7,000 students actually enroll). That's why understanding the UW average SAT and UW average ACT benchmarks matters—they align with the profile of those admitted. If your scores fall near or above UW's 75th percentile (around a 1470 SAT or 33 ACT), you're in stronger territory.
That said, UW emphasizes holistic review. Admissions officers weigh coursework rigor, grades, essays, recommendations, and personal qualities. In a pool full of near-perfect transcripts, however, top-tier SAT/ACT scores help confirm to UW that you're ready for the academic rigor. In short, scores aren't everything, but they remain a key part of the competitive signal.
Strategy snapshot: UW does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, so all applicants are evaluated in the regular decision round. Take advantage of superscoring by retaking tests to shore up any weak section. Also balance test prep with maintaining strong senior-year classes and crafting compelling essays. Meet UW's testing bar (target near the top of the UW SAT and ACT ranges) and then win the admissions read with the rest of your profile.
Similar schools to compare
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