Vanderbilt University SAT & ACT Scores

Vanderbilt has been test-optional since fall 2021 entry. It will stay test-optional for students entering in fall 2027 or fall 2028, then require the ACT or SAT for the class entering in fall 2029 and beyond. The policy covers first-year and transfer applicants, including international and homeschooled students; international students still need proof of English proficiency. On the application you choose to be considered with or without scores, and Vanderbilt says that choice will not help or hurt your review. You cannot change it after you submit. You may self-report scores, and enrolling students must send official reports. Vanderbilt superscores both tests and considers students for merit scholarships with or without scores.

The median SAT among enrolled Vanderbilt first-years who sent scores in the fall 2025 entering class was 1530. A quarter scored 1510 or below, and a quarter scored 1560 or above. The middle half scored 740–770 on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 770–790 on Math.

Because Vanderbilt is test-optional, these ranges describe only enrolled students who chose to send scores. In the fall 2025 entering class, 24% of enrolled students submitted the SAT and 28% submitted the ACT. Students admitted without scores are not part of these figures.

Vanderbilt superscores the SAT across digital and paper formats, combining your highest Reading and Writing score with your highest Math score, and it encourages students who submit to send all of their scores. A superscore at or above 1530 matches the middle of enrolled students who sent the SAT. Students who will enter college in fall 2029 or later should plan to take the SAT or ACT, since scores will be required.

Enrolled Vanderbilt first-years who sent the ACT had a median composite of 35, and the middle half scored 34–35. The middle half scored 34–36 in English and 33–35 in Math. In the fall 2025 entering class, 28% of enrolled students submitted an ACT score.

Vanderbilt calculates its own ACT superscore from your best section scores across sittings. The science and writing sections are not required. If you take science, Vanderbilt includes it in the superscore only when it raises your result, so it can help but not hurt. A composite of 35 matches the top quarter of enrolled students who sent the ACT.

Vanderbilt offers three first-year plans: Early Decision I and Early Decision II, which are binding, and Regular Decision, which is not. It does not offer Early Action.

If you choose to send scores to Vanderbilt, a practical target is an SAT superscore of 1560 or higher, or an ACT of 35 or higher. Scores near the median of 1530 SAT or 35 ACT are typical for enrolled students who submitted. If your scores sit below 1510 on the SAT or 34 on the ACT, you can apply without them for fall 2027 entry.

Vanderbilt reviews your academic record and course rigor, your essay, your letters of recommendation, your extracurricular engagement, and your scores if you send them. Make your testing choice carefully, because it cannot be changed after you apply. If you will apply for fall 2029 entry or later, plan your SAT or ACT dates now.