Washington and Lee University SAT & ACT Scores
SAT and ACT scores are optional at Washington and Lee University for students entering in fall 2027. For the fall 2025 entering class, enrolled first-years who sent scores had a middle 50% SAT range of 1430–1530, with a median of 1480, and an ACT range of 33–34. W&L admitted 13.5% of 8,963 first-year applicants.
Where does your score land?
Compared with Washington and Lee University's enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class.
Is Washington and Lee University test-optional?
The rule for students applying now, for fall 2027 entry.
Washington and Lee has extended its test-optional policy to students entering in fall 2027, so SAT or ACT scores are not required; international students in national curricula are advised to strongly consider sending scores if testing is available.
Superscoring. Washington and Lee University superscores the SAT and the ACT.
Checked October 29, 2026 on Washington and Lee University's admissions site . Policies can change each cycle.
Policy timeline
- Fall 2021 entryTest-optional policy begins
- Fall 2027 applicantsTest-optional
W&L made the SAT and ACT optional for students applying for fall 2021 and has extended it since; its current policy covers students enrolling in fall 2027. Applications are fully considered without scores. If you send them, W&L superscores both tests and reviews ACT Science but not Writing. You can self-report scores, but students who enroll must send official reports, and a discrepancy could cost you your place. Students in national curricula outside the US are asked to strongly consider sending scores if testing is reasonably available.
Washington and Lee University SAT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1430–1530, and the median was 1480.
SAT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| SAT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 1430 | 1480 | 1530 |
| Reading & Writing | 710 | 740 | 750 |
| Math | 720 | 740 | 780 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 30% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score.
What your SAT means here
In the fall 2025 entering class, the middle 50% of enrolled first-years who reported the SAT scored 1430–1530. The 25th percentile was 1430, the median was 1480 and the 75th percentile was 1530. Section ranges were 710–750 in Reading and Writing and 720–780 in Math.
30% of enrolled first-years submitted SAT scores. Students choose whether to send scores, so this range describes only the students who chose to share an SAT.
W&L suggests asking whether your scores reflect your current academic ability, and it points applicants to its class profile for comparison. A superscore at or above 1480 sits in the upper half of what enrolled students sent. A score below 1430 is in the bottom quarter of that group, and you can apply without it.
Take full-length Digital SAT practice tests free, with an explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
Washington and Lee University ACT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 33–34 on the ACT, with a median of 33.
ACT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| ACT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 33 | 33 | 34 |
| English | 34 | — | 35 |
| Math | 30 | — | 34 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 22% of enrolled first-years sent an ACT score.
What your ACT means here
Among enrolled first-years who sent the ACT, the middle 50% composite was 33–34, with a median of 33. The English range was 34–35 and the Math range was 30–34. 22% of enrolled first-years submitted the ACT, so the range reflects a small group.
W&L superscores the ACT, does not require the Writing or Science sections, and will review a Science score if you send one. A composite at or above 34 places you in the top quarter of enrolled ACT submitters; one below 33 is in the bottom quarter, and you can apply without it.
Take full-length ACT practice tests free, with a worked explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
Washington and Lee University acceptance rate
Very competitive: 13.5% of first-year applicants were admitted (fall 2025 entering class).
Each dot is 1 in 100 applicants.
- First-year applicants8,963
- Admitted1,214
- Acceptance rate13.5%
- Testing for fall 2027Test-optional
Early application plans: Early Decision I and Early Decision II (both binding); no Early Action.
Fall 2025 entering class. Source: Washington and Lee University 2025–26 Common Data Set.
W&L offers two binding rounds, Early Decision I and Early Decision II, which use the same criteria and differ only in deadline, plus Regular Decision. It has no Early Action plan.
What to aim for
If you plan to send scores to W&L, aim for an SAT at or above 1530 or an ACT at or above 34, which would put you in the top quarter of enrolled students who reported them. A score near the median can still help. You choose your testing preference in the application, and you can change it or update self-reported scores in W&L's applicant portal until your application deadline.
W&L says its review is holistic rather than formulaic, and that the most important part of your application is your daily record: the courses you take and how well you do in them. It also weighs activities, personal background and community context. With an admit rate of 13.5%, scores are one factor, never the sole basis for a decision.
How Washington and Lee University compares
Schools with a similar acceptance rate.
| School | Admit rate | Median SAT | SAT middle 50% | ACT middle 50% | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston University | 12.8% | 1470 | 1420–1510 | 33–34 | Test-optional |
| Middlebury College | 12.8% | 1500 | 1460–1530 | 33–35 | Test-optional |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 13.3% | 1460 | 1370–1530 | 31–35 | Required |
| Washington and Lee University | 13.5% | 1480 | 1430–1530 | 33–34 | Test-optional |
| Georgetown University | 13.5% | 1480 | 1405–1530 | 32–35 | Required |
| Hamilton College | 13.6% | 1480 | 1440–1510 | 33–35 | Test-optional |
Frequently asked questions
Is Washington and Lee University test-optional?
For students applying for fall 2027 entry: Washington and Lee has extended its test-optional policy to students entering in fall 2027, so SAT or ACT scores are not required; international students in national curricula are advised to strongly consider sending scores if testing is available. Washington and Lee University superscores the SAT and the ACT.
What is the average SAT score at Washington and Lee University?
The median SAT score of enrolled first-years was 1480 (fall 2025 entering class). The middle 50% scored 1430–1530, so a quarter scored 1530 or higher.
What SAT score do you need for Washington and Lee University?
A score at or above 1530 puts you in the top quarter of Washington and Lee University's enrolled first-years, and 1430–1530 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 Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University's enrolled first-years had a middle-50% ACT composite of 33–34, with a median of 33 (fall 2025 entering class). A 34 or above puts you in the top quarter.
What is Washington and Lee University's acceptance rate?
Washington and Lee University admitted 13.5% of first-year applicants for the fall 2025 entering class (1,214 of 8,963), which makes it very competitive.
How many Washington and Lee University students submit test scores?
In the fall 2025 entering class, 30% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT score and 22% submitted an ACT score. Some students send both.
What are your chances at Washington and Lee University?
Scores are one part. Add your GPA, courses, activities and recommendations for a free reach, target or likely estimate.