SAT and ACT Scores For Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University is among the most selective universities in the United States. In the latest admission cycle (for the Class of 2028), Washington and Lee received roughly 6,000 applications and offered admission to only about 1,140 students—an acceptance rate near 19%. That means just around 19 in 100 applicants earn a spot, underscoring Washington and Lee's high standards and competitive environment year after year.

Washington and Lee's Early Decision plan is binding. It admits a significant portion of each class (around half of enrolled students often come through ED). Applying Early Decision signals that Washington and Lee is your top choice and usually boosts admission chances. However, because ED is binding, students should only use it if Washington and Lee is absolutely their first choice.

Testing policy has evolved. Washington and Lee was test-optional in recent years, but for the 2025–26 admissions cycle (for fall 2026 entry), Washington and Lee 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 Washington and Lee's rigorous academic profile.

SAT Scores

  Recommended Score: 1500

When families are curious about Washington and Lee SAT or Washington and Lee average SAT scores, they find that admitted students' middle-50% composite SAT range is roughly 1410–1530. This elite band mirrors Washington and Lee'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 Washington and Lee's admitted students falls around 700–750 for the middle 50%. These scores reflect the critical reading, writing, and analytical skills Washington and Lee expects across all majors.

On the Math portion, Washington and Lee's middle-50% range is about 710–780. This upper-tier performance signals comfort with advanced algebra, data analysis, and precalculus—skills that Washington and Lee seeks in both STEM and quantitatively rigorous social science applicants.

If you're wondering about a Washington and Lee average SAT, aim for the mid-1500s. Washington and Lee evaluates applications holistically, so scores below 1410 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: Washington and Lee 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 Washington and Lee SAT scores are evaluated.

ACT Scores

  Recommended Score: 34

Looking at Washington and Lee's ACT range, the middle 50% of composite scores is about 32–35. This implies most admitted students are scoring at or near the top percentile nationally. In other words, Washington and Lee 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 33–35, meaning the average admitted student often scores a 33 or above on this section. These scores demonstrate the strong critical reading and communication skills Washington and Lee expects.

ACT Math scores at Washington and Lee are similarly high: the middle 50% falls around 29–34. 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.

Washington and Lee 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 Washington and Lee average ACT, plan around 35. Given Washington and Lee's low admit rate, even moving from a 32 to 35 can enhance your profile. Pair high test scores with rigorous coursework, standout essays, and meaningful extracurriculars to maximize your chances.

Admission Numbers

Overall Rating: Very Competitive

Here are the applicant and admissions numbers per year for Washington and Lee University:

Here's the reality: Washington and Lee's admit rate is only about 19%, with roughly 6,000 applications for about 1,140 spots (around 500 students actually enroll). That's why understanding the Washington and Lee average SAT and Washington and Lee average ACT benchmarks matters—they align with the profile of those admitted. If your scores fall near or above Washington and Lee's 75th percentile (around a 1530 SAT or 35 ACT), you're in stronger territory.

That said, Washington and Lee 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 Washington and Lee 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: If Washington and Lee is your clear first choice, applying Early Decision could improve your odds by signaling commitment. 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 Washington and Lee's testing bar (target near the top of the Washington and Lee SAT and ACT ranges) and then win the admissions read with the rest of your profile.