Washington University in St. Louis SAT & ACT Scores

WashU first went test-optional for students applying for fall 2021 entry and has kept the policy since. Its list of updates for fall 2027 applicants says there is no change to it. Students who choose not to send scores are not penalized. If you do send scores, the SAT and ACT count equally, the writing sections are not required, and the ACT science section is optional and left out of the ACT composite WashU calculates. WashU superscores both tests, taking your highest section scores across the test dates you submit, and it accepts self-reported scores on the Common and Coalition applications. Official reports are needed only if you enroll. You may also send AP or IB results in addition to, or instead of, the SAT or ACT.

Among enrolled first-year students who sent the SAT, the median was 1530 and the middle half scored 1500–1550. That means a quarter of submitters scored 1500 or lower and a quarter scored 1550 or higher. By section, the middle half scored 730–760 in Reading and Writing and 760–790 in Math.

Only 32% of the enrolled class sent SAT scores. Because WashU is test-optional, these ranges describe students who decided their scores were worth sending. Students who enrolled without sending scores are not counted in these figures.

If your SAT is at or above 1530, it sits in the upper half of what enrolled students reported. A score below 1500 is under the range most submitters had, and you may decide your transcript and essays show your strengths better. Because WashU superscores, a retake that raises one section can lift the score it reviews.

Enrolled students who sent the ACT had a median composite of 34, with the middle half between 33–35. English scores ran 34–35 and Math scores ran 31–35. WashU superscores the ACT and accepts single-section retakes, and the science section is not part of the composite it calculates.

29% of the enrolled class sent ACT scores. As with the SAT, these figures come only from students who chose to submit, so they show the scores that applicants felt helped them. A composite at or above 34 sits in the upper half of that group.

For fall 2027, WashU offers Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Early Action and Regular Decision. Both Early Decision rounds are binding. Early Action is new this cycle: you apply early and hear back early, but you are not committed to attend.

If you plan to send scores, aim for an SAT of 1550 or an ACT of 35 to sit in the top quarter of enrolled submitters. Scores near 1530 or 34 are in the middle of the range. If your best score is well below 1500 or 33, applying without scores is a real option, since WashU is test-optional for fall 2027.

Scores are one part of a WashU application. The university also reviews your transcript and course choices, recommendations, essays, and activities, and it now considers demonstrated interest, such as visits and information sessions. With an admit rate of 11.9%, a strong score alone does not make admission likely, so spend time on every part of the file.