Cornell University SAT scores
Enrolled first-years at Cornell University scored 1500–1560 on the SAT, the middle 50% of the class. That is the 97th to 99th percentile of all test-takers. Test required: Scores required from the fall 2026 entering class; some colleges within Cornell were test-optional earlier.
Do I have the score for Cornell University?
Test requiredEnrolled first-years' middle 50%: 1500–1560. Fall 2024 entering class (Common Data Set 2024–25, C9).
How to read the middle 50%
Colleges report the 25th and 75th percentile SAT scores of the students who enrolled. A quarter scored below 1500, a quarter above 1560, and half in between. It is a description of one class, not a cutoff: applicants below the range are admitted every year on the strength of grades, course rigor, essays and context, and applicants above it are turned away. At a test-optional school the range is also skewed upward, because students below it tend not to submit.
Schools with a similar SAT range
Frequently asked questions
- What SAT score do you need for Cornell University?
- The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1500 to 1560 (Fall 2024 entering class (Common Data Set 2024–25, C9)). A score at or above 1560 is above three-quarters of the class; a score under 1500 is below three-quarters. There is no fixed minimum, but you must send an SAT or ACT score to apply.
- Is Cornell University test-optional?
- Cornell University is test-required for the fall 2026 cycle. Scores required from the fall 2026 entering class; some colleges within Cornell were test-optional earlier.
- Should I send a score below the 25th percentile?
- You have to send it. Focus on the rest of the application and, if there is time, on a retake with a plan aimed at the domains costing the most points.