Janice Lozano
Carnegie Mellon University has adopted a test-optional policy for undergraduate admission applications for Fall 2025, meaning that SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission. However, students who choose to submit their SAT scores will be considered, and those with a score of 1500 or above will be more competitive. Additionally, applicants to the School of Computer Science are strongly encouraged to submit SAT scores, including the math subscore. For Fall 2026 applicants, Carnegie Mellon will implement an undergraduate admission test policy that varies by college or program, with some colleges adopting a test-flexible policy, allowing students to choose which type of test to submit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| SAT requirement for international students | No explicit requirement, but most applicants submit their scores. |
| SAT requirement for domestic students | No explicit requirement, but most applicants submit their scores. |
| SAT requirement for Fall 2025 applicants | Test-optional policy, but School of Computer Science applicants are strongly encouraged to submit SAT scores. |
| SAT requirement for Fall 2026 applicants | All undergraduate applicants (except College of Fine Arts applicants) will be required to submit SAT or ACT scores. |
| Average SAT score | 1540 |
| 25th percentile SAT score | 1500 |
| 75th percentile SAT score | 1570 |
| SAT Essay requirement | Considered optional and may not be included in the admissions consideration. |
| SAT Subject Tests requirement | Not considered in the admission review process. |
| Acceptance rate | 11.4% |
| School average GPA | 3.91 |
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What You'll Learn
- SAT/ACT scores are not required for international applicants for Fall 2025 admission
- For Fall 2026, SAT/ACT scores will be mandatory for all undergraduate applicants
- The School of Computer Science strongly encourages SAT/ACT scores
- SAT scores are highly competitive, with an average of 1540
- SAT scores are one of three critical numbers for admission, along with GPA and acceptance rate
SAT/ACT scores are not required for international applicants for Fall 2025 admission
Carnegie Mellon University has adopted a test-optional policy for undergraduate admission applications for Fall 2025. This means that SAT/ACT scores are not required for international applicants for Fall 2025 admission. However, applicants who choose to submit SAT or ACT scores may do so, and these scores will be considered. While not submitting scores will not penalize applicants, it may provide one less dimension to showcase their strengths.
Carnegie Mellon University considers a holistic approach to admission, where no single grade, score, or activity guarantees or disqualifies any candidate for consideration in the admission review process. The university had initially adopted this test-optional policy in 2020 in response to limited access to standardized testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Fall 2025, students applying to the School of Computer Science are strongly encouraged to submit either an SAT or ACT score, including the math subscore, to strengthen their application and aid in determining their ability to succeed academically at Carnegie Mellon.
Beginning in Fall 2026, Carnegie Mellon will implement an undergraduate admission test policy that varies according to the college or program. The School of Computer Science will require an SAT or ACT score, while other colleges and programs will move to a test-flexible policy, where students must submit test scores but can choose the type of test.
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For Fall 2026, SAT/ACT scores will be mandatory for all undergraduate applicants
Carnegie Mellon University has stated that for Fall 2026 applicants, the School of Computer Science will require an SAT or ACT score, while other colleges and programs will adopt a test-flexible policy. This test-flexible approach allows students to choose which type of test they prefer to submit, including options such as the International Baccalaureate exam, Advanced Placement, and Cambridge A-Levels. However, it's important to note that submitting test scores is still a requirement under this policy.
The university's decision to reinstate SAT/ACT requirements aligns with the increasing emphasis on standardized test scores in their admissions process. Even during the test-optional period, the majority of applicants to Carnegie Mellon chose to submit their SAT or ACT scores. For those who did not submit scores, it meant having one less dimension to showcase their qualifications for admission.
Additionally, while there is no absolute SAT requirement at Carnegie Mellon, the university has published average SAT scores and percentiles, indicating that a minimum score of around 1500 is preferred. Achieving a higher SAT score can compensate for a lower GPA and improve an applicant's competitiveness. With an acceptance rate of only 11.4%, Carnegie Mellon is highly selective, and applicants are encouraged to present the strongest possible application.
In summary, for Fall 2026, all undergraduate applicants to Carnegie Mellon University, including international students, will be required to submit either an SAT or ACT score. This policy change underscores the importance of standardized test scores in the university's admissions process and highlights the competitiveness of gaining admission to Carnegie Mellon.
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The School of Computer Science strongly encourages SAT/ACT scores
Carnegie Mellon University has adopted a test-optional policy for undergraduate admission applications for Fall 2025. This means that applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, but they may choose to do so. However, the School of Computer Science strongly encourages applicants to submit either an SAT or ACT score, including the math subscore. This additional score aids in determining the applicant's ability to succeed academically at Carnegie Mellon and bolsters the overall strength of their application.
For Fall 2026 applicants, Carnegie Mellon will implement an undergraduate admission test policy that varies according to the college or program. The School of Computer Science will require an SAT or ACT score, while other colleges and programs will move to a test-flexible policy. This means that students must submit test scores to complete their application, but they can choose which type of test to submit.
Carnegie Mellon University considers a holistic approach to admission, where no single grade, score, or activity guarantees or disqualifies any candidate for consideration. Both domestic and international applicants who choose to submit SAT or ACT scores may share either official or self-reported scores.
It is worth noting that most applicants to Carnegie Mellon University still take the SAT or ACT, and the majority submit their scores. While not submitting scores will not result in any penalty, it may put applicants at a disadvantage compared to other candidates. Therefore, applicants to the School of Computer Science are encouraged to submit SAT or ACT scores to enhance their application and showcase their academic potential.
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SAT scores are highly competitive, with an average of 1540
Carnegie Mellon University has not explicitly outlined a policy on SAT/ACT requirements for international students. However, it has published average SAT scores, indicating that it is likely test-flexible. This means that applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT results but may choose to do so. If applicants decide to submit their scores, they will be considered.
The average SAT score at Carnegie Mellon is 1540, with a maximum score of 1600. This highly competitive score places applicants above average. A score of 1500 is considered below average, while a score of 1570 is above average. Achieving a score of at least 1500 is recommended to have a chance at being considered for admission.
For the Fall 2025 application cycle, Carnegie Mellon has adopted a test-optional policy, meaning that first-year applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, students applying to the School of Computer Science are strongly encouraged to submit either an SAT or ACT score, including the math subscore, to strengthen their applications and demonstrate their potential for academic success at Carnegie Mellon.
While SAT scores are not mandatory for admission, most applicants to Carnegie Mellon submit their scores. The submission of scores provides an additional dimension for applicants to showcase their strengths and compete with other applicants. In addition to SAT scores, Carnegie Mellon considers other factors, such as GPA and acceptance rate, in its admissions process. The university aims to take a holistic approach, where no single grade, score, or activity guarantees or disqualifies any candidate.
Beginning in Fall 2026, Carnegie Mellon will reinstate the requirement for all undergraduate applicants (except those applying to the College of Fine Arts) to submit standardized test scores. The School of Computer Science will specifically require an SAT or ACT score as part of its admission requirements.
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SAT scores are one of three critical numbers for admission, along with GPA and acceptance rate
Carnegie Mellon University has not explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but it has published average SAT or ACT scores, so it is likely test-flexible. The university has adopted a test-optional policy through fall 2025, removing the SAT/ACT standardised testing requirement for first-year fall 2025 applicants. However, students applying to the School of Computer Science are strongly encouraged to submit either an SAT or ACT score, including the math subscore, to strengthen their application and determine their ability to succeed academically at Carnegie Mellon.
For Fall 2026 applicants, Carnegie Mellon will implement an undergraduate admission test policy that varies according to the college or program. The School of Computer Science will require an SAT or ACT score, while other colleges and programs will move to a test-flexible policy. This means that students are required to submit test scores to complete their application, but they can choose which type of test they prefer to submit.
There are three critical numbers when considering your admissions chances: SAT scores, GPA, and acceptance rate. The average SAT score composite at Carnegie Mellon is a 1540 out of a maximum score of 1600. The 25th percentile New SAT score is 1500, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1570. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.91, you'll need a higher SAT score to compensate and show that you're prepared to take on college academics. The acceptance rate at Carnegie Mellon is 11.4%, meaning that out of 100 students who apply, only 11 are admitted.
If you apply with a score below 1570 SAT or a 35 ACT, you will have a tiny chance of getting in. There are just too many students with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications, so you need to compete against them. Among admitted applicants, roughly 51% submit SAT scores, while 17% submitted ACT scores, and the remaining 32% omitted standardised test scores from their application.
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Frequently asked questions
No, as of Fall 2025, Carnegie Mellon has adopted a test-optional policy, meaning that SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission. However, students applying to the School of Computer Science are strongly encouraged to submit SAT scores.
The average SAT score composite at Carnegie Mellon is around 1540 out of a maximum score of 1600. The 25th percentile score is 1500, and the 75th percentile score is 1570.
While it is not required, around 51% of admitted applicants to Carnegie Mellon submit SAT scores. If your GPA is below the school average of 3.91, submitting a higher SAT score can help compensate and show your preparedness for college academics.
Yes, international applicants must submit official or self-reported SAT or ACT scores if they choose to do so. Additionally, Carnegie Mellon considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it in the admissions consideration.
