Syracuse University
Syracuse University SAT and ACT Requirements
Syracuse University is test-optional for the 2026-27 cycle. The middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored 1270 to 1440 on the SAT and 29 to 32 on the ACT.
2026-27 policy
Test-Optional
SAT middle 50%
1270–1440
ACT middle 50%
29–32
Acceptance rate
46%
Syracuse University SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 640 | 720 |
| Math | 630 | 720 |
| Total | 1270 | 1440 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 32 |
The total is the sum of the section percentiles, the standard way to estimate a middle 50% for the combined score.
Where your score puts you
- Below 1270: lower than three quarters of enrolled students. A retake has the most upside here, and at a test-optional school you can also leave the score off.
- 1270 to 1440: in line with the class. The rest of your application decides it.
- Above 1440: higher than three quarters of enrolled students. Testing is no longer what holds the application back.
Keep these numbers
Frequently asked questions
Does Syracuse University require the SAT or ACT?
Syracuse University is test-optional for the 2026-27 cycle. Official page states explicitly: 'SAT/ACT scores are not required for students applying for Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Fall 2027 or Spring 2028 admission.' This directly and explicitly covers the current 2026-27 cycle (fall 2027 entry). Self-reported or official scores accepted for those who choose to submit.
What SAT score do you need for Syracuse University?
The published range is not a cutoff. Among enrolled first-year students, a quarter scored below 1270, half scored between 1270 and 1440, and a quarter scored above 1440. A score at or above 1440 puts you ahead of most of the class on testing; a score below 1270 works against you.
What ACT score do you need for Syracuse University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 29 to 32 on the ACT. On the official conversion table that is an SAT 1340 to 1430.
Score ranges: College Scorecard API — U.S. Department of Education (api.data.gov) and Editorial overrides layer (overrides.json) — Common Data Set & institutional sources. They describe students who enrolled, not everyone admitted. Test policy: Syracuse University admissions, verified for 2026-27.
