Standardized Testing
Standardized testing is one of the application requirements that can highlight academic preparedness.
At Stanford, we review applications holistically, meaning every component of the application is valuable to us as we get to know each student. There are no minimum test scores required to be admitted to Stanford, and there is no score that guarantees admission.
Test-Optional
ACT or SAT scores are not required at Stanford for first-year and transfer students applying in 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. Our test optional policy will extend to applicants applying for the Fall 2025 entry term. Applications without ACT or SAT scores will not be at a disadvantage. In previous test-optional cycles, we admitted students who submitted ACT or SAT scores, and we admitted students who did not.
Reporting Test Scores
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If you choose to submit ACT/SAT test scores as part of your application, we recommend that you simply self-report your highest scores in the testing section of the application. You can also have official scores sent to Stanford, but this is not required for us to review your application. We will review applications using either self-reported or official scores.If you would like to have official scores sent, please use the following codes:
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SAT PROFILE/TOEFL Code number: 4704
- ACT Code number: 0434
If you are offered admission and choose to enroll, official scores will be required. In order for test scores to be considered official, they must be sent directly from the College Board or the ACT.
Stanford reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission if an applicant's self-reported test scores do not align with those in the official score report.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I have already taken the ACT or SAT, do I have to report my scores?
If you feel that your scores are a positive reflection of your academic preparedness, then you are welcome to self-report them.
Your application will not be at a disadvantage if you do not report your scores.
How do I update my decision to submit or not submit my ACT or SAT scores?
In your application, you will have the opportunity to let us know whether you have submitted or will be submitting ACT or SAT scores.
If you would like to change your response, please log into your Stanford portal for instructions on how to make this change.
The deadline to change your response about submitting or not submitting ACT or SAT test scores is November 11 (REA), January 15 (RD), and April 1 (Transfer).
However, please know we review application files when they are complete, and we cannot guarantee that we will review your application with the change if it is made after the application deadlines: November 1 (REA), January 5 (RD), or March 15 (Transfer).
What are the deadlines for testing?
Last Acceptable ACT Test Date:
September (Restrictive Early Action) | December (Regular Decision)
Last Acceptable SAT Test Date:
October (Restrictive Early Action) | December (Regular Decision)
We recommend students take the ACT or SAT well in advance of application deadlines. It is unlikely that scores from tests taken after the deadlines will arrive in time for review. We cannot delay the review of an application in anticipation of scores that will arrive after the deadline nor can we guarantee that late scores will be reviewed.
What should I do if my test results arrive after I submit my application?
If you indicated in your application that you intend to submit ACT or SAT scores and your most recent test results arrive after you submit your application, you can self-report these scores by logging in to your Stanford portal and filling out the Self-Report Test Scores form.
Does Stanford superscore test results?
We want you to have the best test representation possible, so we will review your results according to the following rubric:
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For the ACT, we will review all subscores and focus on the highest Composite from all sittings.
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For the SAT, we will superscore, focusing on the highest individual Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math scores from all test sittings.
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For the SAT, you may have taken a sitting with the essay and a separate sitting without the essay. We will superscore your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math scores across these two versions of the exam.
Are SAT Subject Tests and AP exams required?
No; the College Board discontinued SAT Subject Tests in June 2021. If you took a subject test prior to this time, you are welcome to self-report your results in your application. If you have taken a subject test more than once, you may report your highest score.
Similarly, if you have taken Advanced Placement exams, you are welcome to self-report your scores in the application.
Since the ACT or SAT writing/essay section is optional for Stanford, is it necessary for me to report my writing/essay score?
Though we do not require the writing/essay section of the ACT or SAT, if you took the exam with writing/essay, we request that you be honest and transparent and report your score as required by the application and as a section integral to the sitting of the exam you took. You challenged yourself by taking the writing/essay section, and we will recognize and honor this effort, while our consideration will be of your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math scores.
Updated on February 6, 2024 11:47 AM
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- Admission Overview
- First-Year Applicants
- Requirements and Deadlines
- Regular Decision and Restrictive Early Action
- Academic Preparation
- Application and Essays
- Application Fee/Fee Waiver
- Standardized Testing
- Transcript and Required School Forms
- Interview
- Arts Portfolio
- Guidelines for Home-Schooled Applicants
- After Submitting Your Application
- Transfer Applicants
- Requirements and Deadlines
- Application and Essays
- Application Fee/Fee Waiver
- Standardized Testing
- Transcripts and College Report
- Letters of Recommendation
- Arts Portfolio
- After Submitting Your Application
- International Applicants
- Veterans and ROTC
- Overview
- Financial Aid and the Yellow Ribbon Program
- Selecting the Appropriate Application Plan
- Key Contacts
- Undocumented Applicants
- QuestBridge
