Does Columbia Require the SAT? Policy & Score Range

No — Columbia does not require an SAT score for the entry term described below

Columbia allows first-year applicants to choose whether SAT or ACT scores are reviewed. The official policy linked on this page is the source of truth for applicant type, entry term, deadlines, and any exception.

Read the numbers correctly

Columbia SAT score range

The latest official institutional score source linked below reports a 1510–1560 middle-50% SAT composite range, with a midpoint of 1535, among enrolled score submitters.

ColumbiaEnrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores

151025th percentile 1535median 156075th percentile

Cohort dates and reporting definitions can differ by institution; open the official source for its precise reporting year. This describes enrolled score submitters, not an admission cutoff.

Put your result in context

Where does your SAT score sit?

Because testing is optional, use the published 1510–1560 range as context for whether your score adds useful evidence to your application.

Enter a total SAT score

Use a score from 400 to 1600, in 10-point steps.

Within the range

1535 is the published midpoint

This score sits near the middle of Columbia’s published SAT range for enrolled score submitters. It is context, not an admissions prediction.

Read the 1535 score guide

Before you send scores

Four details that shape the decision

No published SAT cutoff: Columbia does not publish the 1510–1560 middle-50% range as a minimum or guarantee. It describes enrolled students who submitted scores, not an automatic admission threshold.
SAT superscoring is supported: Columbia considers highest SAT section results across eligible test dates. Follow the official reporting instructions when listing multiple sittings.
Check self-report and verification rules: Columbia’s SAT code is 2116. Use the official policy for whether scores may be self-reported at application time and when an official testing-agency report is required.
Entry-term policy matters: For Columbia College and Columbia Engineering. Testing rules can change by cycle, so confirm the entry term shown on the official page before submitting.

IQClub planning layer

From an admissions number to a Math plan

A college range tells you where past score submitters landed. It does not tell you which Math skills will move your own score.

1
Separate the benchmark from the goal
Place your composite against the published 1510–1560 range, then inspect the Math subscore separately. A total inside the range can still hide a Math weakness that is worth fixing before test day.
2
Make the submission decision in context
Because Columbia is test-optional for the stated cycle, compare the score with your transcript and intended major. Submit when it adds evidence; do not treat one number as a substitute for the rest of the application.
3
Turn the gap into a Math study list
Run an IQClub SAT Math diagnostic, rank missed skills by frequency, and retest after focused practice. Use a score target tied to Columbia and your program rather than chasing points without a decision rule.

Start an SAT Math diagnostic

Fast answers

Columbia SAT FAQ

Does Columbia require the SAT?

Columbia allows first-year applicants to choose whether SAT or ACT scores are reviewed. Always match the policy to your applicant type and intended entry term.

What SAT score do you need for Columbia?

Columbia does not publish one score that guarantees admission. Its published middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1560 among enrolled students who submitted scores.

What is the average SAT score at Columbia?

The official score context used here has a midpoint of 1535. This page calls it a midpoint or median-style benchmark rather than claiming that every institutional source reports a mathematical average.

Does Columbia superscore the SAT?

Columbia considers highest SAT section results across eligible test dates. Follow the official reporting instructions when listing multiple sittings.

Can I self-report SAT scores to Columbia?

Use Columbia’s current testing page for the application-stage reporting rule and official-score verification deadline. The SAT reporting code listed by the institution is 2116.

Should I submit a 1535 SAT score to Columbia?

A 1535 is near the midpoint of the published 1510–1560 range. Since testing is optional, submit it when it strengthens the academic evidence in your application.

Audit trail

Official sources used for this brief

Admissions rules move. Recheck the university pages before submitting an application.

No — Columbia does not require an SAT score for the entry term described below

Enter a total SAT score

1535 is the published midpoint

Separate the benchmark from the goal

Make the submission decision in context

Turn the gap into a Math study list