No — Michigan State is test-optional
MSU evaluates applicants without a test score and says students may self-report scores when they want them considered. The university uses the highest total SAT or composite ACT score on file and disregards lower results.
Michigan State SAT score range
The official 2025–2026 Common Data Set reports the SAT distribution for enrolled Fall 2025 first-time, first-year students who submitted scores.
The figures cover Michigan State’s first-time, first-year Fall 2025 cohort. This describes enrolled score submitters, not an admission cutoff.
Where does your SAT score sit?
Compare your result with Michigan State’s submitted-score range. This is context for a test-optional decision, not an admissions prediction.
Enter a total SAT score
Use a score from 400 to 1600, in 10-point steps.
Four details that shape the decision
- No minimum SAT score
- Michigan State says admission is competitive but has no minimum admission requirements. The official score range describes enrolled students who submitted scores; it is not a cutoff.
- No SAT superscore
- MSU uses the highest total SAT score from a single sitting. It does not combine section scores from different sittings to create a superscore.
- Self-report on the application
- Applicants can self-report scores for admission and scholarship review. Admitted students who used self-reported scores must send official results before New Student Orientation. MSU’s SAT code is 1465.
- Lower scores are disregarded
- MSU says there is no disadvantage to sending multiple results because it considers the highest total SAT or composite ACT score on file and disregards lower scores.
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 1100–1310 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 Michigan State 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 Michigan State and your program rather than chasing points without a decision rule.
Michigan State SAT FAQ
Does Michigan State require the SAT?
What SAT score do you need for Michigan State?
What is the average SAT score at Michigan State?
Does Michigan State superscore the SAT?
Can I self-report SAT scores to Michigan State?
Should I submit a 1200 SAT to Michigan State?
Official sources used for this brief
Admissions rules move. Recheck the university pages before submitting an application.
- MSU Undergraduate Admissions: ACT/SAT optionalTesting choice, self-reporting, school code and superscore policy
- MSU: First-year admission criteriaHolistic review and no-minimum guidance
- Michigan State Common Data Set 2025–2026Official SAT percentile and score-submitter data
- Michigan State Institutional Research CDS indexOfficial Common Data Set archive