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Colleges with the highest SAT scores in California

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Top 10 colleges in California with the highest SAT scores

Looking for the colleges with the highest SAT scores in California? Well you're in luck! We've compiled a national college database and have created a list of the top 10 universities with the highest SAT scores in California. These are the schools whose students had the highest median SAT scores in California. And, since these tests are meant to determine academic prowess, they are arguably the schools with the most academically proficient students. You could even say these are the best colleges in California. We also include each college's ACT scores and acceptance rate so that you can see where you would have the easiest or hardest time getting in. Read on to find out more.

Acceptance rates and test scores are for students who applied to start college in fall 2024, from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard unless an entry names the school's own figures. SAT section scores and ACT scores are medians for enrolled first-year students who submitted them, and an SAT total is the two section medians added together. Published , updated .

Stanford University SAT scores

At Stanford University, the median SAT section scores add up to 1550.
Stanford University
The two median section scores:
  • SAT math: 790
  • SAT reading/writing: 760
The median ACT composite score at Stanford University is 35.
Stanford University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.
Stanford University accepted 3.6% of applicants for fall 2024.

Harvey Mudd College SAT scores

At Harvey Mudd College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1540.
Harvey Mudd College
The two median section scores:
  • SAT math: 790
  • SAT reading/writing: 750
The median ACT composite score at Harvey Mudd College is 35.
Harvey Mudd College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.
Harvey Mudd College accepted 12.7% of applicants for fall 2024.

Pomona College SAT scores

At Pomona College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1540.
Pomona College
The two median section scores:
  • SAT math: 780
  • SAT reading/writing: 760
The median ACT composite score at Pomona College is 34.
Pomona College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.
Pomona College accepted 7.1% of applicants for fall 2024.

Claremont McKenna College SAT scores

At Claremont McKenna College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1530.
Claremont McKenna College
The two median section scores:
  • SAT math: 780
  • SAT reading/writing: 750
The median ACT composite score at Claremont McKenna College is 34.
Claremont McKenna College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.
Claremont McKenna College accepted 9.6% of applicants for fall 2024.

Scripps College SAT scores

At Scripps College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1500.
Scripps College
The two median section scores:
  • SAT math: 750
  • SAT reading/writing: 750
The median ACT composite score at Scripps College is 33.
Scripps College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.
Scripps College accepted 38.3% of applicants for fall 2024.

University of Southern California SAT scores

At University of Southern California, the median SAT section scores add up to 1500.
University of Southern California
The two median section scores:
  • SAT math: 770
  • SAT reading/writing: 730
The median ACT composite score at University of Southern California is 33.
University of Southern California considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.
University of Southern California accepted 9.8% of applicants for fall 2024.

Occidental College SAT scores

At Occidental College, the median SAT section scores add up to 1440.
Occidental College
The two median section scores:
  • SAT math: 720
  • SAT reading/writing: 720
The median ACT composite score at Occidental College is 33.
Occidental College considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.
Occidental College accepted 44.2% of applicants for fall 2024.

Soka University of America SAT scores

At Soka University of America, the median SAT section scores add up to 1440.
Soka University of America
The two median section scores:
  • SAT math: 765
  • SAT reading/writing: 675
Soka University of America considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.
Soka University of America accepted 43.4% of applicants for fall 2024.

Santa Clara University SAT scores

At Santa Clara University, the median SAT section scores add up to 1420.
Santa Clara University
The two median section scores:
  • SAT math: 720
  • SAT reading/writing: 700
The median ACT composite score at Santa Clara University is 32.
Santa Clara University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.
Santa Clara University accepted 48% of applicants for fall 2024.

Pepperdine University SAT scores

At Pepperdine University, the median SAT section scores add up to 1370.
Pepperdine University
The two median section scores:
  • SAT math: 690
  • SAT reading/writing: 680
The median ACT composite score at Pepperdine University is 31.
Pepperdine University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them.
Pepperdine University accepted 62.9% of applicants for fall 2024.

Conclusion

Getting into any college is an accomplishment, but these schools are arguably some of the most competitive to get into in California. You will want to be above the median SAT or ACT score, and have a strong GPA with good extracurriculars in order to apply for these programs. Be sure to talk to your counselor about whether these schools are right for you before doing the work to apply.
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