Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research university with a strong commitment to undergraduate education. CMU’s SAT scores are consistently among the highest in the nation, and the university attracts a highly competitive pool of applicants.

In 2023, the average SAT score for CMU freshmen was 1560, with a middle 50% range of 1480-1630. This means that half of all CMU freshmen scored between 1480 and 1630 on the SAT, and the other half scored either above or below that range.
CMU’s SAT scores are broken down as follows:
Section | Average Score | Middle 50% Range |
---|---|---|
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 730 | 690-770 |
Math | 830 | 790-870 |
CMU’s SAT scores are higher than the national average. The average SAT score for all college-bound seniors in 2023 was 1060, with a middle 50% range of 970-1150. This means that CMU’s average SAT score is significantly higher than the national average.
CMU’s high SAT scores are a reflection of the university’s rigorous academic standards. CMU is a highly selective university, and only the most qualified applicants are admitted. CMU’s SAT scores are also a reflection of the university’s strong commitment to undergraduate education. CMU offers a wide range of academic programs, and the university’s faculty are dedicated to providing students with a challenging and rewarding learning experience.
How to Prepare for the CMU SAT
If you are planning to apply to CMU, it is important to start preparing for the SAT early. The SAT is a challenging exam, and it takes time and effort to prepare for it. Here are a few tips for preparing for the CMU SAT:
- Start early. The earlier you start preparing for the SAT, the more time you will have to improve your score.
- Take a practice test. This will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and it will give you a sense of what the SAT is like.
- Study the material. The SAT covers a wide range of topics, so it is important to make sure that you are familiar with all of the material.
- Get help from a tutor. If you are struggling with the SAT, a tutor can help you to improve your score.
CMU SAT Score Requirements
CMU does not have a specific SAT score requirement. However, the university’s average SAT score is 1560, so applicants should aim to score at or above this level. CMU also considers other factors in the admissions process, such as GPA, class rank, extracurricular activities, and essays.
CMU SAT Score Percentiles
The following table shows the SAT score percentiles for CMU freshmen in 2023:
Percentile | Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | Math |
---|---|---|
75th | 770 | 870 |
50th | 730 | 830 |
25th | 690 | 790 |
CMU SAT Score Comparisons
The following table compares the SAT scores of CMU freshmen to the SAT scores of freshmen at other top universities:
| University | Average SAT Score |
|—|—|—|
| Carnegie Mellon University | 1560 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1545 |
| Stanford University | 1530 |
| Harvard University | 1520 |
| Yale University | 1515 |
As you can see, CMU’s SAT scores are comparable to the SAT scores of freshmen at other top universities. This is a reflection of CMU’s high academic standards and its commitment to undergraduate education.
Conclusion
CMU’s SAT scores are consistently among the highest in the nation. This is a reflection of the university’s rigorous academic standards and its commitment to undergraduate education. If you are planning to apply to CMU, it is important to start preparing for the SAT early. The SAT is a challenging exam, but it is possible to improve your score with time and effort.