SAT score requirements for 2026–27: Pakistan and abroad
Last verified
LUMS and NUST accept the SAT but do not publish a minimum score. At the most selective US universities, most admitted students score between about 1500 and 1580, and for 2026–27 Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, Cornell, Penn, MIT, Stanford and Caltech require the SAT or ACT. For a competitive application, aim for the middle of a university’s published range or higher.
Universities in Pakistan
| University | How the SAT is used | Minimum score |
|---|---|---|
| LUMS | SAT, ACT or LCAT is required for the business, humanities and social sciences, and law schools. SAT code 0513. | None published |
| NUST | Separate SAT/ACT route for national and international seats; the SAT replaces the NUST Entry Test (NET) weightage. SAT code 2790. Scores valid for two years. | Not published; merit-based |
See the SAT in Pakistan guide for dates, fees and registration, and SAT vs NAT vs LCAT to decide which test to take.
Top US universities: 2026–27 testing policies
| University | SAT/ACT policy for 2026–27 | Typical SAT range (middle 50%) |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard | Required | About 1500–1580 |
| MIT | Required | About 1520–1570 |
| Stanford | Required | About 1510–1570 |
| Yale | Required (SAT or ACT) | About 1500–1570 |
| Dartmouth, Brown, Cornell, Penn | Required | High 1400s to 1500s |
| Caltech, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins | Required | High 1400s to 1500s |
| Princeton, Columbia | Test-optional for 2026–27; plan to require scores from 2027–28 | About 1500–1570 |
What score should you aim for?
| Your goal | Aim for |
|---|---|
| LUMS or NUST SAT route | As high as possible; admission is competitive and merit-based |
| Most US universities | 1300 and above |
| Selective US universities | 1400–1500 |
| Ivy League, MIT, Stanford (and their financial aid) | 1500 and above |
What international applicants should know
Many US universities that are test-optional still see strong SAT scores from international applicants, because scores help admissions officers compare students from different school systems. If you can reach your target range, submit your score even where it is optional.
Take a full-length adaptive practice test, see your estimated score, and practice the exact skills that hold you back.
Full-length practice testQuick diagnosticFrequently asked questions
What SAT score do I need for LUMS?
LUMS does not publish a minimum SAT score. It accepts the SAT, ACT or its own LCAT for its business, humanities and social sciences, and law schools. A higher score makes your application more competitive.
What SAT score do I need for NUST?
NUST does not publish a fixed minimum for its SAT-based seats. Admission is merit-based, with the SAT replacing the NUST Entry Test weightage for national candidates.
What SAT score do I need for Harvard?
Most admitted students score between about 1500 and 1580. Harvard requires the SAT or ACT for 2026–27 applicants.
Is 1400 a good SAT score?
Yes. 1400 is well above average and competitive for many selective universities, though the most selective ones usually admit students scoring 1500 or higher.
Do US universities still require the SAT?
Many are test-optional, but for 2026–27 several of the most selective, including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, Dartmouth, Brown, Cornell and Penn, require the SAT or ACT.
Sources and verification
- LUMS Admission FAQs and NUST ACT/SAT admission pages (official)
- University testing policy announcements and 2026–27 admissions guides, cross-checked across several sources
- Always confirm each university’s current policy on its official admissions website before applying