Northfield, MN · Private (Nonprofit)

What SAT Score Do You Need for Carleton College?

Here's the SAT and ACT score to aim for at Carleton College — based on the latest U.S. Department of Education data — and exactly how to get there.

Average SAT

1,517

Admitted students

ACT Composite

33

Median (midpoint)

Acceptance Rate

20%

Most recent year

The score to aim for

The average SAT score of admitted students at Carleton College is about 1517. Admissions data reports a midpoint, which means roughly half of admitted students scored above it. To put yourself comfortably in range, aim for 1540 or higher.

Prefer the ACT? The median composite at Carleton College is around 33. A score near 34 puts you in a strong position.

The hardest part of raising a score isn't studying more — it's knowing exactly which skillsare costing you points. That's where a diagnostic comes in.

Free · No Credit Card

See exactly where you stand for Carleton College

Take a free 30-minute adaptive diagnostic. We'll map every SAT or ACT skill, show your estimated score, and build a personalized plan to reach 1540+.

Start your free diagnostic →

Frequently asked questions

What SAT score do you need for Carleton College?

The average SAT score of admitted students at Carleton College is about 1517. To be a competitive applicant, aim for roughly 1540 or higher.

What ACT score do you need for Carleton College?

The median ACT composite at Carleton College is around 33. Aiming for about 34 puts you in a strong position.

How hard is it to get into Carleton College?

Carleton College admits about 20% of applicants, so admission is competitive. A strong test score is one of the clearest ways to stand out.

Score and admissions data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, updated periodically. Figures reflect the most recent reporting year and may differ from the school's own published statistics.