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    SAT and ACT in District of Columbia

    District of Columbia graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 957 on the SAT (82% took it) and 27.0 on the ACT (9% took it). The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for District of Columbia's class of 2027 is 223. We cover 5 colleges in District of Columbia. For fall 2027, 2 require the SAT or ACT and 3 let you choose whether to send a score.

    average SAT, class of 2026
    957
    National Merit cutoff
    223
    colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
    2
    colleges covered
    5

    Average SAT and ACT scores in District of Columbia

    From the official reports College Board and ACT publish each fall for the graduating class. Compare states with care: an average depends on how many students take the test.

    SATClass of 2026Graduates who took it5,935Share of the class82%Average957487 Reading and Writing, 469 MathNational average1045
    ACTClass of 2026Share of the class9%Average27.0National average19.2

    In the class of 2026, 5,935 District of Columbia graduates (82% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 957 (487 in Reading and Writing, 469 in Math), against 1045 nationally.

    In the class of 2026, 9% of District of Columbia graduates took the ACT and averaged 27.0, against 19.2 nationally. Only 9% of District of Columbia's class took the ACT, mostly students applying to colleges that ask for it, so the average runs higher than in states where every student tests.

    See where a score stands nationally with the SAT percentile calculator, or what a 950 SAT score gets you at colleges and in scholarships.

    Sources: College Board, 2026 SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report: District of Columbia · ACT, Average ACT Test Scores by State, Graduating Class of 2026

    Testing in District of Columbia high schools

    D.C. offers a free SAT School Day to every public and public charter school junior and senior.

    Source: OSSE, SAT School Day · Checked October 31, 2026

    National Merit in District of Columbia

    For the class of 2027, students in District of Columbia needed a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 223 to become National Merit Semifinalists. Commended Students needed 208 in every state.

    Work out your index with the Selection Index calculator, compare states in National Merit cutoffs by state, and see which colleges reward it in colleges with National Merit scholarships.

    Source: NMSC, Guide to the National Merit Scholarship Program

    Colleges in District of Columbia

    Test policies for fall 2027, and the SAT and ACT scores of the middle 50% of enrolled freshmen. Largest colleges first; each links to its full page.

    George Washington UniversityWashingtonTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate47%SAT, middle 50%1310 to 1450ACT, middle 50%31 to 34
    Howard UniversityWashingtonTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate42%SAT, middle 50%1050 to 1270ACT, middle 50%20 to 26
    Georgetown UniversityWashingtonTest policyTest requiredAcceptance rate13%SAT, middle 50%1405 to 1530ACT, middle 50%32 to 35
    American UniversityWashingtonTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate66%SAT, middle 50%1320 to 1440ACT, middle 50%30 to 33
    Gallaudet UniversityWashingtonTest policyTest requiredAcceptance rate58%SAT, middle 50%762 to 898ACT, middle 50%14 to 18

    To decide whether to send your score, compare it with each college's range in the submit or retake tool.

    Other states

    See every state, or browse all District of Columbia colleges.

    Common questions about the SAT and ACT in District of Columbia

    What is the average SAT score in District of Columbia?
    In the class of 2026, 5,935 District of Columbia graduates (82% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 957 (487 in Reading and Writing, 469 in Math), against 1045 nationally.
    What is the average ACT score in District of Columbia?
    In the class of 2026, 9% of District of Columbia graduates took the ACT and averaged 27.0, against 19.2 nationally. Only 9% of District of Columbia's class took the ACT, mostly students applying to colleges that ask for it, so the average runs higher than in states where every student tests.
    Do District of Columbia high schools give the SAT or ACT?
    D.C. offers a free SAT School Day to every public and public charter school junior and senior.
    What is the National Merit cutoff in District of Columbia?
    For the class of 2027, a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 223 or higher made a student in District of Columbia a National Merit Semifinalist. Commended Students needed 208 in every state.
    Which colleges in District of Columbia require the SAT or ACT?
    Georgetown University and Gallaudet University require the SAT or ACT for fall 2027.
    Which colleges in District of Columbia have the highest SAT scores?
    Among the colleges in District of Columbia we cover, the middle 50% of freshmen scored highest at Georgetown University (1405 to 1530), George Washington University (1310 to 1450) and American University (1320 to 1440).

    Have another question? Email us at team@getsharp.app.