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    SAT and ACT in Wisconsin

    Wisconsin graduates in the class of 2026 averaged 1244 on the SAT (2% took it) and 19.4 on the ACT (96% took it). The National Merit Semifinalist cutoff for Wisconsin's class of 2027 is 212. We cover 9 colleges in Wisconsin. For fall 2027, 9 let you choose whether to send a score.

    average SAT, class of 2026
    1244
    National Merit cutoff
    212
    colleges requiring the SAT or ACT for fall 2027
    0
    colleges covered
    9

    Average SAT and ACT scores in Wisconsin

    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 it1,424Share of the class2%Average1244623 Reading and Writing, 621 MathNational average1045
    ACTClass of 2026Share of the class96%Average19.4National average19.2

    In the class of 2026, 1,424 Wisconsin graduates (2% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1244 (623 in Reading and Writing, 621 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 2% of Wisconsin's class took the SAT, mostly students applying to colleges that ask for it, so the average runs higher than in states where every student tests.

    In the class of 2026, 96% of Wisconsin graduates took the ACT and averaged 19.4, against 19.2 nationally. Nearly every Wisconsin student takes the ACT, so the average covers the whole class, not just students aiming at selective colleges.

    See where a score stands nationally with the SAT percentile calculator, or what a 1250 SAT score gets you at colleges and in scholarships.

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

    Testing in Wisconsin high schools

    Every Wisconsin public school junior takes the ACT with Writing in school as the state test.

    Source: Wisconsin DPI, ACT updates · Checked October 31, 2026

    National Merit in Wisconsin

    For the class of 2027, students in Wisconsin needed a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 212 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 Wisconsin

    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.

    University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate41%SAT, middle 50%1400 to 1490ACT, middle 50%29 to 33
    Marquette UniversityMilwaukeeTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate78%SAT, middle 50%1230 to 1360ACT, middle 50%26 to 30
    Carroll UniversityWaukeshaTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate67%SAT, middle 50%1040 to 1270ACT, middle 50%21 to 27
    Saint Norbert CollegeDe PereTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate86%SAT, middle 50%1033 to 1290ACT, middle 50%21 to 28
    Lawrence UniversityAppletonTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate64%SAT, middle 50%1240 to 1420ACT, middle 50%24 to 31
    Wisconsin Lutheran CollegeMilwaukeeTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate78%SAT, middle 50%970 to 1230ACT, middle 50%23 to 29
    Beloit CollegeBeloitTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate70%SAT, middle 50%1200 to 1430ACT, middle 50%24 to 30
    Ripon CollegeRiponTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate80%SAT, middle 50%980 to 1270ACT, middle 50%21 to 27
    Maranatha Baptist UniversityWatertownTest policyTest optionalAcceptance rate72%SAT, middle 50%940 to 1260ACT, middle 50%20 to 28

    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 Wisconsin colleges.

    Common questions about the SAT and ACT in Wisconsin

    What is the average SAT score in Wisconsin?
    In the class of 2026, 1,424 Wisconsin graduates (2% of the class) took the SAT and averaged 1244 (623 in Reading and Writing, 621 in Math), against 1045 nationally. Only 2% of Wisconsin's class took the SAT, mostly students applying to colleges that ask for it, so the average runs higher than in states where every student tests.
    What is the average ACT score in Wisconsin?
    In the class of 2026, 96% of Wisconsin graduates took the ACT and averaged 19.4, against 19.2 nationally. Nearly every Wisconsin student takes the ACT, so the average covers the whole class, not just students aiming at selective colleges.
    Do Wisconsin high schools give the SAT or ACT?
    Every Wisconsin public school junior takes the ACT with Writing in school as the state test.
    What is the National Merit cutoff in Wisconsin?
    For the class of 2027, a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index of 212 or higher made a student in Wisconsin a National Merit Semifinalist. Commended Students needed 208 in every state.
    Which colleges in Wisconsin require the SAT or ACT?
    None of the 9 colleges in Wisconsin we cover require the SAT or ACT for fall 2027.
    Which colleges in Wisconsin have the highest SAT scores?
    Among the colleges in Wisconsin we cover, the middle 50% of freshmen scored highest at University of Wisconsin-Madison (1400 to 1490), Beloit College (1200 to 1430) and Lawrence University (1240 to 1420).

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