New SAT Policy

Test Optional

Pepperdine is test optional from Fall 2021 to Fall 2023. Although we do not require test scores, you have the option to submit either official test scores through the testing agency or self reported test scores through our test score form. Once your application has been processed, you will receive access to the Pepperdine Applicant Portal where you can access the test score form. If test scores are self-reported at the time of application, official test scores will be required upon admission to Pepperdine. Please note that self-reported test scores will only be accepted through Pepperdine's test score form. Test scores reported on the Common Application or transcripts will not be accepted.

If you choose to submit test scores, applicants must take the SAT I or ACT by October in order to meet the November 1 early action deadline or by December in order to meet the January 15 application deadline. The optional ACT writing test and SAT writing/essay section are neither required nor recommended. The SAT II Subject Tests are also not required.

Reviewing Test Scores

Superscoring 

The Office of Admission will superscore the old and new SAT separately, meaning our office will combine the highest section scores from each test date to create the highest total per test. However, we will not combine old and new SAT section scores, as these two tests are scaled differently. It is therefore to your advantage to send our office the results from each time you took the SAT. We also superscore the ACT.

Concording Scores

When evaluating applications, our Admission Counselors will only consider an applicant's highest test scores. Our office will use the concordance chart below to determine your highest composite score across all three tests - old SAT (superscore), new SAT (superscore), and ACT (superscore). We will convert your new SAT scores based on the 1600 point total (and not by converting individual section scores). For old SAT scores, our office will only consider your 1600 point total (Critical Reading and Math).

Admitted Student Averages

Using College Board's concordance table to convert the 1600 point SAT averages from last year, we estimate that the mid-50% score range of admitted students for Fall 2016 would be 1260-1420 on the new SAT. The average SAT score of Fall 2016 admitted students would be 1330 on the New SAT.

Please note that these are projections based on data from the old SAT, and the new SAT score ranges and averages for the Fall 2017 class may significantly differ. 

Concordance Chart

 * All data in the above chart based on concordance information provided by College Board. 

Helpful Links for the New SAT

General Information about the New SAT

Differences Between the Old and New SAT

SAT Score Converter

ACT Website

College Board Website