McDaniel College (McDaniel), a private liberal arts institution in Westminster, Maryland, considers SAT scores as part of its admissions process. While academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal essays play significant roles, SAT scores provide a standardized measure to assess a student’s readiness for college-level work. For prospective students aiming to join McDaniel College, understanding the typical SAT score ranges and policies can help in crafting a competitive application. The college strives to evaluate applicants holistically, ensuring that test scores are just one piece of the puzzle in the admissions decision.
SAT Score Ranges for Admitted Students:
- Score Range: 960–1180 (based on recent admissions data for the middle 50% of admitted students at McDaniel College)
- Average Score: Approximately 1070, reflecting the typical performance of incoming freshmen at McDaniel
- 75th Percentile: Around 1180, meaning top-performing applicants often score at or above this mark
Key Points:
- SAT/ACT scores are optional at McDaniel College, as the school has adopted a test-optional policy for admissions.
- When submitted, SAT scores are evaluated as part of a holistic review process, alongside GPA, essays, and other factors.
- McDaniel College practices superscoring, meaning the admissions team considers the highest section scores across multiple SAT test dates.
- Alternatives such as AP or IB test scores may be considered to demonstrate academic strength, especially for test-optional applicants.
- For a competitive edge, prospective students should aim for an SAT score of 1100 or higher to align with or exceed the average at McDaniel.
