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University of the South (Sewanee)

Middle 50% SAT
1230
to
1358
Acceptance
50.9% (fall 2023, 5,018 applicants)
Typical GPA

Admissions data checked October 9, 2026 by Florida Test Prep.

University of the South (Sewanee) reports a middle 50% SAT of 1230 to 1358 (enrolled, CDS 2023-24, fall 2023 median 1290; 21% submitted SAT). We use 1290 as a first planning target, then adjust it to the student's diagnostic and timeline. It is not an admission requirement or a guarantee.

The numbers

Middle 50% SAT1230 to 1358 (enrolled, CDS 2023-24, fall 2023 median 1290; 21% submitted SAT)
Middle 50% ACT27 to 31
Acceptance rate50.9% (fall 2023, 5,018 applicants)
Testing for 2026-27Test-optional
TypePrivate university

Source: Sewanee official admissions data. A middle 50% describes the central half of the reported group, not a cutoff.

Sewanee has not posted a 2024-25 or 2025-26 CDS, so this figure is from Fall 2023.

Where Sewanee sits among Tennessee colleges

SchoolMiddle 50% SATAcceptance
Vanderbilt University1510 to 15605.4%
University of Tennessee, Knoxville1280 to 138043.6%
Belmont University1160 to 136093.7%
University of the South (Sewanee)1230 to 135850.9%
Tennessee Technological University1040 to 127078.7%
Middle Tennessee State University1020 to 122063.6%

Cohorts differ by school (admitted vs enrolled, and year). See every school with its cohort and source on SAT Scores for Tennessee Colleges.

Scholarship money tied to the SAT in Tennessee

Tennessee's lottery-funded HOPE and GAMS scholarships pay real money tied to a single-sitting ACT or SAT score.

HOPE Scholarship: SAT 1060. Up to $4,500/year (freshman/sophomore) and $5,700/year (junior/senior), qualifying on either a 1060 SAT / 21 ACT or a 3.0 weighted GPA.

General Assembly Merit Scholarship (on top of HOPE): SAT 1330. An extra $1,000/year on top of HOPE, requiring both a 1330 SAT / 29 ACT AND a 3.75 weighted GPA.

The full rules, deadlines and class years are on our Tennessee SAT prep page.

Colleges in other states with a similar SAT range

CollegeStateMiddle 50% SAT
Illinois Institute of TechnologyIllinois1190 to 1400
Marquette UniversityWisconsin1230 to 1360
University of DelawareDelaware1220 to 1370
Loyola University MarylandMaryland1210 to 1370

A score that is competitive at Sewanee lands in the same part of the range at these schools. Cohorts differ by school, so read each page's notes before comparing.

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Quick answers

What SAT score do you need for Sewanee?

There is no published minimum; the middle half of the reported group scored 1230 to 1358. A score at or above 1358 puts a student in the top quarter of that group. A score near 1230 is within the range, and grades, coursework and the rest of the application still decide the outcome.

Is Sewanee test-optional?

Yes. Sewanee lists its policy as: Test-optional. A score inside or above the range can still strengthen an application, and some scholarships and programs use scores separately.

What is Sewanee's acceptance rate?

50.9% (fall 2023, 5,018 applicants). Rates vary by program and residency, so read the overall figure as context, not a personal prediction.

Does a score above the range guarantee admission?

No. A middle 50% is a description of last year's group, not a cutoff in either direction. It tells you where a score is competitive, which is the useful part for planning test dates.

Want to know what your teen needs for Sewanee? Their target, their gap and the weeks to close it are what we map in the free Strategy Session.

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