Standardized Testing

Our standardized testing policy

Johns Hopkins University requires first-year applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admission. As part of our holistic review process, submitted scores will be taken into consideration within the context of your broader application. Learn more about holistic review.

How is testing used in the admissions process?

Standardized test scores serve as an additional component that aids the admissions committee in better understanding your preparation for the academic environment at Hopkins. When reviewing your application, our admissions committee will consider your standardized testing scores alongside your transcripts, AP or IB scores, if any, and the rigor of your courses within the context of your school curriculum, to provide a picture of your academic preparation through our holistic review process.

How should I submit scores?

We review self-reported and official SAT or ACT scores. You can self-report test scores through the Common Application and Coalition on Scoir. You should report all available scores, and we’ll consider your most competitive testing profile when reviewing your application. For students who self-report scores on the application, if you are admitted and choose to enroll, you will be required to send official score reports. The test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency or submitted on your behalf by a school official.

submitting your scores

Test scores should be sent to the following recipient codes: SAT (5332), ACT (1704), AND TOEFL (5332)

Score-Choice Policy

When it comes to evaluating testing, we superscore, meaning if you take the SAT or ACT more than once and submit multiple scores, we consider your highest section scores across all test dates.

What About AP Exams, ACT Science, and Other Optional Tests?  

Testing beyond the SAT or ACT, such as AP exams or the optional Science and Writing sections of the ACT, aren’t required but can add value to your application, especially if they highlight your strengths in areas of interest.  

If you believe your scores on optional exams accurately reflect your academic abilities, submitting them can provide the admissions committee with important insight into your strengths.  

Transfer Applicants

Transfer applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. Learn more about applying to Hopkins as a transfer applicant.

English Proficiency

TOEFL, IELTS, the Duolingo English Test (DET), or the Cambridge English Exam are recommended if your primary language is not English, or you have not attended an English language school for the last three years.

How Do I Know if I Should Submit My Scores?

We encourage you to submit TOEFL, IELTS, DET, or Cambridge English scores if you score below 690 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) section of the SAT or below 30 on both the ACT Reading and English sections.

To be competitive, applicants should typically receive: 

  • TOEFL (iBT)- A minimum of 100 total with preferred sub-scores of 26 (Reading), 26 (Listening), 22 (Writing), and 25 (Speaking) 
  • IELTS- A score of 7.0 or higher on each band
  • DET- A composite score of 120 or higher with preferred sub-scores of 125 (Literacy), 120 (Conversation), 135 (Comprehension), and 105 (Production) 
  • Cambridge English Exam- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a Cambridge English score of 185 or higher

A Note on Standardized Test Dates

If you plan on applying Early Decision, we encourage you to complete your standardized tests no later than October of your senior year.

If you plan on applying Regular Decision, we encourage you to complete your standardized tests no later than December of your senior year. 

If you intend to sit for a later testing, please note your intention of taking the later standardized test(s) on your application.