Bogazici University SAT Requirements

If you dream about studying at Boğaziçi University, you are not alone. This public university in Istanbul is one of the most respected universities in Turkey and has a strong global reputation. Because of that, competition for each seat is very high, especially for international and SAT-track students.

For these students, Bogazici University SAT requirements matter a lot. Your SAT score often decides if your application is even read. If your score is below the minimum, your file usually does not go to the next stage.

In this guide, you will see how Boğaziçi uses SAT scores, the latest known minimum SAT scores by program group, how to send your scores, and simple strategies to hit your target. Admission rules can change over time, so always check the official Boğaziçi pages, such as the Students from Abroad section and the international undergraduate admission page, but this overview will give you a clear and friendly starting point.

Why SAT Scores Matter So Much for Boğaziçi University Admission

Boğaziçi receives applications from students in many different countries, school systems, and grading scales. It needs a common tool to compare everyone in a fair way. That is where the SAT comes in.

If you apply as an international student using the SAT track, your SAT score is a major filter. Meeting the minimum is like passing the first gate. Falling below it usually means your application is not considered, even if you have strong grades.

At the same time, the SAT is not the only thing that counts. Many students meet the minimum. To stand out, you also need strong school grades, good English, and organized documents.

How Boğaziçi University Uses the SAT in Its Selection Process

You can think of the SAT as a basic skills check for Boğaziçi:

• Math section checks your algebra, problem solving, and comfort with numbers.
• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) checks how well you understand texts and use English.

The university sets different SAT cutoffs for different program groups. For example, engineering and science need stronger math scores, while social sciences care more about the total and reading and writing balance.

Admissions staff use these scores to compare students from very different backgrounds. A student from India, another from Nigeria, and another from Germany can all show what they can do on the same test.

If you think of the application process like a race, the SAT is the starting line. If you do not reach that line, you cannot run the race at all.

Minimum SAT Requirement vs. Competitive SAT Score

There is a big difference between minimum and competitive scores.

• Minimum SAT score is the lowest score you need so your application can be considered.
• Competitive SAT score is the kind of score that helps you stand out in a very strong group.

For example, if an engineering program requires 1350 total, that is the minimum. Many accepted students may have 1400, 1450, or more. Some sources note that the middle range of admitted SAT scores often sits well above the minimum.

For high-demand programs like Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, or Economics, try to aim at least 50 to 150 points above the minimum, if you can. That extra buffer can help when many students all meet the same basic cutoff.

Of course, strong grades, a solid motivation letter, and proof of good English also play a part once you are above that minimum.

Current Bogazici University SAT Requirements by Program

Boğaziçi uses the SAT in the current 1600-point format. This includes:

• SAT Math section, scored from 200 to 800
• SAT EBRW section, scored from 200 to 800
• SAT total, which is Math + EBRW, scored from 400 to 1600

Based on the latest public data for the 2026 admission cycle, these are the typical minimum SAT scores by program group:

Program Group	Minimum SAT Math (out of 800)	Minimum SAT Total (out of 1600)
Engineering programs	700	1350
Science faculty (Math, MBG, Chemistry, Physics)	700	1300
Education faculty programs	not specified	1200
All other programs (social sciences, business…)	not specified	1300

Always confirm the latest details on the official Boğaziçi application documents page, since scores and rules can change.

Engineering Programs: Highest SAT Math Requirements

Engineering is one of the hardest groups to get into at Boğaziçi. Programs like Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Industrial Engineering are very popular across Turkey and abroad.

For these majors, you usually need at least:

• 700 in SAT Math
• 1350 SAT total (Math + EBRW)

A simple example:
If you score 720 in Math and 640 in EBRW, your total is 1360. This would meet the typical minimum for engineering.

Realistically, many successful engineering applicants try to reach 1450 or higher, especially for Computer Engineering. If you love math, coding, and problem solving, it is smart to push your Math score as high as possible.

If you want deeper background and historical score ranges, you can also check independent guides then compare those with the current official data.

Science Programs: Strong Math Scores Still Required

Science faculty programs also care a lot about math. This group usually includes:

• Mathematics
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Chemistry
• Physics

For these majors, typical minimum SAT scores are:

• 700 in SAT Math
• 1300 SAT total

So, a student with 710 in Math and 600 in EBRW would have 1310 total, which meets this basic threshold.

These programs fit students who like problem solving, lab work, and research projects. While the total cutoff is slightly lower than engineering, the Math bar is the same, so you still need sharp quantitative skills.

Education Programs: SAT Cutoffs for Teaching-Focused Degrees

The Faculty of Education at Boğaziçi trains future teachers and education specialists. Some examples are:

• Guidance and Psychological Counseling
• Foreign Language Education
• Primary or Secondary Education fields

For most education programs, the focus is less on extreme math scores and more on overall academic level and communication skills. Typical SAT expectations are around:

• 1200 SAT total (Math + EBRW)
• No separate stated Math minimum

If you want to teach, the admissions team will look for proof that you can handle academic work in English and that you are serious about working with people. A thoughtful motivation letter and strong high school grades can help support your SAT score.

All Other Programs: Social Sciences, Humanities, and Business

Many popular Boğaziçi degrees sit outside engineering, science, and education. These include:

• Economics and Management
• Political Science and International Relations
• Psychology
• Sociology, History, and Philosophy
• Translation and Interpreting, Western Languages and Literature

For these programs, typical SAT expectations are usually:

• 1300 SAT total
• No separate stated Math minimum, but a balanced profile helps

Because these majors depend heavily on reading, writing, and critical thinking, try to keep your EBRW score strong. For example, 650 Math and 650 EBRW (1300 total) looks more balanced than 750 Math and 550 EBRW, even if the total is the same.

How Long SAT Scores Stay Valid for Boğaziçi Applications

Boğaziçi accepts SAT scores that are usually valid for two years from the test date. This is also explained on the international undergraduate admission page, where they note that official SAT scores must be sent directly using the university code.

A quick example:

• You take the SAT in October 2024.
• Your score can normally be used for applications in 2025 and 2026 admission cycles.
• By 2027, that score may no longer be valid.

If your score is close to the two-year limit, check the current rule for that cycle so you do not get a surprise near the deadline.

How to Send Your SAT Scores and Complete the Application

Once you know your target score and program group, the next step is handling the practical side: sending scores, preparing documents, and tracking fees and deadlines.

Sending Official SAT Scores to Bogazici University (SAT Code 0796)

Boğaziçi does not accept unofficial SAT reports. You must send scores through the College Board system.

Key steps:

1. Log in to your College Board account.
2. Go to the score send section.
3. Search for Boğaziçi University and select it, or enter the SAT code 0796.
4. Choose the test dates you want to send.
5. Submit and pay any score report fee, if needed.

Send your scores at least a few weeks before the application deadline. Systems can be slow, and you do not want your file to be marked “missing scores” just because of a delay.

Other Required Documents and Application Fee

International applicants usually need to upload several documents. According to official lists such as the Students From Abroad documents page, the common items include:

• High school transcript, often with a translation if not in English or Turkish
• Passport copy
• Official SAT report (sent by College Board)
• English test scores, if required
• A motivation letter or short statement of purpose
• Recent photo

There is also an application fee. Public sources talk about fees around 100 euros per program in past cycles, but this amount can change, so always check the exact number and payment method on the current Boğaziçi instructions.

A simple tip: create a folder on your computer with all your scanned files named clearly, for example, “Transcript_English,” “Passport,” “SAT_report,” so you do not rush at the last minute.

English Proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or Other Options

Since Boğaziçi is an English-medium university, most applicants must show English proficiency. On the international admission site, you can see examples of accepted tests and scores, such as:

• TOEFL iBT: common minimum around 79
• IELTS Academic: common minimum around 6.5 overall

Policies can differ by year, and Boğaziçi may accept other exams or certificates as well, so always check the latest list.

Some students may be exempt from external English tests if:

• They studied in an English-medium high school for a certain number of years, or
• They pass Boğaziçi’s own English proficiency exam, if offered in that year.

Even if you are exempt, strong English will help you score higher on SAT EBRW and handle university classes more easily.

How to Reach the SAT Score You Need for Bogazici University

Now comes the real work: earning the score your dream program expects.

You do not need perfect talent. You need a clear target, a simple study plan, and steady practice.

Set a Clear SAT Target Based on Your Desired Program

Start with your program group’s minimum, then add a safety margin.

Example targets:

• Engineering: Minimum 1350, target 1400-1500
• Science: Minimum 1300, target 1350-1450
• Other programs: Minimum 1300, target 1350-1450
• Education: Minimum 1200, target 1250-1350

Write your target on a piece of paper and keep it near your desk. Tell a parent, friend, or counselor what your goal is. When you feel tired, that reminder can pull you back to work.

Study Plan Tips for SAT Math and Reading

A good SAT score comes from habits, not from one long weekend of study. Here is a simple approach:

• Use official practice tests from College Board so you get used to real questions.
• After each test, analyze every mistake. Ask yourself, “Why did I miss this?”
• Keep a notebook of new vocabulary, grammar rules, and math formulas.
• Do short daily reading in English, such as news articles, to build speed and focus.
• Review weak topics. If you always miss algebra questions, spend extra time there.

Progress may feel slow at first, but small steps add up. Even 60 to 90 minutes a day can make a big difference over a few months.

Should You Retake the SAT for a Higher Score?

Many students improve their SAT score the second or third time. They know the format better, feel less nervous, and understand what the test “likes.”

Retaking may be a good idea if:

• You are just below the minimum Boğaziçi requires.
• You meet the minimum but want to move from “borderline” to “strong.”
• Your scores are unbalanced, such as very high Math but low EBRW.

Before you book another test, check:

• Application deadlines for your target year.
• How long SAT scores stay valid.
• Whether your new test date will report scores in time for Boğaziçi.

If the timing works and you still have energy, a retake can be a smart move.

Conclusion

Boğaziçi University is highly selective, so understanding SAT requirements by program group is one of the first steps in building a realistic plan. Engineering and science ask for strong math and high totals, social sciences and business want solid overall scores with strong reading and writing, and education programs sit a bit lower but still expect clear academic strength.

With clear score targets, regular practice, and careful attention to documents and deadlines, Boğaziçi does not have to stay a distant dream. Decide your goal score this week, sketch a simple three-month study plan, and talk with a counselor or mentor about which program group fits both your interests and your current SAT level. Small, steady actions today can open the door to studying on that hill above the Bosphorus in the near future.