The minimum score required for high school admission in the United States for the 2026 academic year varies significantly depending on the institution. Generally, most public high schools have a minimum score of 70-80% on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, while private schools may require higher scores, often in the range of 85-95%. This range is influenced by factors such as the school's reputation, location, and the competitiveness of its applicant pool. For example, according to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average SAT score for admitted students in 2024 was 1050, while the average ACT score was 21. However, these averages can be significantly higher for selective institutions, with some private schools requiring scores well above the national average. The increasing emphasis on standardized test scores reflects the competitive nature of college admissions and the desire of schools to maintain academic rigor.