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Fact check: What were the average SAT scores for the University of Pennsylvania during Trump's attendance?

Checked on August 13, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, none of the sources contain information about the average SAT scores for the University of Pennsylvania during Trump's attendance. The sources focus on various aspects of Trump's relationship with Penn, including mysteries surrounding his academic performance [1], allegations about SAT cheating [2] [3], his athletic activities [4], transparency in higher education admissions [5], and his educational background [6], but they do not provide the specific data requested about average SAT scores during his time there.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal several important pieces of context missing from the original question:

  • Allegations of academic dishonesty: Multiple sources reference claims that Trump may have cheated on his SATs, with one source specifically mentioning that "Trump paid Joe Shapiro to take his SATs for him" [3], and another noting that "Wharton professors demanded a probe into the claim that Trump cheated on the SAT" [2].
  • Lack of transparency in academic records: One source notes that "Trump has not released records detailing his admission process or academic performance" [6], which suggests that obtaining accurate information about his academic credentials remains difficult.
  • Broader mysteries surrounding Trump's Penn experience: The sources indicate there are "various mysteries surrounding Trump's relationship with Penn, including his academic performance, social life, and donations to the school" [1].
  • Trump's later policy positions: Interestingly, one source discusses "President Trump's efforts to ensure transparency in higher education admissions" [5], which creates an ironic contrast with the apparent lack of transparency regarding his own academic records.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation, but it may be misleading in its framing. By asking specifically about "average SAT scores for the University of Pennsylvania during Trump's attendance," the question implies that this information is readily available and relevant. However, the analyses suggest that:

  • The more pertinent issue may be the ongoing questions about Trump's own SAT performance and admission process rather than the university's general admission standards
  • The question sidesteps the allegations of academic dishonesty that appear to be a significant part of the public discourse surrounding Trump's educational background
  • The focus on institutional averages rather than individual performance may deflect attention from the specific controversies surrounding Trump's academic credentials
Want to dive deeper?
What were the average SAT scores for the University of Pennsylvania class of 1968?
How did Donald Trump's SAT scores compare to the national average in the 1960s?
What was the admission process like at the University of Pennsylvania during the 1960s?
Did Donald Trump graduate with honors from the University of Pennsylvania?
How has the University of Pennsylvania's admission criteria changed since Donald Trump's attendance?