More than 80% of U.S. four-year colleges won't require SAT or ACT scores for fall 2026 admissions, according to FairTest. While some highly selective schools have reversed course, hundreds of excellent institutions remain committed to test-optional policies.
The shift back to requiring test scores has been most visible among elite institutions. Several Ivy League schools made announcements in 2024, with Dartmouth, Brown, Harvard, Yale, Cornell, and University of Pennsylvania all reinstating requirements.
Stanford, MIT, Caltech, and Georgetown also now require scores again. Public universities including University of Texas at Austin, Purdue, and entire state systems in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee have followed suit.
For the 2026-2027 admissions cycle, six of the eight Ivy League schools now require standardized tests. Only Columbia and Princeton remain test-optional among the Ivies.
Despite the headlines, many highly ranked institutions continue their test-optional policies:
Ivy League:
Elite Private Colleges:
Top Public Universities:
Liberal Arts Colleges:
Yale University has adopted a unique approach where students must submit test scores, but can choose from SAT, ACT, AP exams, or International Baccalaureate scores.
Just because a school is test-optional doesn't mean you shouldn't submit scores if you have strong ones. Most admissions counselors recommend submitting your SAT or ACT scores if they fall at or above the 50th percentile for admitted students at that school.
When your scores fall below the middle range for a school, leaving them out allows admissions officers to focus on your strengths: GPA, course rigor, essays, extracurricular activities, and recommendations. Test-optional policies give you control over how you present your academic profile.
If you're unsure whether your scores are competitive, working with an experienced counselor can help you make strategic decisions about where and when to submit.
When applying test-optional, other parts of your application become even more important. Your academic transcript matters most. Taking challenging courses and performing well demonstrates your readiness for college-level work better than any single test score.
Personal statements and supplemental essays offer opportunities to share your story, values, and perspective. Strong writing can distinguish your application in a competitive pool.
Depth of involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and meaningful contributions outside the classroom show who you are beyond grades and scores. Letters from teachers who know you well can speak to your intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and character in ways that numbers cannot.
Students who need additional support might consider tutoring or executive function coaching to help develop the organizational and time management skills that make applications stronger.
If you're a junior or younger student still deciding whether to take the SAT or ACT, the answer isn't always clear-cut. While you'll have many test-optional choices, having a strong score gives you more options and can strengthen applications at schools that still value testing.
Consider taking at least one official practice test to see how you perform. If your score is close to the ranges at your target schools, a few months of focused test preparation might bring it into competitive territory. If testing causes significant stress or your strengths lie elsewhere, you can focus your energy on other parts of your application.
College testing policies continue to evolve. What matters most right now is that you understand the specific requirements at each school on your list. Testing policies can vary even between similar institutions, and rules sometimes change between application cycles.
Visit the admissions website for every college you're considering to confirm their current policy. Some schools are test-optional only for certain applicants (like in-state residents or students meeting GPA thresholds). Others require scores for merit scholarships even if they're optional for admission.
Navigating college admissions can feel overwhelming, especially when testing policies keep changing. At LifeWorks, our college essay support helps students craft compelling applications that showcase their authentic strengths.
Get in touch to learn how we can support your college journey.
Are test-optional policies permanent?
Columbia University has announced a permanent test-optional policy. Many other schools have extended their policies through at least fall 2025 or 2027, but some may change requirements in future years.
Do test-optional schools really treat applicants fairly without scores?
Reputable test-optional schools conduct holistic reviews and genuinely evaluate applications without scores. Submitting strong scores can still help your application at most test-optional schools.
Can I get merit scholarships at test-optional schools without submitting scores?
Scholarship policies vary by institution. Some schools require test scores for merit aid consideration even when scores are optional for admission. Check each school's financial aid pages for specific requirements.
Should I explain why I didn't submit test scores?
Most colleges don't expect or want an explanation for choosing the test-optional route. Your application is evaluated based on what you submit, not what you leave out.
Which test-optional schools are easiest to get into?
Selectivity varies widely among test-optional schools. Many of the most competitive colleges in the country, including Columbia, Princeton, and University of Chicago, remain test-optional. Research each school's acceptance rate and admitted student profiles.
Should I take the SAT or ACT if schools are test-optional?
Having a strong score gives you more options and can strengthen applications. If testing doesn't cause significant stress and you have time to prepare, taking at least one test keeps doors open while you apply.
