This article breaks down the latest changes to SAT/ACT policies, highlights colleges that are Test-Optional or Test-Required, and explains how students can decide whether submitting their scores will strengthen their applications.
According to FairTest, more than 90% of the four-year colleges it tracks do not require SAT/ACT scores for Fall 2026. This includes more than 1,800 Test-Optional colleges and nearly 80 Test-Free institutions. Test-Optional remains the dominant policy overall, but standardized testing is becoming increasingly important at the most selective colleges.
1. What Does Test-Optional Mean?
Before reviewing the latest changes, it helps to understand the three main standardized testing policies used by U.S. colleges. standardized testing
Test-Required
Students must submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. Several colleges have reinstated standardized testing requirements, including Brown, Harvard, Dartmouth, Cornell, and Stanford.
Test-Optional
Students can choose whether to submit SAT/ACT scores. If they do submit scores, the college may consider them as part of the admissions process. However, “Test-Optional” does not mean that every college treats test scores the same way. Some colleges state that students who do not submit scores are not disadvantaged, while others encourage students to submit strong scores. Certain colleges may also have separate testing policies for scholarships or specific programs.
Test-Free / Test-Blind
Colleges do not consider SAT/ACT scores in admissions, even if students submit them. Notable examples include the University of California and California State University systems, which do not use SAT/ACT scores in admissions.
At a Test-Optional college, a strong SAT/ACT score can still strengthen an application. At a Test-Free college, submitting a score will not provide an admissions advantage.
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2. What Is Changing in Test-Optional Policies for 2026–2027?
The Test-Optional movement gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many students struggled to access SAT and ACT testing centers. For many colleges, temporarily dropping testing requirements was a practical response to those circumstances.
After several years of Test-Optional admissions, however, some colleges have begun reassessing the role of standardized tests in the admissions process. Between 2024 and 2026, several highly selective universities reinstated SAT/ACT requirements, including:
- Brown University
- Dartmouth College
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Cornell University
- Stanford University
These changes point to a clear trend: Test-Optional remains widespread across U.S. higher education, but highly selective colleges are increasingly reconsidering the role of SAT/ACT scores in admissions.
3. The Test-Optional Landscape for 2026–2027
U.S. Colleges That Remain Test-Optional for 2026–2027
For students applying during the 2026–2027 admissions cycle, many well-known U.S. universities still allow applicants to decide whether to submit SAT/ACT scores.
However, testing policies can vary significantly from one college to another. Some schools have announced future changes, while others explicitly state that students who do not submit scores will not be disadvantaged.
Schools | Policy for Fall 2027 | Key Details |
Princeton University | Test-Optional | Test-Required starting Fall 2028 |
Duke University | Test-Optional | Not submitting scores will not disadvantage applicants; applies to international students as well |
Northwestern University | Test-Optional | SAT/ACT scores are not required but may be submitted for consideration |
Vanderbilt University | Test-Optional | Fall 2027 and 2028; Test-Required starting Fall 2029 |
University of Chicago | Test-Optional | Has a “No Harm” policy |
University of Notre Dame | Test-Optional | Test-Optional through at least 2026–27 |
University of Michigan | Test-Optional | Applies to the 2027 application cycle |
University of Southern California | Test-Optional | SAT/ACT not required for students entering in the 2027–28 academic year |
The policies above are based on information published by the universities on their official admissions websites.
Duke: Students who do not submit SAT/ACT scores for the 2026–27 cycle will not be disadvantaged. The policy also applies to international students and students seeking merit scholarships.
Northwestern: The university states that students who do not submit SAT/ACT scores will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process. Students who choose to submit scores will still have them considered.
UChicago: The university has a “No Harm” policy, meaning SAT/ACT scores are considered only when they can positively contribute to an applicant’s admissions decision.
Notre Dame: The university remains Test-Optional through at least 2026–27, but encourages students to submit scores from exams such as the SAT, ACT, AP, IB, or AICE if they have them.
Colleges That Were Once Test-Optional but Have Reinstated SAT/ACT Requirements
Aralia’s earlier article focused on the return of SAT/ACT requirements in 2024–2025; the list has grown considerably by 2026.
University | Current Policy | Effective From |
Brown University | Test-Required | Fall 2024 |
Dartmouth College | Test-Required | Fall 2025 |
Harvard University | Test-Required | Fall 2025 |
Yale University | Test-Required | Fall 2025 |
University of Pennsylvania | Test-Required | Fall 2025 |
Georgetown University | Test-Required | Fall 2025 |
Caltech | Test-Required | Fall 2025 |
Cornell University | Test-Required | Fall 2026 |
Stanford University | Test-Required | Fall 2026 |
Brown confirmed that it reinstated its SAT/ACT requirement beginning with the 2024–25 admissions cycle. Dartmouth reinstated testing for the Class of 2029, while Cornell requires SAT/ACT scores for first-year applicants beginning in Fall 2026. Harvard also requires SAT/ACT scores, with limited exceptions for students who cannot access the exams.
Colleges That Remain Test-Optional but Have Announced When They Will Become Test-Required
Princeton University
Princeton remains Test-Optional for first-year and transfer applicants seeking to enroll in Fall 2027.
However, beginning with the 2027–28 admissions cycle, corresponding to students entering in Fall 2028, Princeton will require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. Princeton’s standardized testing policy
Princeton said the decision followed a review of five years of data under its test-optional policy. The university found that students who submitted test scores tended to perform better academically at Princeton, and that standardized tests can provide additional insight into a student’s potential for academic success.
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt will remain Test-Optional for students entering in Fall 2027 and Fall 2028, but will require SAT/ACT scores beginning with the Fall 2029 admissions cycle. The university said the decision followed a comprehensive review of its Test-Optional policy and concluded that standardized test scores can provide useful insight into students’ academic potential.
More colleges currently operating under Test-Optional policies may also revise their requirements in the coming years. Students should always check each college’s official admissions website for the policy in effect during their application cycle and plan their testing strategy accordingly.
4. Does Test-Optional Mean Students Don’t Need to Take the SAT/ACT?
One of the most common misconceptions about Test-Optional policies is that students no longer need to take the SAT or ACT. In reality, Test-Optional simply means that students can choose whether to submit their scores. It does not mean that standardized tests have no value. Before deciding whether to take the SAT or ACT, students should consider three key questions:
Does the college actually have a Test-Optional policy for your application cycle?
Some colleges are currently Test-Optional but have already announced plans to reinstate testing requirements in future years. If students wait until a policy change takes effect, they may have little time to prepare for the SAT or ACT. Always check the policy for the specific year you plan to apply.
Will the college consider your scores if you submit them?
At many Test-Optional colleges, SAT/ACT scores are still considered if students choose to submit them. For example, Duke allows students to decide whether to have their SAT/ACT scores considered, while Northwestern will review scores submitted by applicants. If you have strong test scores, choosing not to submit them simply because a college is Test-Optional may not always be the best strategy.
Does the Test-Optional policy apply to scholarships and international students?
Testing policies can also vary depending on the applicant. Some colleges, such as Duke, apply their Test-Optional policy to international students and students seeking merit scholarships, while others may have different requirements.
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5. When Should Students Submit SAT/ACT Scores to Test-Optional Colleges?
There is no one-size-fits-all rule for deciding whether to submit SAT/ACT scores. However, students can use a simple three-step process to make a more informed decision.
Step 1: Check Each College’s Testing Policy
For every college on your list, determine:
- Is the college Test-Required, Test-Optional, or Test-Free?
- Which policy applies to your specific application cycle?
- Has the college announced plans to change its policy?
- Does the policy apply to international students?
- Are there separate requirements for certain majors or programs?
This should be the first step before deciding whether to submit your scores.
Step 2: Compare Your SAT/ACT Scores With the College’s Data
If a college is Test-Optional, compare your scores with the academic profile of recently admitted students. Useful data points include:
- SAT middle 50% range
- ACT middle 50% range
- 25th percentile
- 50th percentile
- 75th percentile
- Percentage of students who submitted SAT/ACT scores
- The college’s latest Common Data Set
For example, if your SAT score falls within the college’s middle 50% range, particularly if it is at or above the 75th percentile, that suggests your score is relatively strong compared with other admitted students and may be worth submitting.
On the other hand, if your SAT score falls significantly below the typical range for admitted students and the college remains Test-Optional, you may want to consider applying without submitting your score.
Step 3: Consider the Role of SAT/ACT Scores in the Overall Application
Ask yourself: If the SAT/ACT score were removed from the application, would the admissions committee still have enough evidence to assess the student’s academic ability?
Beyond standardized test scores, colleges may consider a wide range of factors when evaluating academic strength, including GPA, course rigor, AP, IB, A-Level, or other advanced coursework, academic achievements, research experience, academic competitions, academic projects, essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and other accomplishments that demonstrate academic potential.
If an application already provides strong, consistent evidence of academic ability, students may have more flexibility when deciding whether to submit SAT/ACT scores. On the other hand, a strong test score can provide an additional objective measure of academic ability and make an already solid application even more compelling.
When Should Students Consider Submitting Their Scores?
Students may want to submit SAT/ACT scores if:
- Their score falls within or above the college’s middle 50% range.
- The score is one of the strongest academic components of their application.
- The score demonstrates academic ability that is not fully reflected in their high school transcript.
- They are applying to a highly competitive program.
- They want to keep more options open across their college list.
- The college or program has scholarship policies that consider standardized test scores.
When Might It Make Sense Not to Submit?
Students may consider not submitting their scores if:
- Their score is significantly below the college’s typical range.
- The score does not add meaningful value to their application.
- The college explicitly states that students who do not submit scores will not be disadvantaged.
- Other parts of the application already provide strong evidence of their academic ability.
Most importantly, the decision can vary from one college to another. A student may choose to submit an SAT score to College A but not College B if the schools have different testing policies or if the score fits differently into the overall application strategy.
6. Are Test-Optional Colleges Easier to Get Into?
Test-optional simply means SAT/ACT scores are not required for the application. It does not mean that a college has lower admissions standards or is less competitive. At highly selective universities, admissions committees still evaluate applicants holistically, considering factors such as academic performance, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and other aspects of the application. In some cases, Test-Optional policies may even attract more applicants, increasing competition and potentially making admission more difficult. Students should therefore not assume a Test-Optional college is easier to get into.
7. A List of Test-Optional Colleges for 2026–2027
Below is a reference list of 50 colleges that are commonly considered Test-Optional or do not require SAT/ACT scores for most applicants for the 2026–2027 admissions cycle. Policies can vary by applicant type, program, or admissions year, so students should always check each college’s official admissions website before applying.
University | US News National University Ranking |
Princeton University | #1 |
University of Chicago | #6 |
Duke University | #7 |
Northwestern University | #7 |
Columbia University | #15 |
Rice University | #17 |
Vanderbilt University | #17 |
University of Notre Dame | #20 |
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor | #20 |
Washington University in St. Louis | #20 |
Emory University | #24 |
University of Virginia | #26 |
University of Southern California | #28 |
New York University | #32 |
Boston College | #36 |
Tufts University | #36 |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | #36 |
University of Wisconsin–Madison | #36 |
Boston University | #42 |
University of Maryland–College Park | #42 |
University of Washington | #42 |
Northeastern University | #46 |
University of Rochester | #46 |
Lehigh University | #46 |
Purdue University | #46 |
Wake Forest University | #51 |
Tulane University | #65 |
University of Miami | #64 |
University of Massachusetts Amherst | #64 |
University of Connecticut | #69 |
University of Pittsburgh | #70 |
Syracuse University | #69 |
American University | #91 |
University of Richmond | #72 |
Villanova University | #67 |
Case Western Reserve University | #91 |
Brandeis University | #69 |
Santa Clara University | #96 |
Rochester Institute of Technology | #98 |
Fordham University | #91 |
University of San Francisco | #109 |
Drexel University | #80 |
Stevens Institute of Technology | #80 |
Loyola Marymount University | #91 |
Pepperdine University | #84 |
University of Denver | #105 |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute | #86 |
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | #70 |
Tulane University | #65 |
University of Oregon | #98 |
Note: The table above should be used as a starting point, not as a substitute for checking each college’s official website. Some colleges listed as Test-Optional in older sources have since changed their policies, while others may have different requirements depending on the school, program, or applicant type.
Test-Optional should not be interpreted as meaning that SAT/ACT scores no longer matter. Instead, it gives students another strategic option when building their college applications. As U.S. colleges continue to adjust their testing policies, preparing for the SAT/ACT early can help students keep more options open throughout the college admissions process.
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