Are the SAT and ACT Still Required?

Quick Highlights:

The COVID-19 pandemic led many colleges and universities to drop the SAT and ACT requirements due to the closure of in-person testing sites.
This change was initially for the 2021-2022 academic year but has continued. Many schools, including state universities and Ivy League institutions, have made these tests optional for future admissions.
There is a growing movement against the use of standardized tests in college admissions.
Despite the shift away from standardized tests, some schools, such as Yale and Dartmouth, have reinstated SAT and ACT requirements.
For schools that have dropped standardized test requirements, alternative factors are being considered in the admissions process. These include high school grades, essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities.

The SAT and ACT have been a standard in college admissions for decades. However, in recent years, the usefulness of these tests has been questioned. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools have dropped the test requirement, but it’s not just the pandemic that has contributed to the decline of these tests.

Test-Optional vs. Test-Blind: What is the difference? The primary difference lies in how much control the student has over their scores. In Test-Optional admissions, students decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores; if submitted, they are considered as part of a holistic review. In Test-Blind (or “test-free”) admissions, the college will not look at scores even if they are sent. While many schools remain test-optional to increase equity, a “Test-Required” trend is returning among elite institutions to better predict academic success in rigorous STEM and quantitative majors.

Policy Type	Definition	Should You Submit Scores?
Test-Required	Scores are mandatory for a complete application.	Yes, it is a requirement for review.
Test-Optional	Scores are considered if provided but not required.	Yes, if your score is at or above the school’s 50th percentile.
Test-Blind	Scores are never reviewed, even if submitted.	No, it will not impact the decision.
Test-Flexible	Other markers (AP scores, IB) can replace SAT/ACT.	Yes, if those alternative scores are high.

What Are the SAT and ACT?

The SAT and ACT are the most used standardized tests in college admissions. The SAT measures a student’s critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing skills. The test consists of a reading section, a writing and language section, and a math section. The SAT also includes an optional essay section. The test is scored on a scale of 400-1600, with a higher score indicating a higher level of academic ability.

The ACT, on the other hand, is designed to measure a student’s knowledge of high school subjects. The test consists of four sections: English, math, reading, and science. The ACT also includes an optional writing section. The test is scored on a scale of 1-36, with a higher score indicating a higher level of academic ability. While the format and content of the two tests differ, they are both used by colleges and universities to evaluate a student’s academic readiness for college-level work.

Admissions Insider Note: “In 2026, the ‘Hidden Test Requirement’ is real. While a university might be test-optional for General Studies, specific competitive majors—like Nursing, Engineering, or BS/MD programs—often still require standardized scores for placement. Always check the specific department requirements, not just the general university admissions page.”

Pro Tip (The 50th Percentile Rule): “If you are applying to a test-optional school, use the Common Data Set to find their ‘Middle 50%’ score range. If your score falls in the top half of that range, submit it. It serves as an ‘academic insurance policy’ that validates your GPA, especially if you attend a high school known for grade inflation.”

Admissions Insider Note: “Do not mistake ‘Test-Optional’ for ‘Test-Ignored.’ If you don’t submit a score, the admissions committee will put significantly more weight on your transcript rigor and your personal statement. You are essentially shifting 25% of your ‘application power’ onto your essays and recommendations.”

Related:

The Pandemic and Dropping Test Requirements:

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on college admissions. Many students needed help to take the SAT and ACTs with in-person testing sites closed. As a result, many colleges and universities have dropped the test requirement for the 2021-2022 academic year. Many state schools, such as Penn State and Oregon State University, and even Ivy League schools like Harvard and Columbia, have made the test requirement optional for future admissions. It is estimated that over 1900 colleges and universities have made the SAT and ACT optional.

However, the pandemic is not the only reason schools drop the test requirement. Over the past few years, a growing movement has been to eliminate standardized tests from admissions.

Factors Contributing to Dropping the Tests:

One of the main arguments against standardized tests is that they are biased against certain groups of students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Studies have shown that these tests favor students from wealthier families with access to expensive test preparation resources.

Another argument against standardized tests is that they only measure a student’s ability to take tests rather than their actual knowledge or potential for success in college. Some educators argue that high school grades and other factors, such as essays and extracurricular activities, are better indicators of a student’s potential for success in college.

Bringing Back the Tests:

Despite the arguments against standardized tests, some schools still require them for admission. Many of these schools argue that the tests are still essential in the admissions process and provide a standardized measure of a student’s academic ability. Recently, Yale and Dartmouth have brought back SAT and ACT requirements.

Some schools are bringing back the test requirement because they believe it will help them attract more academically talented students. By requiring the SAT or ACT, these schools hope to attract students who score well on these tests and, therefore, are more likely to succeed academically.

Another reason some schools are bringing back the test requirement is because they believe it will help them maintain their academic standards. These schools argue that requiring the SAT or ACT can ensure that their incoming students meet a certain level of academic ability.

Alternatives to Standardized Tests:

For schools that have dropped the test requirement, there are other factors that they are considering in the admissions process. These factors include high school grades, essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities.

Some schools consider alternative tests, such as the SAT Subject Tests or AP exams. These tests measure a student’s knowledge of a subject area rather than their overall academic ability.

Schools Requiring Standardized Tests

Some schools requiring ACTs or SATs include:

Georgetown University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Purdue University
United States Military Academies (Air Force Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, Military Academy, Naval Academy)
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Tennessee

Schools Not Requiring Standardized Tests

Cornell University (test-optional extended through 2025)
Princeton University (test-optional extended through 2025)
University of Chicago (test-optional permanently)
Johns Hopkins University (test-optional until 2026)
University of California System (all campuses test-blind through 2025)
Stanford University (test-optional)
University of Arizona
University of California, Berkeley
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Conclusion:

The debate over standardized tests in college admissions is far from over. While some schools are dropping the test requirement, others are returning it. Ultimately, each school must decide what factors are most important in the admissions process. However, one thing is clear: the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift from standardized tests and forced schools to consider new and innovative ways to evaluate potential students.

The SAT and ACT: Are they still needed?