Testing Reference
Test policies have shifted significantly since 2020. Some schools have reinstated requirements (MIT, Yale, Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, Caltech, Georgia Tech). Georgetown has always required tests. Most remain test-optional. The UC system is fully test-blind. Here's the complete 2026 picture and how to decide whether to submit.
Schools that REQUIRE SAT or ACT scores for the 2026 cycle. Some have reinstated requirements after a pandemic-era pause.
Reinstated SAT/ACT requirement for fall 2024 admissions and forward. SAT or ACT required.
Reinstated test requirement for fall 2025 admissions (Class of 2030 and forward). SAT or ACT required.
Reinstated test requirement in spring 2024 for fall 2024 admissions and forward. SAT or ACT required.
Reinstated test requirement for fall 2025 admissions (Class of 2030 and forward). SAT or ACT required.
Reinstated test requirement for fall 2025 admissions (Class of 2030 and forward). SAT or ACT required.
Reinstated test requirement for 2025-26 admissions cycle. SAT or ACT required.
Has historically required testing; requires SAT or ACT for 2026 cycle.
Reinstated test requirement for fall 2025 admissions.
Florida public universities require SAT or ACT (state policy).
Both reinstated test requirement for fall 2024 admissions.
Reinstated test requirement. SAT or ACT required for all applicants.
State-mandated test requirement.
Reinstated test requirement.
Require testing for application.
International applicants face stricter testing requirements at most US schools, even at test-optional ones.
Schools that allow you to choose whether to submit scores. They will see your scores if submitted; if not submitted, the rest of your application is reviewed.
Test-optional through 2026 cycle. Strong scores at the upper end of admit range still recommended. Check each school's site for any policy updates.
Test-optional. Strong applicants typically still submit 1500+ SAT or 34+ ACT.
Test-optional. Strong applicants typically submit.
Test-optional for in-state and out-of-state applicants. Strong applicants typically submit if scores are above the median for admits. UT Austin now requires scores.
Permanently test-optional in many cases. Test scores rarely a deciding factor at less-selective schools.
Schools that will NOT see your SAT/ACT scores even if you submit them. The most well-known is the entire University of California system.
Test-blind since 2021. Will not see SAT/ACT scores even if you submit.
Test-blind since 2021.
Test-blind.
Test-blind.
Submit if 1500+ SAT or 34+ ACT. Below 1500/34, consider not submitting unless your score is significantly above the school's median for your demographic context. Submitting a 1450 to schools with 1500-1550 admit ranges generally hurts you.
Submit if 1450+ SAT or 32+ ACT. Below 1450/32, judge per school. Many schools' admits range from 1380-1530; the 25th percentile is often 1380-1420.
Submit if your score is at or above the school's published 25th percentile. Below that, consider not submitting unless you have strong contextual reasons (under-represented background, strong upward trajectory).
Submit if you have a score. The downside is small; the upside is potential merit aid (some merit aid is tied to test scores even at test-optional schools).
Submit if your scores are at or above the school's 50th percentile for admitted students. Don't submit if below the 25th percentile. Between 25th-50th, consider whether the rest of your application compensates. Check each school's Common Data Set Section C9 for score ranges.
MIT, Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, Cornell, Caltech, Georgetown, Purdue, UT Austin, Florida public universities, and Georgia Tech now require test scores. Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Penn, and Columbia remain test-optional. The UC system is test-blind (scores not considered at all). Always check each school's current admissions page.
At genuinely test-optional schools, not submitting scores should not hurt your chances. However, at schools where 75%+ of admitted students submitted scores, not submitting may put you in a smaller, potentially more competitive pool. The decision should be based on whether your scores strengthen or weaken your overall application.
AdmitPath surfaces the school-specific 25th/75th percentile and recommends submit/skip for each of your applications based on your score and context. Free plan included. Pro $19.99/mo.