This site uses cookies to improve your experience. To help us insure we adhere to various privacy regulations, please select your country/region of residence. If you do not select a country, we will assume you are from the United States. Select your Cookie Settings or view our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Cookie Settings
Cookies and similar technologies are used on this website for proper function of the website, for tracking performance analytics and for marketing purposes. We and some of our third-party providers may use cookie data for various purposes. Please review the cookie settings below and choose your preference.
Used for the proper function of the website
Used for monitoring website traffic and interactions
Cookie Settings
Cookies and similar technologies are used on this website for proper function of the website, for tracking performance analytics and for marketing purposes. We and some of our third-party providers may use cookie data for various purposes. Please review the cookie settings below and choose your preference.
Strictly Necessary: Used for the proper function of the website
Performance/Analytics: Used for monitoring website traffic and interactions
Test-optional policies took off during the Covid 19 pandemic, though some institutions, mostly small liberal arts colleges, had adopted these policies in the early 2000s. Recently, some of the most selective colleges in the nation have been reverting to test-required policies. It would not be surprising if others follow suit.
The ACTlike its counterpart, the SAThas long served as a key indicator of academic readiness for college-bound students, despite the growing number of test-optional policies. As we move into the 2025 testing season, a year already marked by significant shifts in higher education , the ACT itself is also undergoing notable changes.
Scores Some students operate with the misconception that a super strong SAT or ACT score can make up for weak grades. Carnegie Mellon is test-optional for Fall 2025 undergraduate applicants, so submitting SAT or ACT results is not required. submitted an ACT score. This doesnt mean that you get a free pass, though.
UChicago is one of the most popular colleges amongst our clients, and its one of the best places to study things like econ, public policy, business, and math. Scores UChicago is test-optional for the 2025-2026 season, but lets be honest nothing in college admissions is ever truly optional.
Scores For the 2025-2026 application cycle, Penn applicants have to submit test scores. This is a new policy. For the past few years, UPenn was test-optional; however, that policy has ended. However, the 50th percentile scores for the SAT were 1540, and for the ACT were 35. These are high scores.
The University of Miami has announced a significant policy update for prospective students. Starting with the Fall 2026 application cycle, undergraduate applicants will once again be required to submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) as part of their application. ENROLL NOW What Does This Mean for College Admissions?
For Fall 2025 applicants, Cornell remains test-optional, giving students the choice to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, this policy will change for Fall 2026 admissions, when standardized test scores will once again be required. Understanding Cornells shifting test policies is crucial for applicants.
2026 55,000 6% 2025 56,333 5.7% A big reason for this surge is the rise of test-optional policies and increased global access to higher education. 2026 47,205 4.4% 2026 7,795 15.6% According to UPenn’s 2023-2024 Common Data Set, the mid-50% SAT range for admitted students is 1500–1570, with the ACT range sitting at 34–35.
Scores Like most universities, the Cornell testing policy has been shifting over the past few years and through the Covid pandemic. Based on the data , strong applicants need to submit an ACT score at or above 35 or an SAT score at or above 1520.
Georgetown is an internationally-leading research and academic university aimed at preparing the next generation of global citizens, with a particular focus on service, policy, and politics. Scores All first-year applicants to Georgetown are required to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.
Students will have the option to take the science portion of the ACT, similar to the optional writing portion. The new ACT will roll out online in spring 2025 and in school in spring 2026. The science section requirement is being removed from the ACT, and the test will be shorter to be more flexible and manageable for students.
For the Class of 2026, 10% of the admitted and enrolled students are legacies. So, all applicants, including legacies, are required to submit standardized test scores, like the SAT or ACT. Or they can submit an ACT of 34 or higher. This has contributed to Dartmouth maintaining their legacy admissions preference.
Scores USC is currently test-optional , and that policy is expected to continue through at least 2026. For reference, admitted USC students usually score 34+ on the ACT and 1500+ on the SAT. But lets be honest: if you have strong scores, you should absolutely submit them.
Until the Class of 2026 admissions cycle, there was information about legacy on the first-year applicants information page on the Penn website. If they choose the ACT , strong applicants submit a score between 34 and 36. As reported in The Daily Pennsylvanian in 2023, Penn Admissions is shaking things up when it comes to legacy.
Scores In 2024, Mich formally adopted a test-optional policy when it comes to submitting standardized test scores. This was a bold move, but it doesnt exempt you from studying for the ACT or SAT. Essays While the Mich essays for the 2025-2026 application cycle will not come out until late summer, we know what they typically require.
The University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, VA, known for their programs in business, political science, public policy, and law. Scores UVA is remaining test optional for the Fall of 2026, but there is no such thing as optional during the college admissions process.
Scores While many of the top-tier schools in the United States have reinstated their pre-COVID policies required SAT or ACT scores for applicants, Columbia has gone against the current. They do not require you to submit an ACT or an SAT score, but that doesnt mean that you are off the hook.
Not only are today’s high school students being affected by frequent changes in colleges’ testing policies (as described in a recent blog post ), they also have another upcoming change to contend with: next year, the ACT will switch to a digital format, in addition to undergoing other alterations.
Acceptance Rates for the Class of 2028 Scores UNC is remaining somewhat test optional for the future: For students applying for the 2025-2026 academic year, students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 scale) are required to submit either an ACT or SAT score. or above (on a 4.0 scale) are not required to submit a test score.
In a major policy change, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) has announced that it will reinstate its standardized testing requirement for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle. Meanwhile, Carleton College has chosen to permanently adopt a test-optional policy following a five-year pilot program.
They say the policy is test flexible, which means AP and IB scores are accepted, but we dont think thats a successful strategy. For the best shot at success, you need to take the SAT or ACT, and you need to aim for the highest score you can get. Theyre expected. Scores Yale now requires test scores from all applicants.
Scores Princeton has not announced whether it is keeping its test-optional policy for the 2025-2026 application cycle. Last year, the 50th percentile among those who submitted scores was 1530 on the SAT or 35 for the ACT. We know it's a lot to ask for, but it's what will make you a strong candidate for a school like Princeton.
While many universities have announced post-pandemic admissions policies that re-instate mandatory standardized test scores, there is still no consensus. ACT Tutoring Hit your target score with our renowned ACT tutors. Test-optional? Test-flexible? Test-blind? Test-neutral? Test-recommended? Test-aware?
Scores The SAT and ACT are important, required, and nearly required to be perfect. If you do not have an SAT Math score over 760 and an SAT ERW score over 740, adding up to a composite at or over 1550, it is very unlikely that you will be accepted unless you pull off an ACT score of a 35 or 36.
Send any updated SAT or ACT test scores, if applicable. Shout out to the University of Miami, which only announced in January 2025 that it would be requiring test scores for applicants to most majors applying this fall (Class of 2026). Request that your guidance office send your first semester grade report.
While more colleges have adopted flexible testing policies, the digital SAT remains a powerful tool for showcasing academic strengths and opening doors to scholarships and admissions opportunities. Some schools are bringing back SAT/ACT requirements, while others are sticking with test-optional or test-flexible approaches. Bottom line?
However, historically, the university admitted 3,843 students for the Class of 2027, 3,873 for the Class of 2026, and 4,453 for the Class of 2025. 2026 34,261 11.3% For the Class of 2028, applications exceeded 34,000, with many students hoping skipping SAT/ACT scores might boost their chances. 2026 29,733 11.1%
2026 51,558 7.2% Test-optional policies introduced during the pandemic broadened the applicant pool, encouraging students who might not have applied otherwise. 2026 47,013 5.6% 2026 4545 24.3% Make sure your application stands out, and take the time to review Northwesterns financial aid policies if costs are a concern.
Johns Hopkins University will reintroduce standardized testing requirements beginning with those seeking admission for the fall 2026 semester to the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences or the Whiting School of Engineering. ACT Tutoring Hit your target score with our renowned ACT tutors.
2026 12,539 6,184 49.3% 2026 100,662 12,539 12.5% NYUs popularity has skyrocketed thanks to its strong reputation, better financial aid options , and test-optional policies. NYU Early Decision policy If you apply to NYU through Early Decision and get accepted, you’re expected to enroll. 2026 8,361 1,712 20.5%
University of Florida Acceptance Rate Trends University of Florida Early Action and Regular Decision Policies How to Get Accepted into University of Florida University of Florida Transfer Acceptance Rate University of Florida Waitlist Acceptance Rate Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways What Is the University of Floridas Acceptance Rate?
More than 59,000 students applied to Penn this cycle, the largest first-year applicant pool in Penn’s history, and over 4,500 more applications than the Class of 2026 and over 3,000 more than the Class of 2025. In January, Penn Admissions announced the extension of the test-optional policy through the 2023-24 admissions cycle.
If another school youre applying early to has restrictions like a single-choice, restrictive, or binding policy, youll need to respect their rules. 2026 14,781 4.7% 2026 19,195 3.3% Test scores MIT requires either the SAT or the ACT , and they dont need the writing sections of either exam. Heres the catch, though.
2026 37,522 5.4% UChicago Early Decision policy Both ED I and ED II are binding. Target test scores UChicago is test-optional , so you dont have to submit SAT or ACT scores. Shooting for a 1560 SAT score (or 35 ACT score) can help your case. Its getting tougher to get in every year. 2027 38,631 4.8% 2025 37,977 6.5%
2026 26,509 12.9% For the Class of 2028, applications soared past 29,943, partly fueled by students hoping that skipping SAT/ACT scores would improve their chances. 2026 16,826 10.4% 2026 9,683 17.3% This means that submitting ACT or SAT scores wont be mandatory when you apply. 2027 28,353 12.4% 2025 23,642 15.1%
At the same time, over 23,000 students take advantage of its 11 academic divisions and popular graduate programs in law, business, and policy. Policies like test-optional admissions during the pandemic made it easier for more students to apply, but the competition is fierce with so few spots available. Submit either SAT or ACT scores.
2026 31,443 8.7% 2027 28,106 7% 2026 28,718 7.7% 2026 2,725 18.8% Rice University Early Decision policy Rice University gives you two Early Decision (ED) options. Target test scores Rice University doesnt have a strict SAT or ACT requirement, but if youre submitting scores, they need to be impressive.
After the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult or impossible for many students to take the ACT and the SAT, the vast majority of American colleges and universities chose to institute temporary (or, in some cases, permanent) test-optional policies. Which colleges will be test-optional for the Class of 2024?
2026 50,060 4.6% 2026 42,772 3.5% Looking at the past decade, the Early Action acceptance rate has gradually dipped, mirroring the rise in applications across the board: Yale Class Total Early Action Applications Early Action Acceptance Rate 2028 7,856 9% 2027 7,744 10% 2026 7,288 11% 2025 7,939 10.5% for the Class of 2019.
After the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult or impossible for many students to take the ACT and the SAT, the vast majority of American colleges and universities chose to institute temporary (or, in some cases, permanent) test-optional policies. Which colleges will be test-optional for the high school Class of 2024 (a.k.a.
According to Forbes , many of these schools did so to help combat the effects of COVID, but as COVID cases have been on a drastic decline schools are standing by this policy for a multitude of reasons. Also, test-optional policies are a way to help students who lack access or affordability to test prep courses and tutors.
2026 56,378 3.7% The Class of 2026 saw a record-breaking 56,378 applications, yet only 3.7% over the past decade, further proving how hard it is to get in: Stanford Class Regular Decision Acceptance Rate 2028 NA 2027 NA 2026 NA 2025 NA 2024 NA 2023 3.4% 2025 55,471 3.9% 2024 45,227 5.2% 2023 47,498 4.3% 2022 47,451 4.4%
Beginning next fall, students can submit SAT or ACT scores, or AP or IB exam results. This announcement comes weeks after Dartmouth College reinstated SAT/ACT requirements. In other words, submitting SAT or ACT scores instead of those from AP or IB exams, or vice versa, doesn't strengthen a student's application.
In spring of 2022 Princeton announced that, for the first time in recent history, they would not be releasing admissions data on the pool of applicants to the Class of 2026. What we know: a total of 1,500 students enrolled in the Class of 2026 – the largest class ever. In 2021-22, however, the policy was reinstated.
We organize all of the trending information in your field so you don't have to. Join 5,000+ users and stay up to date on the latest articles your peers are reading.
You know about us, now we want to get to know you!
Let's personalize your content
Let's get even more personalized
We recognize your account from another site in our network, please click 'Send Email' below to continue with verifying your account and setting a password.
Let's personalize your content