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Starting with the Fall 2026 application cycle, undergraduate applicants will once again be required to submit standardizedtest scores (SAT or ACT) as part of their application. This marks a shift from the test-optional policy adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Johns Hopkins University will reintroduce standardizedtesting 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. Most recently, Stanford University announced it would once again require students to submit test scores.
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. Its important for prospective students to understand how these updates may impact both their testing strategies and college applications.
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.
Test-flexible? Test-blind? Test-neutral? Test-recommended? Test-aware? While many universities have announced post-pandemic admissions policies that re-instate mandatory standardizedtest scores, there is still no consensus. ACT Tutoring Hit your target score with our renowned ACT tutors.
Cornell University is test-optional, but not for long. 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 standardizedtest scores will once again be required.
Students will have the option to take the science portion of the ACT, similar to the optional writing portion. The math, reading, and English core test will be reduced from three hours to two hours to curb test-taking fatigue. The new ACT will roll out online in spring 2025 and in school in spring 2026.
Scores All first-year applicants to Georgetown are required to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. The bar is extremely high for standardizedtest scores. For the ACT, applicants should strive for a composite score of 33 or higher. To achieve top scores, you need to prepare.
In the ever-evolving landscape of college admissions, the ACT has made bold moves to redefine its role and stay ahead of the competition, particularly the Digital SAT. New changes announced to the ACT will not only make it more popular but could also challenge the dominance of the Digital SAT. Here’s why.
2026 56,378 3.7% Standardizedtest scores (optional). Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional for the 202425 cycle. ACT or SAT scores (optional). Does Stanford prefer SAT over ACT? Stanford does not prefer the SAT over the ACT. They accept both, but standardizedtest scores are optional.
Even if you do super impressive things and have strong standardizedtest scores, you need the grades. Scores In 2024, Mich formally adopted a test-optional policy when it comes to submitting standardizedtest scores. This was a bold move, but it doesnt exempt you from studying for the ACT or SAT.
The landscape of college admissions continues to shift as universities re-evaluate the role of standardizedtesting in the application process. In a major policy change, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) has announced that it will reinstate its standardizedtesting requirement for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle.
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.
Scores While building a high school transcript takes, well, all of high school, standardizedtests can be tackled on a shorter timescale. The SAT or ACT is required for consideration for admission. For the ACT, too, strong applicants score a 35 or 36 on each section. 74% had a GPA of 4.0
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. Yale reinstated standardizedtesting (along with a few other Ivies) because the data is clear: strong test scores are one of the best predictors of college success.
Scores Princeton has not announced whether it is keeping its test-optional policy for the 2025-2026 application cycle. Last year, 77% of admitted students submitted standardizedtest scores, even though they were optional. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that you meet Princetons standards.
Cornell will reintroduce standardizedtesting requirements for undergraduate admissions starting in fall 2026, based on findings from a university Task Force on StandardizedTesting in Admissions and pressure from peer institutions.
Many of the schools that have reinstated testing requirements cite research from the Opportunity Insights group, which indicates SAT and ACT scores are the single best predictor of college success. Colleges also may act in response to a Dear Colleague letter sent by the U.S. It would not be surprising if others follow suit.
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.
The ACT is undergoing major changes. Earlier this week, the CEO of ACT, Janet Goodwin, announced plans to adapt the test to better meet the needs of students and educators, namely through increased flexibility and a shorter test. The core ACT, which includes English, reading, and math, will be just two hours.
This composite is higher than either individual test score, strengthening your overall application. Other standardizedtesting policies at Stanford Beginning with the 20252026 application cycle, Stanford will reinstate its standardizedtesting requirement. Is Stanford test-optional?
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% Applications have surged, especially since the university went test-optional during the pandemic. 2026 29,733 11.1% 2026 4,528 12.5% 2027 33,707 11.4%
Considered These factors dont hold the same weight as the more important ones, but they still play a role in rounding out your application: Standardizedtest scores. SAT or ACT scores provide a picture of your academic abilities and help the admissions team see if youre academically prepared for Cornell. rate for RD applicants.
Ivy League schools testing policies If youre applying to Ivy League schools , youve probably noticed things are getting a little more complicated regarding standardizedtests. Some schools are bringing back SAT/ACT requirements, while others are sticking with test-optional or test-flexible approaches.
In recent times, standardizedtesting policies for Ivy League universities have undergone significant changes, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and growing concerns about equity in college admissions. If you excel in standardizedtesting, you have the option to showcase your strength through these scores.
2026 12,539 6,184 49.3% 2026 100,662 12,539 12.5% Target test scores Even though NYU is test-optional, strong SAT or ACT scores can still give your application an extra edge. 2026 8,361 1,712 20.5% Standardizedtests (optional). SAT/ACT scores are optional for this application cycle.
2026 110,189 42% 2025 105,850 49.4% No need to worry about test scores and recommendation letters! Good news: unlike many other schools, UC Davis doesnt require SAT/ACT scores or recommendation letters as part of your application. 2027 109,350 41.9% 2024 78,100 38.9%
And for the Class of 2026, Princeton’s legacy acceptance rate stood at 10%. With no legacy, MITs admissions process takes a holistic approach and evaluates applicants beyond just their test scores and academic achievements. Standardizedtest scores. Submit either SAT or ACT scores to demonstrate academic readiness.
2026 37,522 5.4% Target test scores UChicago is test-optional , so you dont have to submit SAT or ACT scores. Not sure which test to take? And remember, test scores are just one part of your application. Shooting for a 1560 SAT score (or 35 ACT score) can help your case. 2027 38,631 4.8%
These universities recognize that standardizedtests alone do not fully represent a student’s abilities, talents, and/or potential. Also, test-optional policies are a way to help students who lack access or affordability to test prep courses and tutors. Test-optional policies differ from institution to institution.
For Wesleyan, we advise using one phrase as your umbrella as you plan your summer: think global, act local. Wesleyan cares a lot about individual achievement and promise, but something they dont care a ton about are standardizedtests. That said, most successful applicants to Wesleyan do submit standardizedtest scores.
2026 26,509 12.9% The number of applicants has skyrocketed, especially since Notre Dame went test-optional during the pandemic. The number of applicants has skyrocketed, especially since Notre Dame went test-optional during the pandemic. 2026 16,826 10.4% 2026 9,683 17.3% 2027 28,353 12.4% 2025 23,642 15.1%
For the Class of 2026, 10% of the admitted and enrolled students are legacies. Class Rank of the Class of 2028 Scores: Like most colleges and universities, Dartmouth suspended mandatory submission of standardizedtest scores as a part of the application process during the Covid pandemic.
2026 15,054 6,612 43.9% The year before that, the Class of 2026 had a slightly higher rate at 43.9%, with 15,054 accepted and 6,612 enrolling. Class Total Applications Total Accepted Acceptance Rate 2028 TBA TBA TBA 2027 65,375 15,707 24% 2026 64,473 15,054 23.3% for the Class of 2026 and 24.0% 2026 5,326 2,364 44.4%
Unlike the ACT or SAT which can be easily retaken, AP exams are offered just once a year, making the annual test dates especially important. For a breakdown of this years schedule (which runs May 5 th through May 16 th ) and changes, see our recent blog 2025 AP Exam Schedule: Digital Expansion and Content Changes.
2026 31,443 8.7% 2027 28,106 7% 2026 28,718 7.7% 2026 2,725 18.8% Target test scores Rice University doesnt have a strict SAT or ACT requirement, but if youre submitting scores, they need to be impressive. For the ACT, a composite score of 35 or above will keep you competitive. 2027 31,059 7.9%
Standardizedtest scores. Submit either SAT or ACT scores. or higher SAT – 1580 or higher ACT – 36 If you want to know more about how to get into Harvard, check out our blog here. Depending on your program, you’ll also need to take standardizedtests like the GRE, SAT, ACT, or GMAT.
2026 14,781 4.7% The number of people applying Early Action to MIT changes a bit every year, like how the Class of 2026 saw a record-high number of applications, but its dipped slightly since then. 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.
2026 51,558 7.2% 2026 47,013 5.6% 2026 4545 24.3% Target test scores Northwestern remains test-optional for the Class of 2029, meaning you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application. 2027 52,233 7.2% 2025 47,636 7% 2024 39,263 9.3% 2023 40,585 9.1% 2022 37,259 9.2% 2021 35,100 9.2%
The Class of 2027 also demonstrates exceptional aptitude in standardizedtests. The average SAT score is 1500, and the average ACT Composite score is 34. Dartmouth College received 25,703 applications for the Class of 2026. This shows their outstanding academic performance and dedication to their studies.
HARVARD REVERSES COURSE ON TESTING REQUIREMENT Despite Harvard’s previous commitment to remaining test-optional through the Class of 2030, the college announced on April 11 it would require students applying for fall 2025 admission to submit either an SAT or ACT score. in the Class of 2026. in the Class of 2027 and 12.6%
Standardizedtesting, including the ACT, plays a significant role in the college application process. This article breaks down the requirements and expectations for UNC ACT scores. What is the average ACT score at UNC? UNC’s average composite ACT score is a strong 32 out of the maximum possible 36 points.
See highlights from Georgetown’s official announcement below: Georgetown University accepted 13% of applicants for the undergraduate Class of 2027, a one percentage point increase from the Class of 2026. On the ACT, admitted students in the 25th through 75th percentile scored in the 32 to 35 range.
In this article, we will explore how these expectations extend to Vanderbilt’s ACT scores and requirements. What is the average ACT score at Vanderbilt University? As expected from a prestigious institution, Vanderbilt’s ACT scores are highly competitive. What is the average ACT English score at Vanderbilt?
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