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This means it’s an important time for members of the high school Class of 2026 – especially those who want to run the gauntlet this admissions cycle – to be aware of the the five colleges with the most grueling standardizedtest requirements for first-year admission. Why Grueling: Caltech’s low acceptance rate (3.1%
However, based on what data they have released for both the Class of 2028 and the Class of 2027, the acceptance rate is less 4%. of the admitted first-years for the Stanford Class of 2027 were reported to have a legacy or donor tie. Stanford is, once again, requiring standardizedtests as part of the application process.
2027 39,644 4.5% But the real trick to beating the Princeton acceptance rate is nailing those high standards and showing off a well-rounded profile. Let’s break down what you need to focus on to boost your chances: Target GPA For the Class of 2027 , the average admitted GPA was a stellar 3.94 2026 38,019 5.7% 2025 37,601 4.4%
2027 38,631 4.8% This bump is pretty standard for binding admissions plans since they tend to draw applicants who are both highly qualified and fully committed. 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.
The idea that legacy students are held to the same standard should be a given we see this at most other top colleges but its not because Vanderbilt believes in creating a more equitable process. Scores Vanderbilt is remaining test optional through 2027 , but that does not mean you shouldnt submit. So, if you want to stand out?
Brown is interesting because in 2023, they decided to form a committee to determine if they should make changes to Early Decision, testingpolicies, and legacy admissions. In the post, Brown states that the Class of 2027 is made up of 8% legacy students, and we know that there are right around 1700 students in the Class of 2027.
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. Standardizedtest scores.
2027 13,136 412 3.1% Test-optional policies. The pandemic-era test-optional policies opened the door to more applicants, but with Caltech reinstating its testing requirements , the competition remains fierce. It operates under a Restrictive Early Action (REA) policy. 2026 16,626 448 2.7%
For the Class of 2027, 2,111 out of 3,801 admitted students said, Im in, giving Northwestern a yield rate of 55.5%. 2027 52,233 7.2% Test-optional policies introduced during the pandemic broadened the applicant pool, encouraging students who might not have applied otherwise. 2027 47,212 5.6% 2027 5021 22.1%
For the Class of 2027, UF got over 65,300 applications but only let in about 24%. From acceptance rates and GPA expectations to test scores, deadlines, and insider tips on what admissions teams really look forweve got you covered. For the Class of 2027 , UF accepted 15,707 students, and 6,762 of them actually enrolledthats a 43.1%
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.
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. For instance, for the Class of 2027, the ED acceptance rate was 13.6%, while the RD acceptance rate was 11.1%. 2027 33,707 11.4% This was Carnegie Mellon’s highest yield so far.
2027 31,059 7.9% 2027 28,106 7% 2026 28,718 7.7% 2027 2,953 16.5% Rice University Early Decision policy Rice University gives you two Early Decision (ED) options. While Rice is test-optional, strong scores can help your application stand out and show that youre ready for the schools challenging academics.
Strong standardizedtest scores are a great way to spotlight focus and dedication. For the Class of 2028 and Class of 2027, strong test scores were a 1500 or above on the SAT or a 34 or above on the ACT. However, that doesnt mean that legacy applicants should stop studying or skip sending scores in.
2027 28,353 12.4% 2027 17,190 10.5% Lets break Notre Dames REA acceptance rate down with some numbers: Notre Dame Class Total Early Action Applications Early Action Acceptance Rate 2028 11,498 15% 2027 11,163 15.2% This policy also applies to both first-year and transfer applicants. Just a few years ago, it was above 15%.
Class of 2027 17.9% Standardizedtest scores (optional). The University of Michigan is test-optional. Can I get into the University of Michigan with low test scores? Is the University of Michigan test-optional? But if testing isnt your strength, leaving them out wont hurt your chances.
2027 10,693 5,802 54.3% 2027 113,578 10,693 9.4% 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 12,539 6,184 49.3%
Class of 2027 11.7% While the rate bounced up slightly for 2027, its now at its lowest point in years at 11%. Standardizedtest scores. UC Berkeley is test-free, meaning SAT and ACT scores are not considered in the application review process. UC Berkeley follows a test-free policy. Class of 2026 11.4%
Class of 2027 9.4% Standardizedtest scores (optional). NYU is test-optional , meaning you can decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you think your SAT score could be improved, retaking the test might be a good option to maximize your chances. If standardizedtests arent your strength, dont worry.
Class of 2027 7.7% Standardizedtest scores (optional). Rice University has a test-optional policy, but if you do submit, aim for competitive scores. Rice University has a test-optional policy , so submitting SAT or ACT scores is completely up to you. And if standardizedtests arent your thing?
If another school youre applying early to has restrictions like a single-choice, restrictive, or binding policy, youll need to respect their rules. 2027 11,924 5.7% 2027 14,990 3.8% Test scores MIT requires either the SAT or the ACT , and they dont need the writing sections of either exam. Heres the catch, though.
Class of 2027 10.8% Standardizedtest scores (optional). Boston University is test-optional , so SAT and ACT scores are not required. If your SAT scores are close but not where you want them, consider retaking the test to improve your chances. That said, if standardizedtests arent your strength, dont stress.
With the launch of the digital SAT in March 2024 and the more recent updates to the ACT in April 2025 (both of which introduced significant changes to test formats) the standardizedtesting landscape is more uncertain than ever. Colleges that are “test optional” in policy are often “test preferred” in practice.
2027 14,500 2,479 17.1% It rebounded a bit for the Class of 2027 at 17.1% 2027 13,377 2,029 15.2% Things improved slightly for the Class of 2027, with a 15.2% 2027 1,123 450 40.1% Since then, the numbers have dipped a bit, with the Class of 2026 at 40.5%, Class of 2027 at 40.1%, and Class of 2028 at 38.3%.
Class of 2027 13.1% Standardizedtest scores (optional). Harvey Mudd is test-optional for students applying through Fall 2026. With Harvey Mudds test-optional policy, sending in scores is completely up to you. If standardizedtests arent your strong suit, dont sweat it. Class of 2028 12.7%
for the Class of 2027 and 5.0% 2027 51,302 5.1% This trend mirrors whats happening at other elite schools, where test-optional policies and holistic admissions reviews have fueled an application surge. 2027 44,532 3.9% 2027 6,770 13% 2026 6,146 14.6% for the Class of 2026. Early Decision 6,244 898 14.4%
The number of early applications received fell by over 1,000, likely due to the announcement last year that Brown would once again require applicants to submit standardizedtest scores. This surge is likely on account of a brand new need-blind review policy for international students. Try Application Boot Camp.
Class of 2026 7% Class of 2027 6.8% Standardizedtest scores (optional). Pomona is test-optional , so you dont have to submit SAT or ACT scores. If standardizedtesting is not your strong suit, you can absolutely stand out in other areas. Pomona does not favor one test over the other. Class of 2025 6.6%
Class of 2027 13% Class of 2028 12% The acceptance rates show a steady trend that reflects Georgetowns consistent selectivity. Standardizedtest scores. Unlike test-optional schools , Georgetown requires either the SAT or ACT. Its recognized for programs in international relations, law, business, and public policy.
Class of 2027 5.6% Standardizedtest scores (optional). Northeastern is test-optional , so SAT and ACT scores are not required. If standardizedtesting is not your strong suit, you can absolutely stand out in other areas. Northeastern does not favor one test over the other. Class of 2025 18.4%
Class of 2027 13.9% Standardizedtest scores (optional). Wellesley is test-optional , so submitting SAT or ACT scores is up to you. If standardizedtesting is not your strongest area, you can still stand out in other ways. Can I get into Wellesley with low test scores? Is Wellesley test-optional?
Class of 2027 8.7% UCLA SAT and ACT Scores UCLA follows a test-blind admissions policy , meaning SAT and ACT scores are not considered for admission or scholarships. Even if you submit your test scores, they will not be factored into the admissions decision. Take a look: UCLA Class Acceptance Rate Class of 2024 14.3%
For the class entering in the fall of 2023, or the Class of 2027, Columbia received 5,733 applications in the Early Decision round. 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.
Class of 2027 6.9% Standardizedtest scores (optional). Swarthmore has a test-optional policy , meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. With Swarthmores test-optional policy, sending scores is entirely up to you. This could work to your advantage if youve tested more than once.
Class of 2027 6.3% Standardizedtest scores (optional). Vanderbilt is test-optional , but strong scores can add a little sparkle to your application. With Vanderbilts test-optional policy, sending scores is completely up to you. Class of 2025 7.1% Class of 2026 6.7% Class of 2028 5.1% See the downward trend?
Class of 2027 9.5% Standardizedtest scores (optional). Tufts is test-optional, so submitting SAT or ACT scores is completely up to you. Since Tufts follows a test-optional policy, submitting scores is completely up to you. Nope, Tufts doesnt require the SAT or ACTits test-optional! Class of 2026 9.7%
Class of 2027 7.2% Standardizedtest scores (optional). Thanks to their test-optional policy, submitting SAT or ACT scores is up to you. Strong test scores arent required, but theyre definitely a great way to show youre ready to crush it at Northwestern. Class of 2025 7% Class of 2026 7.2% Class of 2028 7.6%
Class of 2027 11.1% Standardizedtest scores (optional). Claremont McKenna is test-optional , meaning you dont have to submit SAT or ACT scores. If standardizedtesting is not your strongest area, other parts of your application can still make a big impact. Is Claremont McKenna test-optional?
Over the years, the school has made real contributions in medicine, public policy, and environmental work. Requirements and Eligibility Dartmouth UPenn Application Platforms Common Application only Common App and Coalition Application StandardizedTests No longer test-optional for the Class of 2029.
. <a href="[link] alumni</a> include big names like Kofi Annan, Amar Bose, and Drew Houston, leaders and inventors who’ve left their mark on everything from global policy to the tech you use every day.</p> Carnegie Mellon also requires test scores, with slightly wider averages: SAT 1500–1560, and ACT 34–35.
Here’s just a sampling of what we’ve seen so far: Colby College admitted just 6% of applicants to the Class of 2027, down one point from last year’s record-low admit rate. The number of applicants for the Class of 2027 is up by nearly 50 percent compared to the pool of students who applied to the Class of 2024.
As of this morning, Brown is the third Ivy League school to reinstate standardizedtest scores, following Yale and Dartmouth’s lead and citing academic performance as the leading factor that influenced the decision. This new policy will begin with the class of 2029.
percent of applicants to the Class of 2027, marking the second-lowest admissions rate in the College’s history. percent of applicants admitted to the Class of 2027, a decrease from 15.5 This marks the College’s third test-optional admissions cycle, which allows students to apply without submitting standardizedtest scores.
See Northwestern’s official announcement below: Northwestern received a record number of undergraduate applications for the class of 2027 as its acceptance rate fell to 7%. This month, Columbia University became the first Ivy League school to extend test-optional policies indefinitely.
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