Top Tier Admissions

JULY 22, 2024

As the school year approaches, it’s time to finalize your standardized test prep plan and mark your calendar with upcoming SAT and ACT test dates. Here’s a tip: Take both SAT and ACT practice tests under simulated conditions, score them, and then use our SAT to ACT converter to determine your stronger test!

ACT 101

ACT SAT Test Prep Standardized Testing 101

Top Tier Admissions

APRIL 9, 2025

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.

ACT 62

ACT Standardized Testing SAT Testing 62

AdmissionSight

JUNE 3, 2025

Does Stanford superscore the SAT ? In this blog, youll find out how Stanford looks at SAT scores, what score you should aim for, and how to use the superscore policy to boost your chances. How Does Stanford Superscore the SAT? Stanford does not have a strict cutoff score for the SAT, but the competition is tough.

SAT 52

SAT Policies Standardized Testing ACT 52

Ivy Central

MARCH 13, 2023

Recently, Columbia University was the first Ivy League to no longer require SAT/ACT testing as of 2023-24 and will be test-optional permanently. Many Universities & Colleges across the US are continuing with their test-optional policy in 2023-24, with only a handful confirming that they will resume testing policies for 2023-24.

Testing 243

Testing Ivy League Placement SAT 243

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 17, 2025

This is not a hypothesis or theory its policy. However, NYU clarified that they had not been giving legacies priority consideration before these changes and the changes were simply to make their policies more transparent to applicants. Can you get into NYU without submitting scores as long as the testing policy is test optional?

Policies 52

Policies University University Early Decision 52

Top Tier Admissions

MAY 7, 2025

Big changes are underway for the ACTand if your teen is testing this year or next, its critical to understand how the rollout of the Enhanced ACT could affect their scores, testing strategy, and college admissions journey. Many schools haven’t yet updated their policies, so be vigilant in your research ahead of registering.

ACT 57

ACT Test Prep SAT Policies 57

BestColleges

MARCH 8, 2024

Starting in fall 2024, Brown University will require students to submit SAT or ACT scores. The university's announcement also includes news on its Early Decision and legacy admissions policies, both of which they'll maintain, at least for now. Brown admits that legacy admissions hampers efforts to promote student diversity.

ACT 98

ACT SAT Ivy League Early Decision 98

BestColleges

JANUARY 30, 2024

New evidence, however, suggests they might want to rethink their policies. Using admissions records and first-year grades from several "Ivy-Plus" colleges between 2017 and 2022, the group determined that keeping all other variables equal, students who scored highest on the SAT and ACT earned college GPAs 0.43 Exclamation mark.

SAT 105

SAT ACT Standardized Testing Minor 105

College Transitions

MARCH 18, 2025

In the past, prospective college applicants had just two choices regarding standardized testingtaking the SAT or sitting for the ACT. However, since COVID-19, test-optional has become a stronger-than-ever third consideration as such policies have spread rapidly.) Rather, highly selective colleges are […]

ACT 86

ACT SAT Policies Testing 86

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 6, 2025

This has been their policy for a long time for at least two decades, and up to 50+ years and they have no intention of switching things up. Legacy at MIT Legacy admissions policies have been critiqued harshly following the Supreme Court decision striking down affirmative action. However, MIT does not subscribe to this norm.

Policies 52

Policies Mentorship Mentorships Standardized Testing 52

AdmissionSight

MAY 8, 2025

The SAT is now fully digital, marking a significant shift for students preparing for the exam. In this blog, well break down everything you need to know about the digital SAT: changes in format and timing, how adaptive testing impacts your score, and essential prep tips. What Is the Digital SAT? Is the Digital SAT Easier?

SAT 52

SAT Ivy League ACT Scholarships 52

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 9, 2025

Scores Yale requires test scores from all applicants, and while the policy is test flexible , that doesnt apply to you, legacy. As a legacy student, you need to be taking the ACT or SAT and you need to be getting the highest possible score you can get. Dont give them a reason to reject you!

Policies 52

Policies Ivy League Extracurricular Out-of-State 52

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 22, 2025

Class Rank of the Class of 2028: Scores UChicago is test optional, and they claim to have a no harm testing policy, which they define as this: Submitting an SAT or ACT is optional and not required for admission. Even if they act like they dont! Admissions takes note of that ongoing relationship!

Policies 52

Policies University University Extracurricular 52

AdmissionSight

APRIL 26, 2025

If you received a 910 SAT score, youre probably wondering if thats a good score and what it means for your next steps. Optimizing your SAT score is worth it since it plays a big role in your college application. Of course, SAT scores arent the only factor colleges consider, but theyre an important one.

SAT 52

SAT Testing Ivy League Tuition 52

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 10, 2025

The top five majors at Duke are Computer Science, Economics, Biology, Public Policy, and Psychology, and students are drawn to the university by the strong community culture paired with exceptional research opportunities. A strong SAT score for Duke is over 1550, and a strong ACT score is at or above a 34.

Policies 52

Policies Early Decision Accommodations Transcripts 52

Solomon Admissions

MAY 4, 2023

Understanding the Pros and Cons For decades, the SAT and ACT have been a staple in the college admissions process. Here's what you need to know: Pros of the SAT and ACT: Standardized Comparison: The SAT and ACT provide a standardized comparison of students across the country. It depends on who you ask.

ACT 98

ACT SAT Admissions Financial Aid 98

BestColleges

FEBRUARY 7, 2024

Dartmouth researchers found SAT and ACT scores can help identify high-achieving, under-resourced students since the college looks at scores in context to where a student is from. Researchers considered applicants' SAT/ACT scores, high school GPAs, other admissions indicators, and demographics data from 2017-2022.

SAT 98

SAT ACT Ivy League Standardized Testing 98

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 26, 2025

For your SAT or ACT, its basically the same kind of situation. Like with grades, there is not a minimum SAT or ACT score for consideration, but functionally there is. There are so many students with such high GPAs and scores applying to Stanford that anything much less than perfect stands out in a bad way.

Policies 52

Policies Ivy League Out-of-State Standardized Testing 52

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 13, 2025

Mich does not have a policy of giving legacies preference. With shifting policies, navigating elite college admissions can be tricky. And there is a contradiction baked into the Mich policy. Scores Mich is currently test optional, but they say that they will review the policy on an ongoing basis.

Policies 52

Policies University University Ivy League 52

AdmissionSight

MARCH 22, 2025

If youre aiming for Duke , youre probably wondering: Does Duke superscore the SAT? According to their admissions policy , Duke will consider the highest scores on each section, regardless of the test date, and will create a new composite score by averaging those scores. What Is an SAT Superscore? The good news is, yes, they do!

SAT 52

SAT Policies GPA Extracurricular 52

Grown & Flown

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Before we even opened the computer, my daughter and I sat down and discussed her top priorities. Academic Profile : What are the average GPA and ACT/SAT scores for admitted students? Housing Policies : Is freshman housing required? Are there any trends in enrollment to be aware of?

Financial Aid 148

Financial Aid Out-of-State Campus Tours Study Abroad 148

Admissions Village

JUNE 19, 2024

Historically Black College or University (HBCU): In Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Congress officially defined HBCUs as institutions of higher learning that were accredited and established before 1964, and whose principal mission is the education of Black Americans. To understand more about this please read our blog.

Admissions 246

Admissions Financial Aid Waitlist Standardized Testing 246

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 12, 2025

And while they do superscore both the ACT and SAT, we also dont think thats your best strategic move. And for those in the bottom half and quarter, were willing to bet those were absolutely not legacy students they were probably student athletes.

Policies 52

Policies Standardized Testing Extracurricular Letters of Recommendation 52

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 5, 2025

So, all applicants, including legacies, are required to submit standardized test scores, like the SAT or ACT. Looking back at the last time the SAT or ACT was required, for the Class of 2024, strong applicants need to submit an SAT Critical Reading EBRW of 750 or above and a SAT Math of 750 or higher, as well.

Policies 52

Policies Standardized Testing Ivy League SAT 52

Top Tier Admissions

JANUARY 21, 2025

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. SAT Tutoring Expert one-on-one guidance to boost your score.

Standardized Testing 85

Standardized Testing Testing University University 85

Expert Admissions

MARCH 20, 2023

With so many colleges extending test-optional policies put in place during the pandemic, you may be wondering how much effort you should put into standardized testing. So, knowing that test scores can be important, how do you decide whether to take the SAT or the ACT? Content The SAT has changed its content over the years.

ACT 85

ACT SAT Standardized Testing Test Prep 85

AdmissionSight

APRIL 3, 2025

If you got a 960 SAT score, youre probably wondering if thats a good score and what it means for your next steps. Optimizing your SAT score is worth it since it plays a big role in your college application. Of course, SAT scores arent the only factor colleges consider, but theyre an important one. How Good Is a 960 SAT Score?

SAT 52

SAT Testing Ivy League Tuition 52

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 7, 2025

Scores Harvard requires applicants to submit an ACT or SAT score to meet their testing requirements, but they dont have minimum scores to apply. For a few years over the COVID pandemic, this requirement was waived, which has resulted in some recent statistics that are not necessarily fully representative.

Policies 52

Policies SAT GPA Acceptance 52

AdmissionSight

APRIL 22, 2025

Millions of high schoolers take the SAT to boost their chances of landing in their dream school. Alongside the ACT , this test aims to give colleges a peek at how well you might handle their courses. Now, if youve received a 780 SAT score, you’re probably wondering, “Is that good enough?”

SAT 52

SAT Testing Ivy League ACT 52

Spark Admissions

JUNE 9, 2023

Is the new digital SAT good? Is the new digital SAT bad? As you may know, the SAT is in the process of transitioning to a new version of the test. The process has already begun internationally, and in Spring 2024, high school students in the United States will only have the option to take the new digital SAT.

SAT 130

SAT Standardized Testing Accommodations ACT 130

Admissions.Blog

FEBRUARY 5, 2024

Dartmouth College Dartmouth College has announced that it will yet again require high school students to share either an SAT or ACT score as part of their application for admission. The change takes effect for students applying for Fall 2025 admission (those students who will begin their applications in Summer or Fall 2024).

ACT 105

ACT SAT Applications Financial Aid 105

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

As a high school student, you’re probably no stranger to big tests like AP exams, the PSAT, or the SAT and ACT. Here’s some good news: more colleges than ever are making the SAT and ACT optional. If you have test anxiety, decided to skip the SAT or ACT, or didn’t quite hit the scores you hoped for, you’re not out of luck.

Testing 52

Testing Standardized Testing SAT Policies 52

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 14, 2025

Many of these changes started before the US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights launched an investigation into the legacy admissions policy at Penn, related to the striking down of affirmative action by the Supreme Court, in January of 2024. If they choose the ACT , strong applicants submit a score between 34 and 36.

Policies 52

Policies Ivy League Early Decision University 52

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 1, 2025

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.

Policies 52

Policies Ivy League University University 52

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 18, 2025

However, legacy policies at Princeton persist and we believe strongly in helping students to get every boost they have access to as they strive to get into their dream school. The middle 50% note middle on the math section of the SAT for the Class of 2028 was 770-800.

Policies 52

Policies University University Honor Society 52

BestColleges

JULY 18, 2024

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.

ACT 105

ACT Testing Standardized Testing Ivy League 105

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 6, 2025

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.

Testing 52

Testing Standardized Testing GPA SAT 52