List of Colleges Dropping & Reinstating ACT/SAT Requirements

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities dropped the SAT/ACT and became test optional or test free. Some schools have kept these changes in place, while others have shifted back toward requiring standardized testing. Notable schools that have reinstated the SAT/ACT include Brown, Dartmouth, Harvard, Yale, Georgetown, MIT, Caltech, and the entire public university systems of Florida and Georgia. 

Why are so many top schools reinstating the SAT/ACT? 

• SAT/ACT scores are a strong predictor in assessing a student’s readiness in college. 
• It helps admissions officers differentiate students. As Sian Leah Beilock, Dartmouth’s President, wrote in a letter to the Dartmouth community, “SAT/ACTs can be especially helpful in identifying students from less-resourced backgrounds who would succeed at Dartmouth but might otherwise be missed in a test-optional environment.” 
• With more and more schools reinstating the SAT/ACT, it’s worth it for high schools to invest in a high-quality SAT or ACT readiness solution. Horizon Education offers solutions to help schools prepare their students for the SAT, ACT, or both.

Below is a list of colleges that dropped the ACT/SAT requirements during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as colleges that have reinstated them in recent years. While this list is not exhaustive, it provides a clear picture of the trends in college admissions. (Data last updated July 2024)

To better understand the terms in the list, here is a quick guide:

Test considered: SAT/ACT scores are one of the many factors considered during the admissions process, along with GPA, essays, letters of recommendation, etc.

Test free: SAT/ACT scores are not required in the application process.

Test optional: Applicants can choose whether or not to submit their scores. Not submitting them won’t hurt their chances of admission.

Test preferred: Submitting ACT/SAT scores is not mandatory but is encouraged. Submitting them can strengthen an applicant’s chances.

Test recommended: Submitting ACT/SAT scores is advised but not mandatory.

Please note: Score ranges represent the scores of admitted applicants within the 25^th and 75^th percentile.

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Note: Testing requirements are subject to change. It’s important for applicants to check each college’s admissions page before applying.