Which Colleges Require the SAT and ACT in 2024–2025?
It seems that every year, the approach to standardized testing changes. This year is no different with various schools (once again) reevaluating the role of standardized testing in their admissions process.
As we head towards application season, prospective college students need to know where their target schools stand on testing. Are the SAT and ACT still required for admission? Is the university test optional? Or has the institution gone completely test-blind? If you’re not sure where a school on your list lands, we’ve listed 100 top schools based on their testing requirements for this admissions cycle.
What Do “Test-Required,” “Test-Optional,” and “Test-Blind” Mean?
Test-Required
Test-required colleges consider SAT or ACT scores a key part of your application. While your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations are still critical components, these schools require test scores to be submitted and evaluated alongside these other factors. These colleges utilize a holistic admissions process in which the test scores are viewed in the context of your entire application. At the end of the day, if you’re applying to a test-required school, you’ll need to take either the SAT or ACT.
Test-Required Universities in 2024–2025
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Yale University
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- Brown University
- Dartmouth College
- Georgetown University
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill* (testing is optional for students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher)
- University of Florida
- University of Texas at Austin
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Purdue University – Main Campus
- University of Georgia
- Florida State University
- University of South Florida
Test-Optional
Test-optional schools give you the choice of whether or not to submit your scores. However, in most cases, it is still advisable to take the test.
While the test isn’t required, submitting a strong score can significantly enhance your application since many test-optional schools still value them in their admissions process. If you believe your SAT or ACT scores reflect your academic abilities and complement your application, it is a good idea to send them.
If your scores are significantly below the median or do not align with your overall academic record, you can decide not to send the scores.
Test-Optional Universities in 2024–2025
- Princeton University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Duke University
- Northwestern University
- John Hopkins University* (testing is encouraged and will be required for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle)
- Columbia University
- Cornell University* (testing is encouraged and will be required for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle)
- University of Chicago
- Rice University
- Vanderbilt University
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Emory University
- University of Virginia
- Washington University in St. Louis
- University of Southern California (USC)
- New York University (NYU)
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Boston College
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Tufts University
- University of Washington
- Boston University
- The Ohio State University
- University of Maryland, College Park
- Lehigh University
- Texas A&M University
- University of Rochester
- Virginia Tech
- Wake Forest University
- Northeastern University
- Case Western Reserve University
- University of Minnesota,
- Twin Cities
- William & Mary
- Stony Brook University – SUNY
- University of Connecticut
- North Carolina State University
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Santa Clara University
- Brandeis University
- Michigan State University
- The Pennsylvania State University – University Park
- George Washington University
- Syracuse University
- University of Massachusetts – Amherst
- University of Miami
- University of Pittsburgh
- Villanova University
- Binghamton University – SUNY
- Indiana University –
- Bloomington
- Tulane University
- Colorado School of Mines
- Pepperdine University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- University at Buffalo – SUNY
- University of Delaware
- Rutgers University – Newark
- University of Illinois – Chicago
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Clemson University
- Marquette University
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Fordham University
- Southern Methodist University
- Temple University
- Baylor University
- Gonzaga University
- Loyola Marymount University
- University of Iowa
- Auburn University* (testing is encouraged)
- Drexel University
- Illinois Institute of
- Technology
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Rutgers University – Camden
- Texas Christian University
- University of Oregon
- American University
Test-Blind
Test-blind institutions, on the other hand, do not consider standardized test scores in their admissions decisions. Even if you submit SAT or ACT scores, they will not be reviewed as part of your application. These colleges base their decision on your high school GPA, coursework, essays, recommendations, and other factors of your application.
Test-Blind Universities in 2024–2025
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Irvine
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Merced
- University of California, Riverside
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- University of San Diego
Why Do Colleges Have Different Testing Requirements?
During the pandemic, many schools pivoted away from standardized testing since many students were not able to take the tests. This coincided with a broader discussion about the value of standardized testing with many schools arguing that the SAT and ACT do not accurately reflect a student’s potential or intelligence. These schools state that these tests often favor students with better access to resources. By adopting test-optional or test-blind policies, colleges hope to give a fairer chance to students from underrepresented backgrounds, those who face financial hardships, or those who experience testing anxiety.
However, in recent application cycles, many schools are reinstating their testing requirements since they find that these test scores can be a better indicator of student success. Additionally, a study by Dartmouth revealed that these standardized tests help to identify high-achieving students from underprivileged backgrounds: first-generation college-bound students, low and middle-income students, and students from urban and rural environments). These new findings support the idea that standardized tests can help to improve diversity in higher education. Regardless of their rationale, students need to be aware of the requirements for every school that is on their target list and plan accordingly.
Should You Still Take the SAT or ACT in 2024?
With so many schools still test-optional or test-blind, you might wonder if taking the SAT or ACT is necessary. After all, getting a competitive score requires a lot of work, on top of everything else you’re balancing (a rigorous class schedule, extracurricular activities, and maybe even a job). The decision to take the SAT or ACT largely depends on your college goals and personal circumstances.
If you are applying to at least one test-required school, the answer is simple: take the exam.
For test-optional schools, if you believe you can achieve a score that aligns with or surpasses the average scores of admitted students, taking the test could strengthen your application and boost your overall profile. A strong score can show that you can handle the academic rigor of the college. Additionally, many schools utilize standardized test scores to award merit-based scholarships.
If you are only applying to test-blind schools, standardized testing is irrelevant to the admissions process. You do not have to take the SAT or ACT to be admitted. That said, some of these schools may still use test scores for class placement once you’re admitted.
Regardless, it’s often beneficial to take the SAT or ACT at least once so you have the option to include your scores if needed. Additionally, some scholarships and honors programs still require standardized test scores for eligibility, even if the school itself is test-optional or test-blind. Ultimately, you need to evaluate your list of schools and determine if the requirements of your dream schools necessitate an SAT/ACT score.
For a deeper dive into this question, check out this article: Do I Need to Take the SAT and ACT?
Understanding where your target schools stand on testing can help you navigate the process with confidence. Be sure to check each institution’s specific policies—whether test-required, test-optional, or test-blind—so you can make informed decisions about your application strategy. As you prepare to click submit on those applications, remember that your candidacy is not defined by test scores alone. Colleges are increasingly looking for well-rounded, motivated students who will contribute meaningfully to their communities, but a solid test score can only help your chances!
Shaun Veran
Shaun is a Test Prep Tutor at Test Innovators and a microbiologist with a background in biotechnology. With 10 years of tutoring experience, he has helped hundreds of students build confidence and achieve their goal scores. His unique blend of scientific expertise and teaching skills allows him to break down complex concepts into easily digestible pieces.
