Which Colleges Require the SAT and ACT in 2026–2027?
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 2026–2027
- Auburn University
- Brown University
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- Carnegie Mellon University* (testing is required for some programs and optional for others)
- Cornell University
- Dartmouth College
- Florida State University
- Georgetown University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- North Carolina State University* (testing is optional for students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher)
- Purdue University – Main Campus
- Stanford University
- The Ohio State University
- United States Air Force Academy
- United States Military Academy at West Point
- United States Naval Academy
- University of Florida
- University of Georgia
- University of Miami
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill * (testing is optional for students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher)
- University of Pennsylvania (Penn)
- University of South Florida
- University of Texas at Austin
- Yale University
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 2026–2027
- American University
- Amherst College
- Barnard College
- Bates College
- Baylor University* (testing is required for applicants who are homeschooled, applicants who attend a high school that provides only narrative evaluations rather than a grading scale, and applicants who are graduating high school early)
- Binghamton University – SUNY
- Boston College
- Boston University
- Bowdoin College
- Brandeis University
- Bryn Mawr College
- Carleton College
- Case Western Reserve University
- Claremont McKenna College
- Clemson University
- Colby College
- Colgate University
- College of the Holy Cross
- Colorado School of Mines
- Columbia University* (testing will be required for the 2027-2028 admissions cycle)
- Davidson College
- Drexel University* (testing is required for students applying to the BA/BS+MD Early Assurance Program)
- Duke University
- Emory University
- Fordham University
- George Washington University* (testing is required for certain programs and select applicants)
- Gonzaga University
- Grinnell College
- Hamilton College
- Harvey Mudd College
- Haverford College
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Indiana University – Bloomington
- Lehigh University
- Loyola Marymount University
- Macalester College
- Marquette University
- Michigan State University
- Middlebury College
- Mount Holyoke College* (testing is required for home-schooled applicants who have pursued a self-study or online curriculum exclusively)
- New Jersey Institute of Technology* (testing is required for applicants to Albert Dorman Honors College or accelerated programs)
- New York University
- Northeastern University
- Northwestern University
- Pepperdine University
- Pomona College* (the ACT Science Test is required for students who choose to submit ACT scores)
- Princeton University* (testing will be required for the 2027-2028 admissions cycle)
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute* (testing is required for the Physician-Scientist Program)
- Rice University* (testing is recommended)
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Rutgers University – Camden* (testing is required for students applying to the Rutgers-Camden BS/DO program)
- Rutgers University – Newark* (testing is required for students applying to the Rutgers-Newark 7-year BA/MD joint-degree program)
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Santa Clara University
- Smith College
- Southern Methodist University
- Stevens Institute of Technology* (testing is required for the Accelerated Pre-Med, Pre-Law, and Pinnacle Scholars programs)
- Stony Brook University – SUNY
- Swarthmore College
- Syracuse University
- Temple University
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- The Pennsylvania State University – University Park
- Tufts University
- Tulane University* (testing is required for students applying to Tulane’s Pathways to Medicine program).
- University at Buffalo – SUNY
- University of Chicago
- University of Connecticut
- University of Delaware
- University of Illinois – Chicago
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- University of Iowa
- University of Maryland, College Park
- University of Massachusetts – Amherst
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Oregon* (test-blind for scholarship consideration)
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Richmond* (testing is required for students attending non-traditional high schools, such as home schools and online high schools)
- University of Rochester
- University of Southern California
- University of Virginia
- University of Washington
- University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Vanderbilt University* (testing will be required for the 2028-2029 admissions cycle)
- Vassar College
- Villanova University* (testing is required for students who have been homeschooled for two or more full academic years in high school)
- Virginia Tech
- Wake Forest University
- Washington and Lee University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Wellesley College
- Wesleyan University
- William & Mary
- Williams College
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
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 2026–2027
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, Irvine
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, Merced
- University of California, Riverside
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- 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 2025?
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.
Originally published on September 27, 2024. Updated on August 5, 2026.
