Increase in Colleges Requiring SAT/ACT Scores – How Should Your College Admissions Strategy Evolve?

Recently, the significance of SAT and ACT scores in U.S. college admissions has been increasingly emphasized. During the pandemic, many colleges temporarily adopted a test-optional policy, but now, more institutions are returning to requiring standardized test scores. Notably, top-tier universities and some public institutions are reinstating SAT/ACT score requirements, rapidly shifting the admissions landscape. Consequently, parents with high school students in the U.S. need to reassess their college admissions strategies.

Expansion of Colleges Requiring SAT/ACT Scores

On Friday, February 14, 2025, the University of Pennsylvania announced that SAT or ACT scores would be mandatory for applicants in the 2025–2026 admission cycle. This development expands the list of universities requiring standardized test scores, categorized as follows:

Brown University
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Purdue University
Stanford University
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Miami
University of Pennsylvania
University of Texas at Austin
United States Service Academies
Yale University (Flexible Testing Policy)

This shift indicates that signifies that applying to top-tier institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT without standardized test scores is becoming increasingly challenging.

Types of Colleges That Require Standardized Tests

Currently, colleges that require SAT/ACT scores typically fall into the following categories:

Ivy League Schools – Six of the eight Ivy League institutions require test scores, with Columbia University being a permanent test-optional school. While Princeton University maintains a test-optional policy for Fall 2025 applicants, most successful applicants still submit test scores.
Top Public Universities – Leading state universities such as Georgia Tech, University of Florida, and University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) require standardized test scores as part of their admission criteria.
STEM-Focused Institutions – Schools like MIT, Caltech, and Georgia Tech require SAT/ACT scores to better assess students’ math and analytical abilities.
U.S. Service Academies – All five U.S. military academies, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine Academies, mandate SAT/ACT scores for admission.

Why Students Applying to Test-Optional Schools Should Still Consider Taking the SAT/ACT

While many colleges remain test-optional, data shows that submitting SAT/ACT scores can significantly enhance a student’s competitiveness. Below are the submission rates of SAT or ACT scores among enrolled students at major universities:

Princeton University: SAT 57%, ACT 20%
Yale University: SAT 56%, ACT 22%
University of Michigan: SAT 52%, ACT 18%
Northwestern University: SAT 50%, ACT 29%
Rice University: SAT 50%, ACT 22%
University of Chicago: SAT 46%, ACT 30%
Emory University: SAT 42%, ACT 19%

These figures illustrate that even at test-optional institutions, a significant portion of students submit SAT/ACT scores. Additionally, many admitted students at prestigious colleges possess standardized test scores, underlining the importance of these exams.

Why Preparing for the SAT/ACT Is Crucial

Actual cases and statistics highlight the importance of SAT/ACT preparation. At Princeton University, 57% of admitted students submitted SAT scores, and at Yale University, 56% did the same. Furthermore, at MIT, where competition is fierce, applicants who submitted SAT or ACT scores had more than double the acceptance rate of those who did not.

The benefits of standardized testing include the following:

To More Accurately Evaluate Academic Achievement – Alongside high school grades, SAT/ACT scores serve as critical indicators of a student’s potential for success in college.
To Address Disparities in High School Academic Rigor – Since high school education standards vary widely across the U.S., standardized tests enable fair comparisons among applicants.
To Enhance Admission Competitiveness – Submitting test scores often correlates with higher acceptance rates, particularly at top-tier universities.

How Parents Can Support Their Children’s SAT/ACT Preparation

Preparing for the SAT/ACT is not just about acing a test but is a strategic move to boost college admissions competitiveness. Given the growing number of colleges requiring test scores, students need to prepare thoroughly, including:

Setting aside at least six months for test preparation
Choosing between the SAT and ACT based on personal strengths
Developing a strategic study plan to achieve a high score
Becoming familiar with the test environment through practice exams

For students aiming to enter prestigious U.S. colleges, the SAT/ACT is a critical first step toward successful admissions. As more colleges reinstate standardized testing requirements, students who do not prepare for these exams may find themselves at a disadvantage. Comprehensive preparation is essential to help your child thrive at top institutions.

Elite Prep Offers Comprehensive SAT/ACT Preparation

Elite Prep provides tailored, small-group classes and a data-driven approach to learning, ensuring an optimal educational experience. Our students have consistently achieved top percentile scores, gaining admission to prestigious universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. With years of admissions expertise, Elite Prep equips students with the best test strategies to boost their competitiveness and achieve their college dreams.

Start preparing for the SAT/ACT today and give your child the competitive edge they need for success!

Brought to you by Elite Academy, the institution that has produced the most top SAT/ACT scorers nationwide.

Andy Lee / Elite Prep Suwanee
1291 Old Peachtree Rd, NW #127
Suwanee, GA 30024
website: eliteprep.com/suwanee
email: suwanee@eliteprep.com

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