Navigating College Admissions: Understanding SAT Requirements

The landscape of college admissions is constantly evolving, and one of the most significant shifts in recent years has been the changing role of standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. While these tests have historically been a cornerstone of the application process, many colleges have adopted test-optional or test-free policies, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the situation is far from uniform, with some top schools reinstating test requirements. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of college SAT requirements, helping students and families navigate this complex terrain.

The Rise of Test-Optional Policies

For several years, many schools have adopted test-optional or test-free admissions policies. The increased prevalence of test-optional policies started with the pandemic, and many institutions, including some of the most selective colleges, have extended or even made these policies permanent. These varying strategies reflect the ongoing discussion across higher education about the usefulness of standardized tests in assessing student potential. As of Fall 2026, over 2,085 accredited, bachelor’s degree granting colleges and universities have ACT/SAT optional or test-free admission policies for students seeking to enroll. Over 2,010 of these institutions are ACT/SAT optional.

Understanding Test-Optional vs. Test-Free

It's important to distinguish between "test-optional" and "test-free" policies. Test-optional policies allow students to choose whether or not to submit their SAT or ACT scores, while test-free policies do not consider these scores at all in the admissions process.

Examples of Test-Optional Colleges

Many colleges offer a test-optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. Some examples include:

Princeton University (Temporary)
Bowdoin College
Colby College
Barnard College (Temporary)
Middlebury College (Temporary)
Washington University in St. Louis (Temporary)
Haverford College
Bates College
Davidson College
Hamilton College
Wesleyan University (However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test-optional admission)
Colorado College
Vassar College
Rhode Island School of Design
Smith College
Skidmore College
Franklin and Marshall College (However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test-optional admission)
Macalester College
Bryn Mawr College
Mount Holyoke College
Whitman College
Gettysburg College
Clark University
Brandeis University
Emerson College
Southwestern University
Union College (NY)
Rollins College ("test scores waived option")
Stevens Institute of Technology (Temporary, with some exceptions for Fall 2026)
St. Olaf College
St. John's College-Annapolis (However, homeschooled students and students who will not earn high school diplomas are not eligible for test-optional admission)
Sewanee: University of the South
Baylor University (Temporary, to Fall 2026 term)
St. Lawrence University
Allegheny College
Baldwin Wallace University
Lake Forest College (Test optional applicants must complete an interview)
Washington College
DePauw University
John Brown University
Hendrix College
Agnes Scott College
The College of New Jersey (Temporary, to the 2025-26 admission cycle)
Augustana College (Test optional applicants may be asked to complete an interview)
Yeshiva University
Drake University ("test-flexible" plan, which allows students to either write an essay or sit for an interview in lieu of submitting test scores)
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Marist College
Chapman University
Abilene Christian University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach (though SAT or ACT they are strongly encouraged)
Rochester Institute of Technology (for most programs)
Presbyterian College (SC)
St. Mary's College of Maryland
Ithaca College
University of Hawai'i at MƒÅnoa
Knox College
University of Puget Sound
Earlham College
Taylor University (though SAT or ACT scores are preferred)
Elmhurst College
Oklahoma State University
Loyola University Maryland
California Lutheran University
DePaul University
Quinnipiac University (for most students applying to the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Communications and School of Engineering)
Wheaton College (MA)

Examples of Test-Free Colleges (Temporary)

Pitzer College (has been test optional since 2003)

Important Considerations for Test-Optional Schools

Even at test-optional colleges, submitting a strong SAT or ACT score can still be beneficial. Given the competitiveness of the modern college admissions landscape, many colleges, even test-optional ones, still place a high value on your SAT or ACT score. A strong score can boost your chances of getting in.

Read also: The Right Path After GCSEs

The Return of Testing Requirements

Despite the widespread adoption of test-optional policies, several top schools are reinstating test requirements between 2025 and 2026. This means applicants must carefully check each school’s policy, as requirements vary widely by institution, program, and scholarship.

Prestigious Institutions Reinstating Requirements

Notably, prestigious institutions like Yale, Dartmouth, Harvard, and Brown have returned to requiring the SAT/ACT.

Examples of Colleges Requiring SAT/ACT Scores

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Harvard College
Yale University
Brown University
Dartmouth College
Cornell University
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) (The School of Computer Science only allows SAT or ACT scores. Other schools allow AP, IB, A-Level, or French Baccalaureate in the place of SAT/ACT)
Georgetown University (Students who apply without scores will be asked to explain why they were unable to take a test)
The Cooper Union (applicants to the School of Engineering)
University of Central Florida
Auburn University (However, a very limited number of applicants with a 3.6+ GPA may be admitted test optional in fall 2026)
Purdue University-West Lafayette
Florida International
Gallaudet University
Thomas Aquinas College (requires that applicants take the SAT, the ACT, or the CLT)

Public Systems Mandating Scores

Public systems in Georgia and Florida are also mandating scores.

Colleges That Currently or Soon Will Require SAT or ACT Scores for Admission

Here are 19 private and 35 public colleges that currently or soon will require SAT or ACT scores for admission.

Important Notes

College testing policies can change frequently.

Read also: Explore CFK

Navigating the Application Process

Navigating college admissions can be overwhelming, especially when standardized tests are a factor. It's crucial to stay informed and plan strategically.

Checking Individual School Policies

The most important step is to check the specific testing policy of each school you're interested in. Requirements vary widely by institution, program, and scholarship. Please check with individual schools for details.

Understanding Minimum Grade or Class Rank Criteria

As the restrictions column indicates, some schools only exempt applicants who meet minimum grade or class rank criteria; others use ACT/SAT scores solely for course placement.

Strategic Planning: Preparing for the SAT/ACT

Regardless of whether a school is test-optional or test-required, preparing for the SAT/ACT can be a valuable investment. Strategic Planning: Prepare for the SAT/ACT early to maximize your performance. In general, it’s best to start preparing for the ACT and SAT in the spring of your sophomore year or the summer after your sophomore year. Summer is an excellent time to prepare because you don’t have to worry about the distractions of the school year.

Tools and Resources for Test Preparation

Test Innovators now has a brand-new test prep platform for the SAT, the college admissions exam taken by over 1.7 million students each year. The platform uses personalized data-driven technology to help students focus on only the areas that need improvement.

Understanding Score Importance

Does the college explicitly state that test scores are a significant factor?

The Scoring Context

If your score falls within or above the middle 50% range, it likely strengthens your application. Let's say you're targeting Yale. With a little online research, you'll find the following information, or something close to it, depending on the year in question.

What is a Good SAT Score?

Since its inception in 1926, the SAT has changed its scoring method several times. You’ll need to understand how the current test is scored to understand what counts as a good SAT score. As we covered above, the SAT is divided into two sections: math, and critical reading and writing. You are not penalized for wrong answers, so filling in each multiple-choice question is better than leaving it blank. What is a good SAT score for college admission? A composite SAT score of 1,050 puts you in the 50th percentile, and better than 50% of test-takers. A composite score of 1,215 puts you in the 75th percentile, and a score of 1,410 puts you in the 95th percentile. Scores in any of these percentiles (and higher percentiles) will likely be enough to earn you admission at many schools nationwide, as long as the rest of your application is up to par. However, it’s important to note that more exclusive institutions may only consider higher scores. You can always take the SAT again if your current score is unsatisfactory. In fact, you can take it several times during your application year. You only have to list your top score. If you end up with an SAT score that still isn’t satisfactory, remember: your SAT score isn’t the only thing considered in your application. Your grades, essay responses, and other materials all play big roles. (Plus, you can give the ACT a shot and use that as your standardized test submission in most cases if your score is better.)

Average SAT Score

Approximately 1.1 million high school students from the class of 2020 took the SAT. In 2019, 1 million students took the test. Though 2020 score data has not yet been released, 2019 saw the average score sitting at 1,059 (with averages of 531 English reading and writing and 528 for math). Is this score good enough to get you into college? For many schools, yes - but for some schools, no. Many schools will accept an average SAT score, especially if the rest of your application is solid or exemplary. Even more rigorous schools may accept an average SAT score alongside a standout application. However, for some of the nation’s most prestigious schools, applications with average SAT scores are at a major disadvantage. To stand the best chance of getting into those schools, it’s best to retake the SAT and strive for a score near or above the 90th percentile.

Considering the ACT

We suggest taking each test at least once to determine which one suits you better.

The ACT Writing Section

The ACT Writing section is optional, but some schools require it-be sure to check your prospective schools’ application instructions. The team here at Test Innovators wants to ensure you are fully prepared for all parts of the test, including the Writing section.

Calculator Use on the ACT

Students are allowed to use a calculator during the math portion of the ACT. Generally, 4-function, graphing, and scientific calculators are allowed, as long as they meet ACT guidelines. Some calculators have features that…

A Holistic Perspective

Worried your score falls below expectations? While the information in this guide is a valuable starting point, remember that admissions requirements can vary within a single university.

The Importance of Timing

Timing is everything. This age-old saying is applicable to so many things, especially standardized testing. One of the main purposes of standardized tests is to compare a large group of students, and the timing restriction is a critical component of achieving that comparison. The clock may seem like an unforgiving…

A Holistic Review

Remember that SAT scores rarely go ignored, except in special circumstances where applicants excel in another area. Though it’s difficult to quantify your SAT score’s impact on your application, it’s safe to say that most schools consider it to be important but not all-important. We suggest studying up, but also leaving ample time and energy for other parts of your application (including your grades).

Scholarship Eligibility

Some merit-based scholarships may have SAT/ACT score cutoffs.

The Digital SAT: What's New?

If you’re attending college in the near future, you’ve probably heard of the SAT. It’s the country’s most popular standardized test for college admissions, and it can play a huge role in the success of your application. So, what is the SAT, and how does it work? Originally called the Standard Aptitude Test and later the Scholastic Assessment Test, the SAT is administered by the College Board and tests students in two core areas: math and reading and writing. Each area comprises a section of the test. The Digital SAT: New for 2024The digital SAT is new this year, and you can read more about this updated and adaptable test by clicking the link. This test consists of a 64-minute reading and writing exam with roughly 50 questions and a second 80-minute math section with roughly 40 questions. The digital SAT test is also adaptive, adjusting the questions as students move through the different modules. For example, if a student does very well on module 1 of the reading portion of the test, they will be given more difficult questions for module 2. They will be given easier questions if they don’t do so well. This change dramatically changes how the exam is scored and can influence how difficult or easy the test might feel to you.

Calculators on the Digital SAT

The SAT is now a computer adaptive test, and one of the most notable changes is that there is no longer a “no-calculator” math section of the test. Calculators are now allowed during the entirety of both math modules, and the testing application includes a built-in graphing…

Resources

Want to learn more about the SAT and how it can impact your college application? On Appily, you’ll find answers. You’ll also find an extensive database where you can search colleges by SAT score and determine the ideal fit for you. With this tool, you can play around with different parameters, like higher SAT or ACT scores, to see how much they’d boost your chances of getting in.

Colleges with Testing Requirements: A Closer Look

Many colleges-including privates, publics, and state higher ed systems-reinstated their test score requirements this year, showing colleges continue to value the SAT as part of their admissions processes after experimenting with test-optional policies during the pandemic. As you get ready for the college application process, it's important to know which schools require test scores for all applicants. Many other colleges are test optional or test preferred, meaning they may use SAT or ACT scores to make admissions decisions and award scholarships. Here are 19 private and 35 public colleges that currently or soon will require, SAT or ACT scores for admission. Important Notes: Colleges marked with an asterisk (*) will not require test scores for 2024-25 applicants.

Top Colleges with SAT/ACT Requirements

News - still require applicants to submit test scores. Below are lists of the 10 highest-ranking National Universities and the seven highest-ranking National Liberal Arts Colleges that have maintained their SAT/ACT requirements. News 2025 Best Colleges rankings. Eight of the 17 highest-ranking colleges with testing requirements are public, two of which are service academies. The school with the highest "middle 50" - the range of scores between the 25th percentile and 75th percentile for the last admitted class - for SAT and ACT scores among National Universities on the list is the No. 2-ranked Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with scores in that range of 1510-1580 and 34-36, respectively. Tied at No. 46 and No. 54 overall, Purdue University-Main Campus and Florida State University have the lowest ranges among the 10 National Universities. FSU has a "middle 50" range for ACT scores of 27-31, while Purdue's SAT scores ranged between 1190 and 1470. Note that the SAT has a top score of 1,600 while a perfect score on the ACT is 36. Of the National Liberal Arts Colleges listed, the Air Force Academy has the highest "middle 50" for SAT scores - 1250-1450 - while West Point has the highest ACT score range, 28-33. The lowest "middle 50" for both SAT and ACT scores of the seven National Liberal Arts Colleges is Georgetown College: 990-1180 and 18-24. This Kentucky college is tied at No. 178. Florida is home to three schools on the lists, followed by two each in Georgia and Massachusetts. The rest are in California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Below are the 17 schools, in descending rank order beginning with National Universities and followed by National Liberal Arts Colleges. These lists may not include higher-ranked colleges that changed testing policies during or after data collection. Originally published on September 27, 2024.

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