Navigating College Admissions: Understanding SAT and ACT Score Requirements

The college admissions landscape 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. For decades, these tests were a cornerstone of the application process, but today, many institutions have adopted test-optional or test-free policies. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of college testing requirements, helping students and families navigate this complex terrain.

The Changing Landscape of Standardized Testing

The value of standardized tests in college admissions has been a subject of intense debate. While some argue that these tests provide a standardized measure of a student's readiness for college-level work, others contend that they are not accurate predictors of success and can disadvantage students from certain backgrounds.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trend toward test-optional policies, as many colleges temporarily suspended testing requirements due to widespread test center closures and concerns about equity. However, even as the pandemic has subsided, many institutions have chosen to extend or even make these policies permanent, reflecting a broader shift in how colleges evaluate applicants.

Understanding Different Testing Policies

It is crucial to understand the different types of testing policies that colleges may have in place:

Test-Required: These colleges require all or nearly all applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. Examples include California Institute of Technology, Harvard College, Yale University, Brown University, Dartmouth College, Cornell University, Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University, The Cooper Union (School of Engineering), University of Central Florida, Auburn University, Purdue University-West Lafayette, Florida International University, Gallaudet University, University of Alabama (for applicants with GPA lower than 3.0 for fall 2027), and Thomas Aquinas College (which also accepts the CLT).
Test-Optional: Test-optional colleges allow applicants to choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores. If a student chooses to submit scores, the admissions committee will consider them as part of the application review. If a student chooses not to submit scores, they will not be penalized, and the college will focus on other aspects of their application. Examples include Bowdoin College, Colby College, Barnard College (Temporary), Middlebury College (Temporary), Washington University in St. Louis (Temporary), Haverford College, Bates College, Davidson College, Hamilton College, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Wesleyan University, Colorado College, Vassar College, Rhode Island School of Design, Smith College, Skidmore College, Franklin and Marshall College (except for homeschooled students), Macalester College, Bucknell University (Temporary, but all students must submit scores upon enrollment), Bryn Mawr College, Mount Holyoke College, Whitman College, Gettysburg College, Clark University, Brandeis University, North Carolina State University-Raleigh, Emerson College, Southwestern University, Union College (NY), Truman State University, George Washington University (except for the accelerated Seven-Year B.A./M.D. program), Rollins College, Stevens Institute of Technology (Temporary, with some exceptions), St. Olaf College, St. St. John's College-Annapolis (except for homeschooled students and students who will not earn high school diplomas), Sewanee: University of the South, Baylor University (Temporary), 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), Augustana College (test optional applicants may be asked to complete an interview), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Temporary), Yeshiva University, Drake University (offers a "test-flexible" plan), Hobart and William Smith Colleges, University of North Carolina-Wilmington, Marist College, Chapman University, Abilene Christian University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach (though SAT or ACT they are strongly encouraged), Elon University (with exceptions for certain programs), Rochester Institute of Technology, St. University of North Georgia (Temporary), Hofstra University, Presbyterian College (SC), St. Mary's College of Maryland, Ithaca College, University of Hawai'i at MƒÅnoa, Knox College, University of North Texas, University of Puget Sound, Earlham College, Taylor University (though SAT or ACT scores are preferred), Elmhurst College, University of Houston, Oklahoma State University, Loyola University Maryland, California Lutheran University, DePaul University, Quinnipiac University, University of Missouri (Temporary), and Wheaton College (MA).
Test-Free (or Test-Blind): Test-free colleges do not consider SAT or ACT scores at all in the admissions process. Even if a student submits scores, they will not be reviewed. These colleges focus primarily on other factors, such as high school transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and extracurricular activities. Examples include Alaska Pacific University, California State University system, and Columbia College Chicago.
Test-Flexible: “Test-flexible” often refers to policies that require standardized test scores but give applicants the choice of which ones to submit.

Colleges Requiring SAT/ACT Scores

Despite the growing trend toward test-optional policies, some highly-ranked colleges still require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. These include:

Read also: Why SAT Scores Still Matter

California Institute of Technology
Harvard University
Yale University
Brown University
Dartmouth College
Cornell University
Carnegie Mellon University
Georgetown University
The Cooper Union (School of Engineering)
University of Central Florida
Auburn University
Purdue University-West Lafayette
Florida International University
Gallaudet University
University of Alabama (for applicants with GPA lower than 3.0 for fall 2027)
Thomas Aquinas College
United States Naval Academy
United States Air Force Academy

The ACT Science Section: Required or Optional?

The ACT has transitioned to a new “Enhanced” format with a shorter duration, fewer questions, and an optional ACT Science section. This new format became available for digital administrations in April 2025, while the paper version adopted these changes with the September 2025 exam.

While the ACT Science section is now optional, some colleges may still require or recommend it. For example, the Naval and Air Force Academies have made Science a mandatory addition to ACT scores. Other schools, such as Duke and Johns Hopkins, don’t require an ACT Science score but recommend it.

Students should carefully consider whether to take the ACT Science section based on the requirements and recommendations of the colleges they are applying to.

Should You Submit Your Scores to a Test-Optional College?

Even if a college is test-optional, it may still be in your best interest to submit your scores, depending on your performance and the strength of other aspects of your application.

You should consider submitting your scores if:

The school is highly competitive: A high SAT or ACT score can give you an edge when competing with other highly qualified applicants.
Test scores are required for financial aid: An excellent score could open up more opportunities for merit-based scholarships.
Your scores boost your application: High scores can make you more competitive, especially if other aspects of your application, like your GPA, are less than stellar.
Your scores are above the middle 50% range for admitted students: This indicates that your scores are competitive for that particular institution.

You should not submit your scores if:

Your scores fall below the middle 50%: Omitting your scores may be beneficial, especially if you feel your test results don’t accurately reflect your academic abilities.
The rest of your application is strong: A high GPA, excellent reference letters, honors and awards, and extracurriculars can be just as impactful as good scores.

Strategies for Applying to Test-Optional Colleges

If you choose to apply to test-optional colleges without submitting SAT or ACT scores, it is essential to focus on strengthening other aspects of your application:

Read also: Do PSAT Scores Matter?

Write a compelling personal statement: Highlight your unique abilities, creativity, and worldview.
Submit strong recommendation letters: Ask teachers, counselors, or coaches who know you well and can speak to your strengths and character.
Present your best self on social media: Be mindful of what you post online and consider making your profiles private.
Participate in an alumni interview: If available, these interviews can help your application stand out.

The Future of Standardized Testing in College Admissions

The trend toward test-optional and test-free policies is likely to continue in the coming years. As colleges increasingly focus on holistic review processes that consider a wide range of factors beyond test scores, the importance of standardized tests in college admissions may diminish further.

However, even in a test-optional world, the SAT and ACT can still be valuable tools for students. High scores can help students stand out in a competitive applicant pool, qualify for merit-based scholarships, and demonstrate their readiness for college-level work.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to take the SAT or ACT is a personal one that should be based on your individual circumstances, strengths, and goals. By understanding the different testing policies of colleges and carefully considering your own profile, you can make informed choices that will help you achieve your college aspirations.

Additional Considerations

ACT Score Choice Policies

Some colleges require applicants to send their entire ACT testing record, while others allow students to choose which scores to submit. Colleges that require all ACT scores may do so to assess applicants across the pool fairly or to superscore the ACT (i.e., take the highest section scores from different test dates and combine them to create the highest possible composite score).

It is essential to research the ACT score choice policies of each college you are applying to. You can typically find this information on the college's admissions website or by contacting the admissions office directly.

Read also: The Right Path After GCSEs

Cost of Sending ACT Scores

The ACT charges a fee per test date and per school to send your scores. This can add up quickly if you have taken the ACT multiple times and are applying to several colleges that require all scores.

Resources for Finding Test-Optional and Test-Free Colleges

FairTest is a valuable resource for finding a comprehensive list of test-optional and test-free colleges and universities. Their website allows you to search for schools based on various criteria, such as location, test policy, and accreditation.

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