Over the last few years, many US colleges have become test optional in their admissions processes. However, some top colleges have again started requiring tests for admissions.
Yale University is the latest top college to require test scores for admissions! Starting for applicants applying to enter in Fall 2025, they will have to submit SAT, ACT, AP or IB scores. Yale joins Dartmouth and MIT in changing policies to require tests for college admissions.
In an age of rampant grade inflation, standardized tests are an additional factor that can help predict if a student can thrive in certain majors that involve quantitative data such as economics or engineering.
Here is a list of competitive colleges that currently require test scores for applicants entering in Fall 2025 (updated August 2024):
Brown University
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Dartmouth College
Florida International University
Florida State University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
New College of Florida
Purdue University
United States Air Force Academy
United States Merchant Marine Academy
United States Military Academy at West Point
United States Naval Academy
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of South Florida
University of Tennessee
University of Texas at Austin
Yale University
Although most colleges are currently test optional for admissions, I expect a few more to reinstate test requirements in the next year. Please note that Cornell announced in April 2024 that although it remains test optional for those applying for Fall 2025, they will require standardized test scores for college applicants hoping to enter in Fall 2026. In addition, Stanford announced in June 2024 it remains test optional right now but will require test scores for students applying to enter for Fall 2026. Lastly, in August 2024, Johns Hopkins announced that test scores are required for Fall 2026, while they recommend test scores for those applying for Fall 2025.
To speak to a higher education admissions expert who has worked at Ivy League universities and has successfully guided many students through the application process, please contact us!
