Is Test-Optional Still a Thing? (2026)

Test-optional policies vary by institution and can change

There is no single US-wide test policy. Each college or university sets its own standardised-testing requirement independently, and those policies have shifted significantly since 2020. Some schools made test-optional changes permanent; others reinstated test requirements; a smaller number moved to "test-free" (scores not considered even if submitted); and some returned to requiring scores after a period of suspension.

Because policies are set by each institution and continue to evolve, the only reliable way to know a school's current policy is to check its official admissions website before you apply.

What "test-optional" means in practice

"Test-optional" means you may apply without submitting an SAT or ACT score, and the college will review your application on its other merits. It does not mean test scores are irrelevant if you do submit them — most test-optional schools will consider a strong score in a holistic review if you choose to include it.

"Test-free" or "test-blind" (used by a smaller number of schools) goes further: the college does not consider test scores even if you submit them. The terms are used differently across institutions, so read each school's policy language carefully.

• Test-optional: applying without scores is permitted; strong scores may still help if submitted
• Test-free / test-blind: scores are not considered even if you submit them
• Test-required: a SAT or ACT score is required to complete your application
• Some schools apply different policies to domestic vs international applicants — check both

Selective schools that reinstated test requirements

Several highly selective universities announced a return to requiring standardised test scores after a period of test-optional admission. MIT, for example, reinstated its SAT/ACT requirement for the class entering in 2023, citing research that test scores are predictive of academic success for students from all backgrounds. Yale, Dartmouth, Harvard, Brown, and several other highly selective institutions have also announced moves back toward requiring or strongly encouraging test scores as of 2025–2026.

These decisions are institution-specific and the landscape continues to change. Do not assume any school's policy from a prior year still applies. Check the current policy on each school's official admissions page before you begin your application.

Should you submit scores at test-optional schools?

At a genuinely test-optional school, the standard guidance from admissions offices is: submit your scores if they are likely to strengthen your application; do not submit if they are likely to weaken it. What "strengthen" means depends on the college's typical admitted-student score ranges.

For international applicants, some colleges treat language-proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test) separately from the SAT/ACT; test-optional policies usually refer to the SAT/ACT only. Verify whether English-proficiency test requirements are separate from the test-optional SAT/ACT policy at each school.

How to find the current policy for your schools

Every college publishes its current standardised-testing requirement on its official admissions website, typically under an Admissions Requirements or Apply section. Cross-check using the Common App or Coalition Application requirements listed for that school.

Do not rely on third-party websites or news articles as your primary source for a school's test policy — these can be out of date. Go directly to the college's own admissions pages.

• Check each college's official admissions website directly
• Cross-check on the Common App / Coalition App requirements for that school
• Verify whether the policy differs for domestic vs international applicants
• Do not rely on third-party sites as a primary source — policies change and third-party sources may lag