Fall 2026 Standardized Test Requirements for the Top 70 U.S. Universities

The Common App officially opened on August 1, marking the start of the Fall 2026 application season. To help applicants better understand the requirements of their target schools, the Ivy Talent team has compiled a detailed summary of the standardized test policies for the top 70 U.S. universities, along with application tips and answers to common questions.

Understanding Standardized Test Policies in the U.S.

In recent years, the SAT/ACT requirements for U.S. college applications have been evolving, leading to a range of different policies. Currently, there are four main approaches:

1. Test-Optional

Applicants may choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores. If submitted, scores will be considered as part of the overall evaluation; if not, the applicant will not be penalized.

Advice: Review the score ranges of admitted students from previous years. If your scores are above average, submitting them can strengthen your application. If your scores are lower, consider leaving them out and focus on showcasing other strengths such as GPA and extracurricular achievements.

2. Test-Required

Some prestigious universities and competitive programs have reinstated mandatory SAT/ACT requirements, making scores a key part of the holistic review process.

Advice: If you plan to apply to these schools, start preparing early. Schedule your tests strategically and aim for strong scores to add weight to your application.

3. Test-Blind

Under this policy, schools will not consider standardized test scores at all, regardless of whether they are high or low. The University of California system is the most prominent example. 

Advice: Focus on strengthening your GPA, course rigor, essays, and extracurricular activities to demonstrate your academic and personal strengths.

4. Test-Flexible

Applicants can submit alternative academic credentials instead of SAT or ACT scores, such as AP, IB, A-Level, or other recognized international exams.

Advice: This option benefits students with diverse academic backgrounds. Choose the credentials that best highlight your academic abilities.

Reminder

Standardized testing policies can change due to shifts in school strategy or other factors. Always check the latest official updates from your target schools. Decide whether to submit scores based on your academic profile, the school’s requirements, and your overall application strategy.

Standardized Test Policies for the Top 70 U.S. Universities (Fall 2026)

The following information is based on each school’s official website. Please refer to the schools’ announcements for the most up-to-date details.

US News Rank	University	Fall 2026 Policy
1	Princeton University	Not yet updated
2	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Required
3	Harvard University	Required
4	Stanford University	Required
5	Yale University	Required but flexible
6	California Institute of Technology	Required
6	Duke University	Optional
6	Johns Hopkins University	Required
6	Northwestern University	Optional
10	University of Pennsylvania	Required
11	Cornell University	Required
11	University of Chicago	Optional
13	Brown University	Required
13	Columbia University	Optional
15	Dartmouth College	Optional
15	University of California – Los Angeles	Not considered
17	University of California – Berkeley	Not considered
18	Rice University	Recommended
18	University of Notre Dame	Optional
18	Vanderbilt University	Optional
21	Carnegie Mellon University	CS Department Required
21	University of Michigan – Ann Arbor	Optional
21	Washington University in St. Louis	Optional
24	Emory University	Optional
24	Georgetown University	Required
24	University of Virginia	Optional
27	University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill	GPA < 2.8 Required
27	University of Southern California	Optional
29	University of California – San Diego	Not considered
30	New York University	Optional
30	University of Florida	Required
30	University of Texas – Austin	Required
33	Georgia Institute of Technology	Required
33	University of California – Davis	Not considered
33	University of California – Irvine	Not considered
33	University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign	Optional
37	Boston College	Optional
37	Tufts University	Optional
39	University of California – Santa Barbara	Test-Blind
39	University of Wisconsin – Madison	Optional
41	Boston University	Optional
41	Ohio State University – Columbus	Required
41	Rutgers University – New Brunswick	Optional
44	University of Maryland – College Park	Optional
44	University of Rochester	Optional
46	Lehigh University	Optional
46	Purdue University – West Lafayette	Required
46	University of Georgia	Required
46	University of Washington – Seattle	Optional
46	Wake Forest University	Optional
51	Case Western Reserve University	Optional
51	Texas A&M University	Optional
51	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	Optional
54	Florida State University	Optional
54	Northeastern University	Optional
54	University of Minnesota – Twin Cities	Optional
54	College of William and Mary	Optional
58	North Carolina State University	Optional
58	Stony Brook University – SUNY	Optional
58	University of California – Merced	Not considered
58	University of Massachusetts – Amherst	Optional
58	Villanova University	Optional
63	Brandeis University	Optional
63	George Washington University	Optional
63	Michigan State University	Optional
63	Pennsylvania State University	Optional
63	Santa Clara University	Optional
63	Tulane University	Optional
63	University of Miami	Optional
70	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute	Optional
70	University of Connecticut	Optional
70	University of Pittsburgh	Optional

FAQs on Standardized Testing Policies

1. Why are many universities reinstating standardized test requirements?

In recent years, universities have found standardized tests to be a reliable predictor of academic performance, particularly in measuring mathematical reasoning, reading comprehension, and writing skills. These scores provide consistent data for admissions decisions. If your target school has reinstated the requirement, plan your test schedule early and aim to submit strong scores.

2. If my scores are low, can I choose not to submit them?

Yes. If your scores fall below the school’s historical median or average and don’t reflect your true ability, you may choose not to submit them to a test-optional school.

Not submitting does not automatically hurt your chances. In these cases, admissions officers focus more on:

• GPA and course rigor
• Recommendation letters
• Extracurricular activities and leadership
• Personal statement
• Overall fit with the school

If you excel in these areas, you can still remain a strong applicant.

3. Can I send scores to a test-blind school?

You can, but they won’t be used in the admissions review. However, scores may still be considered for certain scholarships or special cases.

If your school is test-blind, focus on GPA, coursework, activities, and essays rather than relying on test scores. High scores can still be kept as backup for scholarship opportunities.

From Ivy Talent 

Policies can change quickly. Always monitor official updates from your target schools. Decide whether to submit test scores based on your academic record, the school’s expectations, and your application strategy.

If you’d like help interpreting a specific school’s policy or creating a personalized standardized testing plan, contact Ivy Talent for one-on-one guidance.