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Which Top U.S. Universities Still Require SAT/ACT in 2025? Full Breakdown


Planning your college application strategy for 2025? You’re not alone in wondering where SAT or ACT scores still matter. With shifting admissions testing policies, especially among Ivy League and top 50 universities, it’s crucial to know which schools require standardized testing—and which don’t.

Below is your complete, up-to-date guide to college entrance exam requirements across the most competitive institutions in the U.S.


Ivy League SAT/ACT Policies in 2025


The Ivy League SAT policy landscape is changing again in 2025. Here's where each university stands:


  • Brown University – SAT or ACT required for all applicants.

  • Columbia University – Permanently test-optional.

  • Cornell University – Test-optional through at least the 2025–2026 application cycle.

  • Dartmouth College – SAT/ACT required.

  • Harvard University – Test-optional through at least 2025–2026.

  • University of Pennsylvania – Test-optional through 2024–2025.

  • Princeton University – Test-optional through at least 2025–2026.

  • Yale University – Requires SAT or ACT scores for admission.


So if you're aiming for the Ivies, know that Brown, Dartmouth, and Yale have reinstated SAT/ACT requirements, while others are keeping a test-optional policy in place—for now.


Top 50 U.S. Universities: SAT and ACT Requirements in 2025


Testing policies across other highly ranked universities also vary widely.


Colleges Requiring SAT/ACT in 2025


The following elite schools require test scores as part of their standardized testing college admissions criteria:

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

  • California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

  • Georgetown University

  • University of Florida

  • University of Georgia

  • University of Texas at Austin

These schools emphasize test scores in their holistic admissions process, so plan to sit for the SAT or ACT if applying here.


Top Colleges with Test-Optional Policies


These well-known institutions still allow students to choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores:


  • Stanford University

  • University of Chicago

  • Johns Hopkins University

  • Duke University

  • Northwestern University

  • Emory University

  • Rice University

  • Vanderbilt University

  • University of Southern California (USC)

  • Carnegie Mellon University

  • University of Virginia

  • University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

  • Tufts University

  • Wake Forest University

  • Boston College

  • NYU

  • University of Rochester

  • Brandeis University

  • Syracuse University

  • Purdue University

  • University of Wisconsin – Madison

  • University of Miami

  • Ohio State University

  • Lehigh University

  • Clemson University

  • Penn State University

  • University of Maryland – College Park

  • Pepperdine University

  • University of Connecticut

  • University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

  • University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill


Even at test-optional universities, submitting strong scores can enhance your application competitiveness, particularly for merit scholarships and selective programs.


Test-Blind Universities


Some schools have adopted test-blind admissions, meaning they won’t consider test scores at all—even if submitted:


  • University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)


This test-blind policy is permanent for the University of California system, reflecting a major shift in the use of college application testing.


Testing Requirements for International Students


Regardless of an institution’s SAT/ACT stance, international applicants often must submit proof of English proficiency. Common accepted tests include:


  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

  • Duolingo English Test


So if you're applying from abroad, review the school's international testing requirements closely.


What Students Should Know About SAT/ACT in 2025


The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a massive overhaul of testing expectations, with many schools adopting temporary SAT/ACT waivers. While some universities have returned to requiring scores, many others are using this moment to reevaluate how testing fits into their broader admissions strategy.


Still, taking the SAT or ACT can keep your options open—especially if you’re applying to schools where testing is required or encouraged. Plus, strong test scores can help offset weaknesses in other areas, such as GPA or extracurriculars.


Pro Tips for Navigating College Testing Policies


  • Stay updated. Visit each college’s admissions site for the latest testing policy updates.

  • Plan ahead. Even test-optional colleges might give an edge to applicants who submit strong scores.

  • Know your strengths. If your test score supports your academic profile, submit it. If not, focus on other aspects of the application.

  • International students: Confirm whether you need to submit English-language tests, regardless of SAT/ACT requirements.


This list covers the top U.S. colleges, but college rankings and testing policies shift frequently. Keep checking back for updates, and consider testing if you're aiming for the most selective schools in 2025.


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