Shift Back to SAT: Why the SAT is Required Again and How We Can Use That to Help Students

The shift to test-optional policies that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic appeared initially to suggest that the SAT and other standardized tests would no longer impact the lives of students. But now, new research and findings have thrown a few curveballs into the mix, leading many prominent colleges and universities to rethink their admissions policies.

In this post, we’re going to examine the reinstatement of standardized testing requirements and break down what this means for applicants. Whether you’re a student gearing up for the SAT or a parent looking to support your child through the admissions jungle, we’re here to share some helpful insights and build a sense of community as we embark on this exciting journey together. So, let’s dive right in!

What’s Changing in College Admissions?

After the pandemic prompted a shift to test-optional admissions, many colleges and universities like Dartmouth, MIT, and Brown quickly discovered that going test-optional unintentionally created some challenges regarding equity. Without test scores, admissions officers found it trickier to spot high-achieving students from less-resourced high schools, where average GPAs or course offerings didn’t fully reflect students' true potential. Moreover, grade inflation in many high schools made GPA comparisons difficult or even meaningless. In such a landscape, standardized tests still proved to be the most reliable indicator of success in college. This is what prompted the shift back to reinstating the SAT as a college admissions requirement.

Schools Bringing Back SAT/ACT Requirements

Here’s a list of major schools that once dropped the SAT/ACT requirement but have now decided to bring it back, organized by category:

The Ivy League (Complete Reversal)

*All Ivy League universities have officially returned to requiring test scores.*

• MIT (Reinstated in 2022—the first major university to do so)

• Dartmouth College (Reinstated in early 2024)

• Harvard University (Reinstated in April 2024)

• Brown University (Reinstated for Fall 2025 applicants)

• Yale University (Reinstated for Fall 2025 applicants)

• University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) (Reinstated in early 2025)

• Cornell University (Reinstated for Fall 2026 entry)

• Princeton University (Announced it will require test scores starting with the 2027–2028 cycle)

• Columbia University (Initially committed to a permanent test-optional policy, but has reversed its decision and will require the SAT/ACT starting with the 2027–2028 cycle)

Elite Private & STEM Universities

• California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (Transitioned from a strict "test-blind" policy back to "test-required" in 2024)

• Stanford University (Reinstated testing requirements for Fall 2026 entry onward)

• Georgetown University (Returned to required testing early in the post-pandemic transition)

• Johns Hopkins University (Reinstated the requirement starting with the Fall 2026 cycle)

Major Public University Systems

Many large public state universities are moving away from test-optional applications.

State System / University	Policy Status
SUNY (State University of New York)	For most bachelor's degree-granting SUNY campuses, submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional, however: If you believe your scores strengthen your application, you may submit them, and they can be considered in the admissions review. Certain specialized programs or scholarships may still request or recommend test scores, so applicants should always check the requirements of the specific campus and program.
University of Texas at Austin	Reinstated testing requirements.
Purdue University	Reinstated testing requirements.
Florida Public University System (UF, FSU, etc.)	Reinstated testing (also accepts the Classic Learning Test / CLT).
Georgia Public University System (UGA, Georgia Tech, etc.)	Reinstated testing requirements.
Louisiana State University (LSU)	Reinstated testing requirements for the entering class.
Auburn University	Phasing out test-optional completely; required for all applicants.
University of North Carolina System	Reinstated testing requirements for applicants falling below a certain GPA threshold.

The changes in admission policies described above highlight just how important the SAT still is in the college admissions process. That is exactly why here at NYCGPrep, we emphasize getting ready for the SAT for all high school students. The SAT is still a great opportunity to help our students stand out in the college admissions process. For instance, even when applying to schools like SUNY that officially do not require SAT scores for admission, students can strengthen their standing by submitting strong SAT scores. Your SAT scores will help make the case that you are a strong candidate with real skills and ability.

Finally, remember that we at NYCGPrep are here to support you every step of the way! Please contact us to register for our on-going SAT classes.