SAT/ACT
Which Universities Require SAT Again?
Learn examples of US universities that require SAT or ACT again and why students must verify current testing policies before applying.
By Oxbrivy Editorial Team. Reviewed by Oxbrivy study-abroad testing desk.
Quick answer
Since 2022, a growing number of selective US universities have reinstated SAT or ACT requirements after pandemic-era test-optional policies. For 2026–27 applicants, colleges requiring scores include Harvard, Yale (test-flexible), Dartmouth, Brown, Penn, Cornell, MIT, Stanford, Caltech, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, UT Austin and Georgia Tech. Princeton will require scores from the 2027–28 cycle. Many colleges remain test-optional.
Key takeaways
- MIT was one of the first to reinstate its requirement, in 2022.
- Dartmouth, Yale, Brown and Harvard announced reinstatements in 2024.
- Penn, Cornell, Stanford and Caltech require scores for students entering from autumn 2026, and Johns Hopkins has also reinstated its requirement.
- Princeton is test-optional in 2026–27 and requires scores from 2027–28.
- Colleges cite research that scores help predict success and identify talented students from under-resourced schools.
Oxbrivy practical ranking
Use this as a starting point, then personalise it with your budget, profile, and course.
College testing policy
Best for: Checking whether each college is test required, optional, preferred, flexible, or blind.
Watch out: Old test-optional lists can be wrong for the 2026 cycle.
Score value
Best for: Comparing SAT or ACT scores with each college's middle 50 percent range.
Watch out: A score is only good or weak in relation to a target college, program, and scholarship rule.
Deadline strategy
Best for: Planning attempts, retakes, superscore use, and score-sending before ED, EA, RD, and scholarship deadlines.
Watch out: Retaking without a real payoff can steal time from grades, essays, and applications.
Colleges requiring the SAT or ACT (2026–27 cycle)
Selected colleges that require scores for students applying in 2026–27:
| College | Policy for 2026–27 |
|---|---|
| MIT | Required |
| Harvard University | Required |
| Yale University | Required (test-flexible: SAT, ACT, AP or IB) |
| Dartmouth College | Required |
| Brown University | Required |
| University of Pennsylvania | Required |
| Cornell University | Required |
| Stanford University | Required |
| Caltech | Required |
| Johns Hopkins University | Required |
| Georgetown University | Required |
| UT Austin | Required |
| Georgia Tech | Required |
| Princeton University | Optional in 2026–27; required from 2027–28 |
Why colleges are bringing tests back
Several colleges published internal research showing that test scores, read in the context of a student’s school, helped predict academic success and helped identify strong students from less-resourced schools who might otherwise have been overlooked.
Princeton, for example, said its review found stronger academic performance among students who submitted scores during its test-optional period.
What this means for you
If any college on your list requires scores, plan to take the SAT or ACT, ideally with a first attempt by the end of Class 11.
Recheck every college’s policy each cycle; they continue to change.
The Oxbrivy Admit Probability Engine shows how your score fits the colleges on your list.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ivy League schools require the SAT?
For 2026–27: Harvard, Yale (test-flexible), Dartmouth, Brown, Penn and Cornell. Princeton requires scores from 2027–28.
Why are universities requiring the SAT again?
Their research suggested scores help predict success and identify talented students from under-resourced schools.
Is the SAT required for 2027 admission?
At many selective colleges, yes. Check each college’s current policy, as many others remain test-optional.
Sources and review note
This public guide is intended for student education. Visa, fee, scholarship, and work-rights rules can change quickly, so Oxbrivy verifies current official sources before giving personalised advice.
- Princeton University standardized testing policy
- ACT test-optional admissions guide
- College Board BigFuture colleges that require SAT or ACT
- College Board BigFuture why take the SAT
- College Board BigFuture good SAT score guidance
- College Board SAT structure
- College Board SAT score meaning
- College Board SAT target score guidance
- College Board SAT retake guidance
- College Board SAT preparation guidance
- College Board Bluebook practice tests
- ACT enhancements for non-US students
- ACT understanding scores
- ACT college readiness benchmarks
- ACT national ranks and percentiles
- ACT retake guidance
- ACT when to take the ACT
- ACT free test prep
- Harvard standardized testing requirements
- Brown standardized testing requirements
- Stanford standardized testing requirements
- Dartmouth testing requirement announcement
- Google Search Central helpful content guidance
Student visa guides
Documents, fees, funds and interview tips, checked against the official source.
Scholarships to look at
Each award links to the funder’s own page, with the eligibility and deadline facts we could confirm.
Related guides
SAT/ACT
What Is a Good SAT Score for US Universities?
A good SAT score depends on your target colleges. Learn SAT score range, middle 50 percent ranges, and how to set a target score.
SAT/ACT
Can International Students Apply Without SAT or ACT?
Many international students can apply to test-optional US colleges without SAT or ACT, but some universities, scholarships, and programs require scores.
SAT/ACT
Do SAT Scores Help With Scholarships?
SAT and ACT scores can help with merit scholarships, honors programs, placement, and scholarship eligibility at some colleges.
SAT/ACT
How Many Times Should I Take the SAT or ACT?
Learn how often to take SAT or ACT, when to retake, how superscoring works, and how to plan test dates around deadlines.