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Which Top Colleges Are Test-Optional?

Many elite institutions that were previously test-optional have reinstated testing requirements.

Below is the breakdown of the top ~30 US universities by their testing policy for the Class of 2030 (Fall 2026 entry).

1. Test Required

You must submit SAT or ACT scores to be considered. Some schools accept AP/IB scores as substitutes (noted as "Test Flexible").

  • Harvard University (Reinstated)
  • Yale University (Test-Flexible: Must submit SAT, ACT, AP, or IB scores)
  • Princeton University (Reinstated)
  • Stanford University (Reinstated)
  • MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
  • Caltech (California Institute of Technology)
  • University of Pennsylvania (Reinstated)
  • Brown University (Reinstated)
  • Dartmouth College (Reinstated)
  • Cornell University (Reinstated)
  • Johns Hopkins University (Reinstated)
  • Georgetown University
  • Georgia Tech (Publics in Georgia require scores)
  • University of Florida (Publics in Florida require scores)
  • UT Austin (Reinstated)
  • Carnegie Mellon University (Requirements vary by college; School of Computer Science requires SAT/ACT; others are "Test Flexible")

2. Test Optional

You can choose whether or not to submit scores. Doing so is generally recommended if your score is at or above the school's median, but you will not be penalized for omitting them. As a short note, for elite schools submit over a 33 or 1500. (Ideally, you want a 34+ or 1530+.) 

  • Columbia University (The only Ivy League school to remain indefinitely test-optional)
  • University of Chicago (Permanent "No Harm" policy)
  • Duke University
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Rice University
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Virginia
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • University of Notre Dame
  • Emory University
  • USC (University of Southern California)
  • UNC Chapel Hill (Technically hybrid: Optional if weighted GPA is 2.8+, Required if below)
  • NYU (New York University)

3. Test Blind (Test Free)

Scores are NOT considered, even if you send them. Do not send scores to these schools.

  • UCLA
  • UC Berkeley
  • (All other University of California campuses: UCSD, UC Davis, UCI, etc.)

Strategic Recommendation

Because the landscape has split, you now need a two-pronged strategy:

  1. For "Required" schools: You must have a score. If your score is below the 25th percentile for these highly competitive schools (typically <1500 SAT or <34 ACT), consider retaking the test or adjusting your school list, as a low score cannot be hidden.
  2. For "Optional" schools: Only submit your score if it falls within or above the school's middle 50% range (usually 1500+ or 34+ for this list). If your score is lower, it is often better to withhold it and rely on your GPA and essays.