In today’s ever-changing college admissions landscape, it’s imperative for students and parents to stay informed about the latest standardized testing requirements. More and more colleges are reinstating requirements that a student submit an SAT or ACT score. Six of the eight Ivy League schools require SAT or ACT scores for students applying in the 2026-27 admissions cycle. Other highly selective schools, including Stanford, MIT, and Johns Hopkins, along with the state university systems in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee, require scores.

Where to begin? We’re here to help! Read on for the latest SAT/ACT testing requirements for Fall 2027 admissions, and beyond. We’ve included links to the following schools’ admissions websites. Students should always check the testing requirements for each individual school when planning an SAT/ACT preparation timeline and creating a college list.

Latest Testing Requirements for Fall 2027 College Admissions:

Updated 4/15/2026

Several universities have reinstated their SAT/ACT requirements beginning with the Fall 2027 admissions cycle. Some test optional schools such as Boston University require students submitting an ACT to include Science. Below is a list of schools that require standardized test scores: 

• University of Alabama
• Auburn University
• Brown
  • ACT Science section is optional.
• California Institute of Technology (CalTech)
• The Cooper Union – School of Engineering
• Cornell University
  • ACT Science section is optional.
• Dartmouth
• Florida flagship schools (University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida International University, University of South Florida)
  • Additional State University System of Florida schools (See a full list here)
  • ACT Science section is optional.
• Georgetown
  • Requires SAT/ACT and submission of each applicant’s complete testing record. Requires Science section if submitting ACT score.
• Georgia flagship schools (University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Georgia College)
• Georgia State University
• Harvard
  • ACT Science section is optional.
• Johns Hopkins University
  • ACT Science section is optional.
• MIT
• Nova Southeastern University
• The Ohio State University
  • ACT Science section is optional.
• Purdue
  • ACT Science section is optional.
• Rice University
• Stanford University
  • ACT Science section is optional.
• University of Pennsylvania
  • ACT Science section is optional.
• University of Miami
• University of Tennessee System (Including the flagship campus in Knoxville)
• University of Texas at Austin
• US Air Force Academy
• US Military Academy
• US Naval Academy

Some universities have more specific requirements or policies:

Test-Optional Ivy League school:

• Columbia University has a test optional policy.

Test Blind Schools:

• The University of California (all campuses), are remaining test-blind, meaning they do not consider SAT or ACT scores in their admissions decisions.