SAT & ACT Make a Comeback at U.S. Universities

The landscape of college admissions has experienced significant changes following the COVID-19 pandemic. Standardized testing, which was previously a fundamental aspect of the US admissions framework, has been largely set aside. As the significance of the SAT and ACT in US higher education institutions has waned, the number of colleges adopting test-optional policies surged from 1,075 in March 2020 to 1,700 by the fall of that year.

For Indian and other international students planning to study in the U.S., the return of SAT and ACT requirements can also be important when exploring scholarship opportunities, as standardized test scores may play a role in admissions and merit-based scholarships. Students should also research scholarships for Indian students to study abroad and fully funded scholarships for Indian students to study abroad when planning their applications.

Nevertheless, a new trend is beginning to take shape. Dartmouth College, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgetown University, the University of Texas at Austin, Yale University, and Brown University have reinstated their testing requirements. In 2024, Cornell University also reintroduced testing for applicants seeking admission in fall 2026. More recently, in October 2025, Princeton University declared that it would require SAT and ACT scores for the fall 2027 admissions cycle. This development signifies a pivotal moment for the SAT and ACT within US universities, with Columbia University remaining the sole Ivy League institution that has opted for a test-optional policy.

Let us explore the factors that have led to this shift and its implications for college admissions in the United States.

What is driving the resurgence of SAT and ACT in US universities?

In the midst of the ongoing discourse regarding the SAT and ACT in US higher education, institutions are considering various elements as they formulate their policies. While research conducted prior to the pandemic suggested that high school GPAs were more reliable indicators of college success than SAT or ACT scores, studies conducted in the post-pandemic era present a contrasting viewpoint.

Recent research indicates that the reintroduction of the SAT and ACT in US universities may facilitate access to higher education for marginalized students. For example, a 2024 study by Opportunity Insights highlights that standardized test scores play a crucial role in predicting outcomes for students attending highly selective colleges, irrespective of their socioeconomic status. Additionally, a PEW survey revealed that 85 percent of Americans believe standardized tests should continue to be a consideration in college admissions.

Universities cite data-driven justifications for the reinstatement of standardized testing.

Jeremiah Quinlan, Yale’s Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, remarked, "In simple terms, students with elevated scores tend to achieve higher GPAs at Yale, and test scores serve as the most significant predictor of a student’s success in Yale courses across all models we have developed."

In a similar vein, Dartmouth President Sian Leah Beilock asserted that SAT and ACT scores are more reliable indicators of student performance than GPAs or recommendation letters. She elaborated that test-optional policies complicate the evaluation of students from varied educational backgrounds, including those from international systems.

Christina Paxson, President of Brown University, expressed concerns regarding the "unintended adverse outcomes" associated with test-optional policies. In response, Brown initiated a testing in context program, which encourages a review process that takes into account scores alongside the personal and educational histories of applicants. Paxson believes this method fosters equity for underrepresented students.

At the University of Texas, President Jay Hartzell noted that standardized testing continues to play a crucial role in identifying students who are best suited for university programs. Throughout the test-optional period, SAT and ACT scores were instrumental in distinguishing between applicants with comparable GPAs.

Cornell Provost Michael I. Kotlikoff remarked, "Although it may appear counterintuitive, taking these test scores into account actually enhances access for students from a broader spectrum of backgrounds and situations. Our analysis suggests that implementing the testing requirement likely improves, rather than hinders, our capacity to identify and admit qualified students."

Princeton University also evaluated data from five test-optional cycles. The Daily Princetonian reported that "academic performance was superior among students who opted to submit test scores compared to those who did not," a discovery that influenced the university’s choice to reinstate testing.

The reintroduction of the SAT and ACT in US universities signifies a shift in the approach to standardized testing. Various institutions are adopting different policies; some have reinstated the requirement for SAT and ACT scores, while others have opted for test-flexible or test-optional frameworks. For instance, the University of Michigan has transitioned from a test-flexible policy to a test-optional one, now only accepting SAT or ACT scores, whereas previously, students could submit PSAT, IB, or AP results. Princeton University has reinstated testing requirements for students entering in 2027, while Columbia University has decided to remain permanently test-optional.

The evolving landscape of standardized testing policies is noteworthy. Harry Feder, the Executive Director of FairTest, noted that the prevalence of ACT/SAT-optional and test-blind policies has become the "new normal" for many universities. He elaborated that test-optional policies generally lead to an increase in the number of applicants, attract candidates with strong academic backgrounds, and enhance diversity. FairTest's data indicates that over 80 percent of US four-year universities will not require SAT or ACT scores for admissions in the fall of 2025.

In summary, as we move further into the post-pandemic era, colleges and universities are striving to find a balance between maintaining academic rigor and ensuring accessibility. The return of the SAT and ACT in US universities highlights the ongoing reassessment of the role of standardized testing in promoting equity and excellence.

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