US college applications

Test-optional colleges in 2026-27

6 min read · updated 2026-10-03

After years of test-optional admissions, a growing group of highly selective colleges require the SAT or ACT again. Here is where several stand for students applying in 2026-27 for fall 2027, checked on each college's own admissions pages.

SAT or ACT required for fall 2027

✓ MIT: requires the SAT or ACT
✓ Harvard: requires the SAT or ACT, with alternatives such as AP, IB or A-Level results only in exceptional cases when those tests are not accessible
✓ Yale: requires the SAT or ACT from this cycle, ending its earlier test-flexible policy
✓ Stanford: requires the SAT or ACT, with no preference between them
✓ Dartmouth: requires the SAT or ACT for students at US high schools; students abroad have other options

Still test-optional this cycle

Princeton remains test-optional for students applying for fall 2027 entry, but will require the SAT or ACT from the 2027-28 cycle (fall 2028 entry). Many other colleges remain test-optional; check each one, because policies change from year to year.

What this means for applicants

Students aiming for highly selective colleges should plan to test, usually in the spring of grade 11 with a fall retake if needed. At test-optional colleges, submit scores when they are at or above the college's typical range.