The test‑optional wave that swept through admissions during the pandemic is beginning to ebb. While most U.S. colleges and universities still offer some form of test‑optional review, a growing number have decided to once again require—or strongly encourage—SAT or ACT scores for applicants entering in Fall 2026.

If you’re building your college list, keep a close eye on each institution’s policy and start planning your testing timeline now. Below you’ll find an at‑a‑glance guide to every school that has announced a return to testing, along with admit rates and links to their official policy pages.

 

Institution

State

Admit Rate*

Mid‑50% SAT / ACT

2024‑25 Policy

2025‑26 Policy

Augusta University

GA

85 %

—

Conditional

SAT / ACT required

Carnegie Mellon

PA

12 %

1510‑1560 / 34‑35

Optional

Flexible†

Cornell University

NY

8 %

1480‑1550 / 33‑35

Mostly optional

SAT / ACT required

Georgia Southern

GA

90 %

980‑1160 / 17‑23

Conditional

SAT / ACT required

Georgia State

GA

52 %

980‑1200 / 19‑26

Conditional

SAT / ACT required

Johns Hopkins

MD

6 %

1530‑1570 / 34‑36

Optional

SAT / ACT required

Kennesaw State

GA

69 %

1030‑1220 / 19‑25

Conditional

SAT / ACT required

Ohio State (Columbus)

OH

51 %

1290‑1440 / 27‑32

Optional

SAT / ACT required

Stanford University

CA

4 %

1500‑1560 / 34‑35

Optional

SAT / ACT required

University of Miami

FL

19 %

1340‑1450 / 30‑33

Optional

SAT / ACT required

University of Pennsylvania

PA

5 %

1510‑1560 / 34‑36

Optional

SAT / ACT required

* Admit rates are based on the most recent published figures.

† At Carnegie Mellon, scores will be required for the School of Computer Science, optional for most Fine Arts programs, and “flexible” (strongly recommended) for all other departments.

Standardized testing expectations continue to evolve, so verify each school’s requirements as you finalize your list. Need help preparing? Reach out early so you have plenty of time to schedule exams, practice, and retest if necessary.

Tags: ACT, SAT, Standardized Testing, Admissions Policy, Augusta University, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Johns Hopkins, Kennesaw State, Ohio State, Stanford, University of Miami, University of Pennsylvania