The temporary test-optional experiment that began during the COVID-19 pandemic is winding down quickly. What many hoped would become a permanent shift in college admissions is instead turning into a widespread return to standardized testing.

 

Elite private institutions and major public universities alike are reinstating SAT and ACT requirements for incoming classes starting in fall 2027. A growing number are also welcoming the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as a valid alternative. Even at schools that still offer some flexibility, submitting strong scores often makes the difference when competing for competitive merit scholarships and honors opportunities.

 

For current high school juniors in the Class of 2027, who will submit applications this coming fall, standardized testing has reclaimed its central role in the admissions process.

The Elite Schools Leading the Charge

The reversal started gaining real traction in 2024. Dartmouth was among the first to reinstate requirements after its own research confirmed that test scores remained one of the best predictors of college success. Harvard, Yale, Brown, Cornell, Caltech, Stanford, MIT, and others soon followed with similar decisions.

 

Princeton announced in late 2025 that it would require test scores beginning with the 2027-28 cycle. As a result, nearly every Ivy League school now requires or strongly recommends standardized testing for the upcoming cycles, with only Columbia maintaining a fully test-optional stance.

 

These changes were driven by internal data reviews showing that without test scores, it became harder for admissions teams to fairly evaluate academic readiness across different high schools.

Public Flagships Are Also Requiring Tests Again

The trend extends well beyond private colleges. Several large public university systems and flagship schools have brought back testing requirements for the Class of 2027:

  • Auburn University is fully phasing out test-optional admissions — all applicants will need to submit SAT or ACT scores starting fall 2027.
  • Louisiana State University (LSU) is reinstating the requirement.
  • University of Alabama now requires scores for applicants whose high school GPA falls below 3.0.
  • The full Florida and Georgia public university systems reinstated testing earlier and continue to expand options, including acceptance of the CLT.
  • University of Florida accepts SAT, ACT, or CLT.
  • University of Texas at Austin brought back its testing requirement in 2024.

These moves reflect a broader recognition that test scores help admissions offices make clearer, more equitable decisions in an era of widespread grade inflation.

Colleges That Have Reinstated or Now Prefer Test Scores

Here is an updated list of many colleges that have reinstated SAT/ACT requirements or now strongly prefer scores (sorted alphabetically). Policies continue to evolve, so always verify directly on each school’s admissions website:

  • Allegheny Wesleyan College
  • Allen College
  • Auburn University
  • Boston University (with some exceptions)
  • Brigham Young University – Hawaii
  • Brigham Young University – Idaho
  • Brown University
  • California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Clemson University
  • Cornell University
  • Dartmouth College
  • Duke University
  • Emory University
  • Georgetown University
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Harvard University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Louisiana State University (LSU)
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • Northwestern University
  • Princeton University (starting 2027-28)
  • Purdue University
  • Stanford University
  • United States Service Academies
  • University of Alabama System
  • University of Chicago
  • University of Florida System
  • University of Georgia System
  • University of Illinois
  • University of Miami
  • University of Michigan (test preferred)
  • University of North Carolina System (CLT accepted)
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of South Carolina
  • University of Tennessee System
  • University of Texas at Austin
  • University of Virginia
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison (test preferred)
  • Vanderbilt University (test preferred)
  • Villanova University
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • Yale University
  • And many others, including smaller institutions like Lee University, Piedmont University, York College of Pennsylvania.

What Families of the Class of 2027 Should Do Right Now

Many colleges are still finalizing or announcing their exact policies, which creates real timing challenges for students and parents. The key message is simple: don’t wait.

 

Practical steps to take this spring and summer:

  • Have your student take a full-length practice SAT or ACT soon to establish a realistic baseline. We offer Free, In-Person ACT Practice tests every Saturday morning. 
  • Consider trying a CLT practice test if any of your target schools accept it.
  • Plan to take an official test by late spring or summer 2026 at the latest. This gives time for a retake if needed before early application deadlines.
  • Even if some schools on your list remain test-optional, strong scores can unlock substantial merit aid packages — often worth five or six figures over four years.

Consistent preparation pays off. A focused effort over several months can lead to meaningful score gains that improve both admission chances and scholarship opportunities.

At Get Smarter Prep, we create individualized testing plans tailored to each student’s strengths, schedule, and specific college list. Whether the goal is gaining admission to highly selective schools or maximizing merit aid at strong public universities, we help turn preparation time into real results.

 

The return of testing requirements is a signal that colleges value clear evidence of academic readiness. Starting early gives the Class of 2027 the best shot at standing out and making college more affordable.

 

Ready to build a smart, proactive testing plan? Reach out to Get Smarter Prep today.