Which Colleges Are Truly Test-Optional in 2025? (2/24/25)
The landscape of college admissions has been shifting dramatically over the past several years, with standardized testing policies at the center of the conversation. While many institutions continue to market themselves as "test-optional," the reality is often more complex.
In 2025, some colleges claim to be genuinely test-optional, meaning applicants are neither penalized nor given an advantage based on whether they submit scores. However, the vast majority of schools still favor students who submit strong SAT or ACT scores, whether they explicitly state it or not. Those who choose not to submit scores are often at a distinct disadvantage, especially when competing against applicants who do (Score Academy).
So, which colleges are truly test-optional in 2025? And what does "test-optional" actually mean?
Understanding Different Testing Policies
Before identifying which colleges are fully test-optional, it’s important to clarify the different policies in place:
Test-Optional: Students can submit SAT/ACT scores, but they are not required. However, submitted scores will often provide a significant advantage in the admissions process.
Test-Blind: Even if a student submits scores, they will not be considered at all in the admissions process. These schools are extremely rare.
Test-Flexible: Students must submit some form of standardized testing but can choose from different options (SAT, ACT, AP exams, IB scores, etc.).
Test-Required: Applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.
Many students assume "test-optional" means scores don’t help at all—but at most schools, submitting strong scores can still provide a major advantage and significantly increase admission chances (Inside Higher Ed).
Which Ivy League Schools Are Test-Optional?
As of 2025, Ivy League policies vary significantly:
Harvard University: Reinstated SAT/ACT requirements in April 2024 for students applying for fall 2025 admission (Class of 2029).
Columbia University: Permanently test-optional, though strong scores remain a factor in competitive admissions.
Dartmouth College: Reinstated its SAT/ACT requirement for the 2025 admission cycle.
Cornell University: Currently test-optional but will reinstate testing requirements starting with the 2025-2026 cycle.
Princeton University: Test-optional through at least the 2025-2026 application cycle, though top applicants often submit scores.
Yale University: Reintroduced a "test-flexible" policy in February 2024, requiring all applicants to submit some form of standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, AP exams, or IB scores).
Brown University: Recently announced a return to test-required policies for the 2025-2026 application cycle.
University of Pennsylvania: Test-optional through at least the 2024-2025 application cycle, but submitted scores improve chances.
Although some Ivy League schools remain test-optional, the reality is that submitting high SAT or ACT scores significantly boosts admission chances at every Ivy League school (Inside Higher Ed).
Test-Optional vs. Test-Strategic: The Hidden Reality
While many colleges claim to be test-optional, the truth is that scores can still provide a major advantage in the admissions process at nearly every school.
For example:
Ivy League Schools: Even at test-optional Ivy League schools, students who submit high SAT/ACT scores are admitted at higher rates.
Large Public Universities: Some public universities remain test-optional, but students who submit strong scores are far more competitive. Schools like the University of Florida and Georgia Tech have reinstated SAT/ACT requirements, reinforcing the importance of test scores.
Scholarships and Honors Programs: Even at test-optional schools, students who submit SAT/ACT scores may qualify for merit-based scholarships and honors programs that require standardized testing (CollegeVine).
Choosing not to submit scores, even when a school is test-optional, can place an applicant at a disadvantage when competing against those who do (Inside Higher Ed).
Should You Submit Your Scores?
Given the variations in test-optional policies, here’s how to decide whether to submit your SAT/ACT scores:
✅ Submit scores if:
Your SAT/ACT score is above the median for your target school.
You are applying to STEM-focused programs, where math scores matter more.
You need test scores for merit-based scholarships or honors programs (CollegeVine).
❌ Do not submit scores if:
Your SAT/ACT score is significantly below the school’s middle 50% range.
The college explicitly states that it does not consider test scores in any way.
Final Thoughts: Testing is Your Best Advantage
In 2025, many colleges remain test-optional—but not submitting test scores almost always places students at a disadvantage. While some institutions claim to evaluate students without considering scores, the reality is that submitted scores almost always help.
Students should research each school's actual policies, check admitted student data, and make a strategic decision about whether to submit their scores.
In the evolving world of college admissions, one thing remains true: Having a strong SAT or ACT score significantly increases your chances of admission—regardless of test-optional policies (Score Academy).
Contact me today to get started with expert ACT/SAT tutoring and take the next step toward college success!
