The Great Test-Optional Reversal: What's Happening in 2025
After years of test-optional policies during and after the pandemic, 2025 marks a significant reversal. Elite universities are reinstating SAT/ACT requirements, and test score submissions are rising. Here's what you need to know about this dramatic shift in college admissions.
The Numbers Don't Lie
According to FairTest, over 80% of U.S. colleges remain test-optional for fall 2025. However, the tide is turning at elite institutions. Test score submissions increased by 11% between 2023-2024 and 2024-2025—the first time test score reporting growth has exceeded non-reporting growth since 2021-2022.
Who's Reinstating Tests?
Already Required for 2024-2025:
- Harvard University
- MIT
- Brown University
- Caltech
- Georgetown
New Requirements for 2025-2026:
- Stanford University
- Cornell University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Miami
- The Ohio State University
Why the Sudden Reversal?
Colleges cite several reasons for reinstating testing requirements:
- Better predictors of academic success than high school GPA alone
- Helps identify students from under-resourced high schools
- Provides objective data in an era of grade inflation
- Improves ability to compare applicants across different educational systems
How This Affects Your Application
If you're applying to test-required schools, strong test scores are no longer optional—they're essential. Even for test-optional schools, submitting strong scores can strengthen your application, especially in competitive applicant pools.
The Role of Your Academic Index
Your Academic Index incorporates standardized test scores, making it more relevant than ever. Our tool helps you:
- See how your test scores impact your overall academic profile
- Understand which schools are realistic targets based on your full academic record
- Determine if retaking tests could significantly improve your AI score
- Compare your academic credentials against historical admission data
Strategic Planning for Tests
With this shift toward testing requirements, strategic planning is crucial. Start preparing early, take practice tests to identify areas for improvement, and consider multiple test dates to achieve your target scores. Remember, your Academic Index combines all academic factors, so strong test scores can help offset other areas of your academic profile.
