Updated SAT Guidelines: Essential Information for Learners and Guardians
**Update on SAT Policies for the 2025 Admissions Cycle**
A shift is underway in the landscape of standardized testing for college admissions, with some prestigious universities reinstating the SAT or ACT requirements for the 2025–26 cycle. While others continue to offer test-optional policies, applicants must stay informed and adapt their test prep strategies accordingly.
**Requirement vs. Optional Policies**
Brown University, Dartmouth College, Yale University, MIT, Caltech, Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University, and Cornell University are among the institutions that have reinstated SAT or ACT requirements for the 2025–26 cycle, after initially adopting test-optional policies due to the pandemic. Some universities, such as Georgetown, may only "recommend" scores rather than require them.
On the other hand, major institutions like New York University (NYU), Arizona State University, Colorado State University, and Michigan State University will remain test-optional for 2025–26. Private liberal arts colleges like Washington and Lee University, Reed College, Spelman College, and Pitzer College are also test-optional (or test-free in Reed’s case) for this cycle. Princeton University has extended its test-optional policy through 2025–26.
**Upcoming Changes in Test Format and Accessibility**
The ACT has undergone significant revisions, with the classic ACT being phased out in favour of a new “enhanced ACT,” which is shorter and makes the Science section optional. All ACT formats will use this new structure after July 2025. The SAT has not announced similar structural changes at this time, but the College Board regularly updates its test design and format for accessibility and relevance.
Both testing organizations have expanded digital testing options and provided resources for remote proctoring and accommodations. The shift to digital formats and optional sections may reduce testing time and stress, but may also require students to adapt to new question types and digital interfaces.
**Impact on Test Prep Strategies**
With some top schools requiring tests and others remaining optional, applicants must research each target school’s policy early. A “test-preferred” approach, where strong scores are submitted if available, may benefit applicants at selective institutions, especially those reinstating requirements.
Students preparing for the ACT must adjust to the enhanced format, including the optional Science section. Prep strategies should focus on core English, Math, and Reading skills, with Science prep only if needed for specific colleges. The digital transition requires practice with online platforms and adaptive question types.
Superscoring varies by institution—some schools will superscore results from both old and new ACT formats, but policies may differ, so students should confirm directly with each college. Applicants should use official prep materials that reflect the latest test formats.
Even at schools that are test-optional, strong scores can strengthen an application, especially for scholarships or honours programs. For test-optional schools, students with weaker scores may choose to focus on other aspects of their application.
**Key Takeaways**
| University | 2025–26 Policy | Notes | |-----------------------------|------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Brown, Dartmouth, Yale | SAT/ACT Required | Reinstated after test-optional period | | MIT, Caltech | SAT/ACT Required | Consistently required | | Georgetown, Johns Hopkins | SAT/ACT Required/Rec. | Some only recommend, not require | | NYU, ASU, CSU, MSU | Test-Optional | No change from previous years | | W&L, Reed, Spelman, Pitzer | Test-Optional/Free | Verify each school’s specific policy | | Princeton | Test-Optional | Extended through 2025–26 | | University of Miami | Required (Fall 2026+) | Not yet for 2025–26 |
**Recommendations for Applicants**
- Research early: Check each college’s official admissions page for the most current policy. - Prep for digital formats: Use online practice tests, especially for the ACT. - Consider superscoring: Maximize score potential by understanding each college’s policy. - Holistic approach: For test-optional schools, focus on essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars if scores are a weakness. - Stay informed: Testing policies and formats continue to evolve; monitor updates throughout the application cycle.
The 2025–26 admissions cycle features a mix of reinstated testing requirements and continued flexibility, requiring students to tailor their test prep and application strategies to each institution’s unique policies. The College Board supports underserved communities to close historic testing gaps, ensuring that the SAT remains accessible to all.
- For students aiming towards universities that have reinstated SAT or ACT requirements for the 2025-26 cycle, such as Brown University or Yale University, focusing on education and self-development through online platforms for test prep strategies could benefit their applications.
- As some universities offer test-optional policies for the 2025-26 cycle, like New York University or Washington and Lee University, applicants might consider engaging in online education and learning to bolster other aspects of their applications, such as essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities.
