Test-Optional Colleges 2026: Complete List & Strategy Guide

The test-optional movement that began during COVID has evolved significantly. Some schools have returned to requiring tests, while others have made test-optional permanent. Here's what you need to know for 2026.

Current State of Test-Optional (2026)

The Shift:

2020-2023: Most colleges went test-optional due to COVID

2024-2025: Some returned to requiring tests

2026: Mixed landscape - need to check each school

Key Changes:

MIT - Reinstated SAT/ACT requirement (2022)

Georgetown - Always required tests

Dartmouth - Reinstated requirement (2024)

Brown - Reinstated requirement (2024)

Yale - Reinstated requirement (2024)

Harvard - Reinstated requirement (2024)

Ivy League Policies 2026

SchoolPolicy HarvardRequired YaleRequired PrincetonRequired ColumbiaTest-Optional PennRequired BrownRequired DartmouthRequired CornellTest-Optional

Key Takeaway: Most Ivies now require tests again.

Test-Optional vs. Test-Free vs. Test-Required

Test-Required:

You MUST submit SAT or ACT

No exceptions (unless documented disability)

Examples: MIT, Georgetown, most Ivies

Test-Optional:

You CHOOSE whether to submit

Application reviewed with or without

Claimed to be "no disadvantage" without scores

Examples: NYU, University of Chicago

Test-Free (Test-Blind):

Scores NOT considered even if submitted

Examples: UC System (California), CalTech

Top Test-Optional Schools 2026

Highly Selective (T20-T50):

University of Chicago

Columbia University

Cornell University

NYU

Northwestern University

Vanderbilt University

Rice University

Duke University

Notre Dame

USC

Top Public Universities:

UC Berkeley (test-free)

UCLA (test-free)

University of Michigan

University of Virginia

UNC Chapel Hill

UT Austin

Top Liberal Arts:

Williams College

Amherst College

Swarthmore College

Pomona College

Bowdoin College

Should You Submit Your Scores?

General Rule:

Submit if your scores are at or above the school's 25th-50th percentile range.

Submit If:

✅ Scores are at/above school's middle 50%

✅ Scores strengthen your application

✅ Your GPA is strong AND scores confirm ability

✅ You're applying to STEM with strong math score

Don't Submit If:

❌ Scores below school's 25th percentile

❌ Scores don't reflect your academic ability

❌ You had test-day issues (illness, anxiety)

❌ Your GPA is already very strong without scores

When It's a Judgment Call:

Scores at 25th percentile: Consider context

Strong essay writer: May not need scores

First-generation: Schools often more flexible

Athletic recruit: Different considerations

Score Benchmarks by School Tier

T10 Schools (Harvard, Stanford, etc.):

Recommended to submit: SAT 1520+ / ACT 34+

May submit: SAT 1480-1520 / ACT 33+

T20 Schools:

Recommended to submit: SAT 1480+ / ACT 33+

May submit: SAT 1420-1480 / ACT 31-33

T30-50 Schools:

Recommended to submit: SAT 1400+ / ACT 31+

May submit: SAT 1350-1400 / ACT 29-31

T50-100 Schools:

Generally submit: SAT 1300+ / ACT 28+

Strategy for Test-Optional Applications

If NOT Submitting Scores:

1. Strengthen other areas:

- Powerful essays - Strong recommendations - Impressive activities - Clear demonstrated interest

2. Address it (subtly):

- Don't apologize for not submitting - Focus on what you DO offer - Some schools have COVID/testing access questions

3. Know the school:

- Research their actual test-optional philosophy - Check yield data for test-optional admits

If SUBMITTING Scores:

1. Superscoring:

- Check if school superscore - Consider taking test multiple times

2. Score Choice:

- Some schools require all scores - Most allow score choice

3. Subject Tests:

- Not required anywhere - Can help for STEM at some schools

The Hidden Reality

What Admissions Officers Say:

"We evaluate applications holistically with or without scores."

What Data Shows:

Students WITH scores often have slightly higher admit rates

This may be self-selection (stronger students submit)

Scores can confirm other academic indicators

The Balance:

Don't submit bad scores to "show you took it"

Don't withhold great scores out of principle

Make strategic decisions per school

Special Cases

International Students:

May have different considerations

Some schools prefer/expect scores from certain countries

English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) is separate

Athletes:

NCAA has eligibility requirements

Coaches may want scores for recruiting

Academic support considerations

Homeschool Students:

Scores can validate coursework

May be more helpful to submit

School-by-school basis

Transfer Students:

College GPA often more important

Test scores less emphasized

Check specific transfer policies

Conclusion

Test-optional doesn't mean "tests don't matter." It means you have a choice.

Make smart decisions:

1. Research EACH school's specific policy

2. Know the score ranges

3. Submit strong scores; withhold weak ones

4. Strengthen other application components

5. Don't stress if you can't test - many paths to admission

The Bottom Line:

If you can score well, take the test and submit. If you can't, focus your energy on essays, activities, and grades. Both paths can lead to admission at great schools.

Pro Tip: Many students benefit from test scores even at test-optional schools. If you have time and resources, preparing for the SAT/ACT is usually worthwhile.