The Testing Comeback: Why More Students Are Submitting SAT and ACT Scores
Many colleges and universities have kept the test optional policies in place that they adopted during the 2020 pandemic. But recent application data suggests a shift towards more students submitting test scores, even at colleges where it is optional to do so.
Are test-optional policies going away?
Not really. Data compiled from 2,247 colleges for the 2026-27 application cycle shows that approximately 86.4% of schools remain test optional.
Even so, according to Common App data, the 2026 cycle marked the first time since 2020 that more applicants submitted test scores than did not, with 51% of applicants choosing to submit.
Some institutions have reinstated testing requirements, arguing that scores help determine whether an applicant is prepared for college-level coursework.
Why are more students submitting scores?
A number of highly selective colleges, including all of the Ivy League schools, have reinstated the requirement to submit test scores.
At highly competitive test optional schools, many applicants already have strong transcripts and extensive extracurricular involvement. A strong test score offers one more way to stand out in a crowded pool.
What does this mean for students deciding whether to submit scores?
Most colleges report the middle 50% of their test score range of admitted students for the ACT and SAT.
Students who are applying to colleges that require test scores need to check the score range for each college on their list. Students should make sure their score falls within the reported range in order to be competitive applicants.
Students who are applying to test optional colleges should determine what percentage of accepted students submit scores and check if their score is within the range of the school. Students can make decisions about whether to submit their scores on a school-by-school basis.
Generally, sophomores and juniors in high school should try to achieve an ACT or SAT score that they can submit with their college applications.
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