The landscape of college admissions is undergoing a significant transformation. After a period of test-optional policies, many prestigious institutions are reinstating standardized testing requirements. This shift has profound implications for students planning to apply to college in the near future.
In recent years, the Ivy League and other top universities adopted test-optional policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, data showing the predictive value of standardized tests has led to a reversal of these policies. As we approach the 2027 admissions cycle, students must once again prepare for the SAT and ACT.
The Ivy League’s Decision to Reinstate Testing
The Ivy League has been at the forefront of this policy reversal. In early 2026, Dartmouth College announced it would reinstate its SAT/ACT requirement after an internal study found that test scores remained the strongest predictor of academic success. This decision set off a chain reaction among other elite institutions.
By, Princeton University had also announced that test scores would be required for the 2027-28 admissions cycle. Columbia Universitythe last holdout, recently announced that testing is returning for fall 2027 applicants. This means that every Ivy League school now mandates or strongly recommends standardized testing.
Public Universities Join the Trend
The trend is not limited to private elite institutions. Some of the largest public universities are also reinstating test requirements for the fall 2027 entering class. For example, Louisiana State University (LSU) and Auburn University have announced that they will once again require ACT or SAT scores. The University of Alabama has updated its admissions process to require test scores for students with a cumulative high school GPA below 3.0.
The University of Florida and the University of Georgia systems have already reinstated testing requirements. The University of Texas at Austin brought back its requirement in 2026. These changes reflect a broader trend among public universities to return to standardized testing as a key component of the admissions process.
The Growing Acceptance of the Classic Learning Test (CLT)
One notable development in this cycle is the growing acceptance of the Classic Learning Test (CLT)a newer standardized exam that has gained traction. Roughly 325 colleges and universities now accept the CLT. In February 2026, the University of North Carolina system approved the CLT as an acceptable alternative to the SAT and ACT for fall 2027 admissions across all UNC campuses. The U.S. Service Academies also began accepting CLT scores for the 2027 admissions cycle.
This expansion of accepted tests provides students with more options and flexibility in meeting admissions requirements. However, it also means that students must be aware of the specific testing policies of each institution they are applying to.
Implications for Students and Families
The return of testing requirements has immediate implications for families. According to Brian Eufingerco-founder of Edison Prepmany colleges are belatedly announcing whether they will return to mandatory testing. Not all schools have even finalized testing policies for the Class of 2027, which can create uncertainty for students and families.
High school juniors in the class of 2027 who have not yet taken the SAT, ACT, or CLT should plan to do so before fall 2026 application deadlines. Families should also be aware that even if part of their list may be test-optional for admissions, solid scores can secure significant merit aid even at test-optional schools.
For families weighing test prep costs, free resources are widely available. The College Board offers free SAT preparation through Khan Academyand the CLT provides free practice tests on its website. However, if you’re aiming to apply to a competitive college, prepping for these exams needs to start now. Families shouldn’t wait for the colleges to make up their minds when it comes to something like test prep that takes time.
