While 99% of the population is begging to put Covid-19 in the past, academia is still grappling with the waves the pandemic made on the world of K-12 education. Scientists, education experts, and child behaviorists are all studying the knock-down effects of having shuttered classrooms and testing centers for a year or more.

Both College Board (responsible for administering the SAT and AP subject exams) and ACT have transitioned their tests to online formats and shortened the time it takes to complete them. While students no longer struggle quite as much to secure a seat at a testing center, colleges and universities in the United States have largely maintained their test-optional policies. However, many universities refuse to commit to implementing a test-optional policy permanently.

The language on many university websites claimed they would revisit their testing policies and either renew the option to not submit test scores, return to requiring test scores, or implement a new policy altogether by the 2025-2026 application season.

Why this year?

When schools shuttered in 2021, the class of 2026 were mere 8th graders. Universities assume that preparation for the SAT and ACT along with opportunities to sit for practice exams begin in 9th grade, or freshman year. Now that we’ve reached a point that seniors did not face Covid-related interruptions during their secondary school experience, universities are ready to finally get back to their “normal.”

Get ready.

While it is still early for current juniors to have a list of colleges to which they will apply set in stone, they should be preparing to take their SAT or ACT right now. At this point, a good test score not only strengthens your application, but ensures that you can apply to the full roster of schools you are interested in. The worst feeling in the world is falling in love with a school, working on the application for hours, and preparing to hit “submit” only to realize that the school requires a test score – a score that you don’t have.

Which schools require test scores?

It is essential to do your research and know the application requirements for every school you are interested in. Here are some of the top schools requiring test scores this season, including several who have ended their test-optional policy for the 2025-2026 season:

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As high school juniors head into the summer, it is so important to keep the college admissions timeline in mind. Over the past few years, colleges and universities in the USA have re-worked their testing requirements for admissions. While some schools like the UC system stand by their claim that SAT/ACT score requirements act as a barrier to diversity, other schools like Brown and MIT stand strong in their belief that these scores are accurate predictors of a student’s ability to manage college-level material. Aristotle Circle can help you figure out the best test taking strategy as well as whether and how to submit your scores. #applyingtocollege #applicationprocess #a2c #collegeapplicationtips #collegeapplicationjourney #testing #testtakingtips #handwriting #collegeapptips #collegeapplications

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• University of Pennsylvania
• Harvard
• Stanford
• Cal Tech
• Brown
• Dartmouth
• Cornell
• Georgetown
• University of Florida
• University of South Florida
• University of Miami
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• UT Austin

Some schools that have test optional policies expiring in 2025 but have not yet released a decision on how to proceed are:

• Princeton University
• University of Maryland
• Drexel University
• Duke University
• Santa Clara University

How to prepare for the SAT/ACT

The best way to practice for the SAT or ACT is to start early and work one on one with a tutor. Aristotle Circle offers the best tutors available at a variety of price points, and we have helped students achieve perfect scores in both exams. Call 212-360-2301 or email info@aristotlecircle.com to get started today.

Aristotle Circle also provides a comprehensive college admissions counseling package that includes one-to-one guidance by a NACAC-certified counselor. Our students have matriculated to top schools in both the US and abroad, including all 8 Ivy League universities. From test-taking strategy to essay writing, we are here to support your student on their journey to higher education. Call 212-360-2301 for a free consultation today.