Test-optional admissions standards have increased in popularity since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Some colleges are beginning to reverse this standard, while others plan to make the change permanent. Still, other colleges have plans to extend test-optional standards for another year or two.
That said, which colleges are test-optional for the 2024/2025 application cycle?
In this article, we will provide two lists to help you stay organized. The first list is composed of permanently test-optional colleges. The second list is composed of colleges that are extending their test-optional admissions standards for at least one more year. So if you’re wondering what schools are test-optional for this application cycle, read on for further facts and insights.
Understanding test-optional admissions standards
During this time of shifting admissions standards, many students find themselves pondering the following questions: What colleges are test-optional? How many colleges are test-optional? And what percent of colleges are test-optional? If you’ve been asking yourself any of these questions, we’re here to clear things up for you.
While test-optional admissions standards help encourage greater accessibility, it’s important to realize that if you don’t submit standardized test scores, the rest of your college application will have to be that much more compelling. Thankfully, many colleges embrace holistic college admissions standards so there are plenty of ways to put together a competitive college application without submitting test scores.
If you don’t submit test scores, make sure you give extra care and attention to your:
The differences between test-optional, test-flexible, and test blind
“Test-optional” means that students can choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores as a part of their college application. Students who choose not to submit test scores will not be penalized, but students who submit test scores (especially if these scores are impressive) may receive an advantage.
“Test-flexible” means that students don’t have to submit test scores, as long as they meet a qualifying GPA. Likewise, some schools require test scores for students applying to particular academic programs, as well as those who are interested in being considered for merit-based scholarships. Homeschooled students are often required to submit standardized test scores as well.
“Test-blind” means that a college will not look at standardized test scores, even if they are submitted. Test scores are simply not an admissions factor.
Are Ivy League colleges test-optional?
At the beginning of the pandemic, all of the Ivy League colleges adopted test-optional admissions policies, but many of them have recently reinstated their testing requirements. Let’s take a look at each of the Ivy Leagues and what their current testing admissions policies are:
| University | Test Policy for 2024-2025 Cycle |
|---|---|
| Brown University | Requiring SAT or ACT scores for all applicants |
| Columbia University | Permanently test-optional |
| Cornell University | Test-optional through at least the 2025-2026 cycle |
| Dartmouth College | Requiring SAT or ACT scores for all applicants |
| Harvard University | Test-optional through at least the 2025-2026 cycle |
| University of Pennsylvania | Test-optional through at least the 2024-2025 cycle |
| Princeton University | Test-optional through at least the 2025-2026 cycle |
| Yale University | Requiring SAT, ACT, or IB or AP exam scores for all applicants |
Even with the recent rise of reinstating testing requirements, to get into an Ivy League college you’ll still need a comprehensive college application strategy. This is why it’s important to be aware of the latest policies and trends.
List of test-optional schools for the 2024/2025 cycle
If you’re interested in applying to test-optional colleges for the 2024/2025 cycle, then look no further! The following list includes all schools that will not require test scores for at least the following year.
Key takeaways and moving forward
After reviewing which schools are test-optional, you may want to review the upcoming SAT and ACT test dates. There are lots of ways to prepare for the SAT and ACT, so if testing doesn’t necessarily come naturally to you, review our SAT study plan and schedule for guidance.
Remember, submitting standardized test scores can help provide further depth to your overall application and can help you stand out from your peers if you test well. If you feel like you could benefit from professional guidance during this college application season, reach out to learn more about our services. Here at Prepory, we have the tools to help you meet all of your college goals.
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