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Updated: Wednesday, September 30, 2026

A List of Testing Policies by School

A List of Testing Policies by School

The COVID-19 pandemic brought on numerous changes within the standardized testing industry, including the introduction of a new, entirely digital testing format and many colleges shifting to a test-optional admissions process for the 2020-21 admissions cycle.

Fast forward a few years. Approximately 2,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. currently have test-optional or test-free policies for first-year applicants. Other schools have since reinstated their standardized testing requirements.

Despite the large number of test-optional schools out there, we always recommend taking either the SAT or ACT. Why? Because a strong score will help your admissions chances at a test-optional school, and many schools require test scores for scholarship consideration and course placement.

Curious about the testing policies of the schools on your best-fit list? Check out our recently updated list below.

*Source: FairTest.org, Individual university websites

While there have been significant changes to the college search and application process in recent years, you can still feel confident about your applications by doing your research and preparing accordingly. If you are in the midst of your own college search and looking for expert guidance, our team of college admissions counselors can offer personalized insight.

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