Test Score Submit Rates for Class of 2026

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the way higher education institutions review applications with many colleges choosing to adopt test-optional application review process. However, with record-breaking applicant pools and record-low admit rates, families are worried that test-optional may not really mean test-optional at all. Here is what we know, so far. 

What Exactly is a ‘Test-Optional’ Policy and Is It Here to Stay?

Test-optional institutions do not require submission of standardized testing scores but will still accept and review SAT and ACT scores when evaluating your application, should you choose to submit them. With the news that some schools may be sticking with test-optional, at least for a little while longer, it’s important to address just how optional test scores are to colleges with these policies.

It’s unclear how many colleges will choose to adopt a test-optional policy permanently. Many schools, like Harvard University, have committed to staying test-optional for the next few years. Some schools, like those in the University of California system, have even committed to remain test-blind for the foreseeable future, while Columbia University has implemented a permanent test-optional policy.

On the other hand, some schools have already reinstated their testing requirements, like MIT, which views standardized tests as an opportunity for students to demonstrate their academic preparedness where socioeconomic disadvantages may otherwise prohibit them from doing so.

Should I Still Submit My Scores to a College with a Test-Optional Policy?

While a test-optional policy may work in your favor if you do not have the strongest test results, it is typically best to err on the side of caution and submit scores when you can. While choosing to withhold standardized testing results might not hinder your application, it could mean the difference of admission between you and another strong candidate who did opt to submit results.

It is also important to consider that test scores are one of the most significant metrics used in calculating college rankings and colleges that adopt test-optional policies may favor candidates who submit scores for their own ranking purposes. After all, many ranking systems (including the one developed by U.S. News & World Report) will only factor in a college’s test scores if a certain percentage of their applicants submit them.

Many colleges and universities have reported record-breaking applicant numbers with record-low acceptance rates in recent years, so to make your application competitive, you should strongly consider submitting test scores. Remember, many schools will superscore your SAT and ACT results to ensure you have the best chance of admission.

Curious about the test-optional data for the schools on your best-fit college list? Keep reading to learn more about which percentage of accepted applicants at those schools submitted their SAT/ACT scores during the 2021-2022 admissions cycle (Class of 2026).

College

Score Submit Rates by Admitted and Matriculated Students*

Additional Data on Test-Submission Rates

Amherst College 40% submitted SAT

21% submitted ACT

Data not released
Barnard College 33% submitted SAT

21% submitted ACT

Admits submitting test scores: 53%

Applicants submitting test scores: 42%

Bates College 25% submitted SAT

14% submitted ACT

Data not released
Boston College Common Data Set not yet published Data not released
Boston University 23% submitted SAT

12% submitted ACT

Applicants submitting test scores: 54%
Bowdoin College 58% submitted SAT

30% submitted ACT

Enrolled students submitting test scores: 54%
Brown University 54% submitted SAT

27% submitted ACT

Data not released
Columbia University 45% submitted SAT

24% submitted ACT

Data not released
Cornell University 43% submitted SAT

17% submitted ACT

Enrolled students submitting test scores: 48.9%
Dartmouth College Data not released Data not released
Duke University Common Data Set not yet published Data not released
Emory University 41% submitted SAT

23% submitted ACT

Admits submitting test scores: 69%
Harvard University 55% submitted SAT

28% submitted ACT

Data not released
Harvey Mudd College 43% submitted SAT

17% submitted ACT

Data not released
Middlebury College 31% submitted SAT

18% submitted ACT

Applicants submitting test scores: over 50%
Northeastern University 33% submitted ACT

11% submitted ACT

Data not released
Northwestern University 47% submitted SAT

31% submitted ACT

Data not released
Pomona College 35% submitted SAT

18% submitted ACT

Applicants submitting test scores: 55%
Princeton University 60% admitted SAT

25% admitted ACT

Data not released
Rice University 53% submitted SAT

23% submitted ACT

Data not released
Stanford University 49% submitted SAT

23% submitted ACT

Data not released
Swarthmore College 42% submitted SAT

19% submitted ACT

Data not released
Tufts University 37% submitted SAT

19% submitted ACT

Admits submitting test scores: Just under 60%

Applicant submitting test scores: 50%

Tulane University 16% submitted SAT

34% submitted ACT

Admits submitting test scores: 54%
University of Michigan 54% submitted SAT

24% submitted ACT

Data not released
University of Notre Dame 54% submitted SAT

46% submitted ACT

Admits submitting test scores: 67%

Applicants submitting test scores: 50%

University of Pennsylvania 48% submitted SAT

23% submitted ACT

Data not released
University of Southern California 34% submitted SAT

16% submitted ACT

Admits submitting test scores: Approximately 50%
University of Virginia Common Data Set not yet published Data not released
Vanderbilt University 29% submitted SAT

32% submitted ACT

Data not released
Washington University in St. Louis 27% submitted SAT

33% submitted ACT

Admits submitting test scores: 58%
Wellesley College 40% submitted SAT

21% submitted ACT

Admits submitting test scores: Approximately 60%

Applicants submitting test scores: Approximately 45%

Wesleyan University 52% submitted SAT

24% submitted ACT

Admits submitting test scores: 60%
Williams College 41% submitted SAT

21% submitted ACT

Data not released
Yale University 59% submitted SAT

29% submitted ACT

Data not released

*Data includes any students who submitted both the SAT and ACT.

Keep checking back for updates as more colleges release data!

Not sure whether you should apply test-optional or not? IvyWise can help! Our team of expert college admissions counselors can give a thorough evaluation of your applicant profile and create a strategic plan of action based on your grades, test scores, activities, interests, and more. Contact us today for more information and to set up an Initial Consultation

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