Test Score Submit Rates for Class of 2026
The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the way higher education institutions review applications with many colleges choosing to adopt a 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.
