Are any top US colleges still test-optional for 2026-27 for my application?
12 Oct 2026 · Answered by Sumit Singh Chauhan · 1 min read
Quick Answer
verified
Princeton and Columbia are test-optional for 2026-27 but in their last such cycle. Duke, Boston University, Carnegie Mellon, UIUC, Texas A&M, Wisconsin-Madison, Ohio State, Michigan, Washington, Lehigh and Delaware are also listed. Check each policy page for the latest position.
Several highly ranked schools remain test-optional for 2026-27, including two Ivies, at least for one more cycle. Policies change, so confirm on each official page.
Test-Optional Colleges for 2026-27
| University | Policy note |
|---|---|
| Princeton University | Test-optional for 2026-27, its last year before testing becomes mandatory |
| Columbia University | Test-optional for 2026-27, its final cycle before requiring scores (confirm on the official page) |
| Duke University | Test-optional for first-year and transfer applicants |
| Boston University | Test-optional through Fall 2028/Spring 2029 admissions |
| Others | University of Delaware, Carnegie Mellon, UIUC, Texas A&M, UW-Madison, Ohio State, Michigan, University of Washington (Seattle), Lehigh |
Why Columbia Matters
- Columbia was the last Ivy League school to commit to a permanent test-optional policy.
- It announced in June 2026 that it will require scores starting with 2027-28 applicants.
- So 2026-27 is the last cycle when you can technically apply to Columbia and Princeton without scores.
My Advice
Even where scores are optional, a strong score can still help your profile. Decide early whether to test, and track each college's policy page, since these can change.
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