Is the SAT mandatory for my US undergraduate application in 2026-27?
It depends on the college. Most of the Ivy League and several other highly ranked US schools typically require SAT or ACT scores for 2026-27, but FairTest estimates that over 90 percent of four-year schools still will not require scores for Fall 2026 admission. Check each college.
It depends on the college. Most of the Ivy League and several other highly ranked schools typically require SAT or ACT scores again for 2026-27, while the majority of US colleges overall remain test-optional.
Where Testing Stands in 2026-27
| College type | Typical SAT position |
|---|---|
| Most selective universities, including most of the Ivy League | Typically require SAT or ACT scores again, though Columbia and Princeton remain test-optional for 2026-27 |
| Several other highly ranked schools | Require scores |
| Most four-year colleges nationally | Remain test-optional, over 90% by FairTest estimates for Fall 2026 |
How the Picture Changed
- Most US colleges dropped testing requirements in 2020-21 during the pandemic.
- For a while, test-optional admissions looked like the permanent norm.
- That trend has reversed at many of the most selective schools, so the test-optional era is winding down at the top.
My Advice
Check the testing policy of every college on your list, because the answer differs by school. If you are aiming at highly selective universities, prepare for the SAT anyway. Policies can change, so check each official admissions page for the latest rule.
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