Colleges that still require test scores
After years of test-optional policies, a wave of selective colleges has brought the SAT or ACT requirement back for the 2026 cycle. If a school is on this list, you must submit a score; there is no test-optional path. Plan your testing calendar around the most demanding requirement on your list.
These are also, generally, schools where the score genuinely matters in the read, so it is worth the preparation. Check how your score sits against each school's middle range in the chances calculator.
76 schools on this list
See your real chances at every one of these.
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Test-blind colleges 18
Test-optional colleges 165
Colleges where the essay matters most 77
Colleges that decide on the numbers 21
Colleges that no longer consider legacy 167
Public universities with the biggest in-state advantage 63
The most selective colleges 288
Accessible colleges with high acceptance rates 42
Colleges that track demonstrated interest 31
Colleges that weigh character most heavily 90