Does JHU still require SAT scores?

I've heard that a lot of colleges have gone test-optional or test-blind recently. Is Johns Hopkins University still requiring SAT scores for the upcoming admissions cycle? If so, what's a competitive score for JHU?

Johns Hopkins University has indeed adopted a test-optional policy until at least the 2025-26 admissions year, which means that you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of your application. The decision to go test-optional stems from the recognition that standardized tests may not accurately reflect a student's potential, and many universities have adopted this policy as a response to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' abilities to access standardized testing.

It is worth noting that test-optional does not mean test-blind. If you choose to submit SAT scores and feel they will strengthen your application, you are more than welcome to do so. While you will not be at a disadvantage if you decide not to submit test scores, at such a selective school you typically want to demonstrate your strengths in as many ways as possible, so there are instances where including an SAT or ACT score would be wise. For detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/

If you decide to submit SAT scores, a competitive score for JHU usually falls within the middle 50% range of recently admitted students. In recent years, this range has typically been around 1530-1560, but keep in mind that this is merely a reference point and not a strict cutoff for admission. Your overall application will be assessed holistically, and the admissions committee will take multiple factors into account when making their decision. You could also submit the ACT if you feel it showcases your strengths better.

Finally, if you're looking for tips on how to polish up your overall application to JHU, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essay(s): https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-johns-hopkins-university-essays/. After all, most applicants to JHU have excellent academic credentials, so it's often other factors, like the subjective qualities conveyed in the essays, that admissions officers rely on when making their final decisions.

Good luck!