Are SATs still mandatory for admissions?

Hey guys, I've been hearing rumors about some colleges going test-optional or no longer requiring the SAT. Can anyone confirm or deny this? Is the SAT still considered essential for college admissions?

The landscape of college admissions has indeed seen changes related to standardized testing. It's not a one-size-fits-all situation, however, and the requirement for the SAT (or ACT) varies by school.

Many colleges have adopted "test-optional" policies, especially in the wake of COVID-19. This means that students can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores with their applications. Schools that have chosen to remain test-optional include Columbia University, Princeton University, Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, New York University, and the University of Chicago.

On the other hand, some colleges have resumed requiring standardized test scores as of the 2024-2025 application cycle. These include Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Purdue University, Brown University, Yale University, The University of Texas at Austin, and California Institute of Technology.

Additionally, some state university systems, such as the UC and Cal State systems in California, have adopted a "test-blind" policy, meaning they don't consider SAT/ACT scores at all in the admission process.

Finally, it's important to note that even when colleges are test-optional, some specific programs within those colleges may still require test scores. Always be sure to check the specific requirements of the colleges and programs you're interested in.