Are SATs required for all colleges?

With a lot of colleges going test-optional nowadays, are the SATs still required? Does it differ depending on the colleges and universities or the programs they offer?

The answer to your question can vary quite a bit depending on the college, university, or program. Some higher education institutions have chosen to remain test-optional, others are test-flexible, and others not requiring standardized testing at all, also known as being test-blind.

Colleges that are test-optional mean that they will consider your SAT or ACT scores if you choose to submit them, but not submitting these scores won't count against you in the admissions process. For example, universities such as the University of Chicago and New York University are continuing their test-optional policies for the 2024-2025 application cycle.

The term test-flexible usually means that standardized testing is still a requirement, but there's greater flexibility in regards to what test scores can be submitted. So, for instance, a test-flexible school might allow you to submit AP Exam scores or IB scores instead of SAT or ACT scores.

Test-blind schools, on the other hand, do not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. This includes the entire University of California system and California State University system for the 2024-2025 application cycle.

And finally, some institutions, such as Dartmouth College and Purdue University, have reinstated their testing requirement and will once again require all applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score for the 2024-2025 application cycle.

Therefore, it’s critical to review the admissions requirements of every individual institution or program where you plan to submit an application. These policies not only vary by school but can change from year to year.