ACT - Still a Requirement?

I read somewhere that a lot of colleges have dropped the ACT requirement due to all the craziness with COVID. Is that true? Are there still schools that absolutely require it? Would be great to hear some insights!

Yes, it's true that many colleges adjusted their test policies in response to the disruptions caused by COVID-19. As a result, many institutions adopted a test-optional policy, allowing students to decide whether or not they wanted to submit their ACT or SAT scores.

For the 2024-2025 application cycle, notable schools like Columbia University, Princeton University, Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, New York University, and the University of Chicago are still test-optional, meaning you do not necessarily need to submit ACT scores (or any standardized test scores) as part of your application.

However, a few schools have discontinued their test-optional policies and now require either the ACT or SAT for admission. These schools include Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Purdue University, Brown University, Yale University, The University of Texas at Austin, and California Institute of Technology.

While test scores can certainly add depth to your application, balanced with your other achievements, they're just one piece of the puzzle. Make sure to focus on all components of your application like your GPA, rigor of coursework, essays, recommendations, and noteworthy extracurricular activities.

Remember, each college or university may have a different policy about standardized testing, so it's always a good idea to verify the requirements on the institution's official website.