Over the past few years, many colleges have shifted toward test-optional or test-blind admissions, allowing students to apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, some universities still require standardized test scores, believing they offer a reliable measure of academic preparedness.
For students targeting these schools, scoring well on standardized tests remains crucial. In this guide, we’ll present a 2025 updated list of colleges that mandate test scores, explore why some institutions uphold this requirement, and share effective test prep strategies, including insights from The Princeton Review.
Why Do Some Colleges Still Require Test Scores?
While many universities have embraced test-optional policies, some continue to require standardized exams, emphasizing their role in admissions. These institutions believe that test scores:
✔ Offer a standardized measure to compare students from different academic backgrounds.
✔ Indicate college readiness, especially for demanding programs.
✔ Help determine scholarship eligibility and merit-based financial aid.
For these colleges, standardized tests remain a key factor in their holistic review process, ensuring a consistent evaluation of applicants.
Colleges That Require SAT/ACT Scores in 2025
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT reinstated its SAT/ACT requirement after a brief test-optional period. The university believes that standardized tests offer crucial insights into students’ preparedness for its demanding academic environment.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 7%
Average SAT Score: 1530
Average ACT Score: 35
Notable Programs: Renowned for its STEM fields, particularly engineering and computer science.
Additional Information: MIT reinstated its SAT/ACT requirement after a brief test-optional period, emphasizing the importance of standardized tests in assessing applicants’ readiness for its rigorous curriculum.
2. Georgetown University
Georgetown has consistently required standardized test scores, even when many schools moved to test-optional policies. Admissions officers argue that test scores help maintain fairness in evaluating students from diverse educational backgrounds.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 14%
Average SAT Score: 1450
Average ACT Score: 33
Notable Programs: Strong emphasis on international relations, political science, and business.
Additional Information: Georgetown has consistently required standardized test scores, believing they provide a uniform metric to evaluate students from diverse educational backgrounds.
3. University of Florida (UF)
UF is a test-required institution, meaning applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores. The university believes standardized tests, alongside GPA and extracurriculars, provide a well-rounded view of a student’s abilities.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 31%
Average SAT Score: 1375
Average ACT Score: 30
Notable Programs: Known for its research initiatives and engineering programs.
Additional Information: UF requires SAT or ACT scores, considering them alongside GPA and extracurricular activities to evaluate a student’s overall potential.
4. Yale University
Yale reinstated its SAT/ACT requirement for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, emphasizing standardized tests as a key factor in assessing academic preparedness while maintaining a holistic admissions approach.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 4.5%
Average SAT Score: 1460-1570
Average ACT Score: 33-35
Notable Programs: Exceptional programs in law, drama, and music
Why Test Scores Matter: Yale University requires applicants to submit SAT, ACT, or IB/AP exam scores, emphasizing the importance of standardized testing in the admissions process.
5. Florida State University (FSU)
FSU continues to require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admissions. The university views standardized tests as a strong predictor of college success.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 36%
Average SAT Score: 1290
Average ACT Score: 29
Notable Programs: Recognized for its business and music programs.
Additional Information: FSU views standardized test scores as a strong predictor of college success and continues to require them for undergraduate admissions.
6. Dartmouth College
Dartmouth became the first Ivy League school to reinstate its SAT/ACT requirement, citing research that standardized tests help identify students from diverse backgrounds who will thrive in its rigorous academic environment.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 6.2%
Average SAT Score: 1501
Average ACT Score: 33
Notable Programs: Known for economics, government, and engineering
Why Test Scores Matter: Dartmouth reinstated its requirement for SAT or ACT scores starting with the 2025 admissions cycle, believing that standardized test scores provide valuable insights into a student’s academic abilities.
7. University of Georgia (UGA)
UGA mandates test scores as part of its admissions process, emphasizing that standardized exams provide a more objective comparison of applicants.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 40%
Average SAT Score: 1350
Average ACT Score: 31
Notable Programs: Agricultural sciences and business administration.
Additional Information: UGA mandates test scores as part of its admissions process, emphasizing that standardized exams provide an objective comparison of applicants.
8. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
Georgia Tech requires standardized test scores to ensure students are prepared for the school’s intensive STEM programs.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 21%
Average SAT Score: 1465
Average ACT Score: 33
Notable Programs: Highly regarded for its engineering and computer science programs.
Additional Information: Georgia Tech requires standardized test scores to ensure students are prepared for the school’s intensive STEM programs.
9. University of Texas at Austin
After briefly waiving test score requirements due to COVID-19, UT Austin reinstated its SAT/ACT requirement for 2024 and beyond, citing their value in predicting academic success.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 29.1%
Average SAT Score: 1230–1480 (middle 50% range)
Average ACT Score: 29–34 (middle 50% range)
Notable Programs: Strong programs in business, engineering, and computer science.
Additional Information: After a period of test-optional admissions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UT Austin reinstated its SAT/ACT requirement for the fall 2025 semester, citing the exams as “a proven differentiator that is in each student’s and the University’s best interest.”
10. Brown University
After adopting a test-optional policy during the pandemic, Brown University decided to reinstate its SAT/ACT requirement for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, citing data showing the tests’ importance in assessing academic preparedness.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 5%
Average SAT Score: 1490-1580
Average ACT Score: 34-36
Notable Programs: Strong in liberal arts, sciences, and interdisciplinary studies
Why Test Scores Matter: Brown University has reinstated its SAT/ACT requirement, emphasizing the role of standardized tests in assessing academic preparedness.
How to Prepare for Standardized Tests?
For students applying to test-required schools, strong SAT/ACT preparation is crucial. One of the most trusted resources for test prep is The Princeton Review, a company that has been helping students excel in standardized testing since 1981.
How The Princeton Review Can Help You Ace the SAT/ACT
Personalized Tutoring: One-on-one guidance tailored to your strengths and weaknesses.
Comprehensive Study Plans: Well-structured schedules to help you stay on track.
Practice Tests & Score Analysis: Full-length exams with detailed feedback.
Online & In-Person Classes: Flexible learning options to suit different study preferences.
The Princeton Review has helped thousands of students improve their SAT/ACT scores, increasing their chances of admission to top-tier colleges.
Interactive Quiz: Should You Take the SAT/ACT?
Not sure if standardized testing is right for you? Take this quick quiz to find out!
Question 1: What type of colleges are you applying to?
A) Schools that require test scores
B) Test-optional colleges
C) A mix of both
Question 2: How do you feel about standardized tests?
A) I perform well and don’t mind taking one
B) I find them challenging but can manage with preparation
C) I prefer other assessment methods like essays and projects
Question 3: How would you describe your GPA?
A) Strong, but I want to stand out more
B) Decent, but a good SAT/ACT score could boost my application
C) Excellent, and I’d rather focus on other parts of my application
Question 4: How much time do you have before application deadlines?
A) Several months—I can prepare properly
B) A few months—I could fit in some prep
C) Not much—I need to focus on other parts of my application
Question 5: How do you perform under timed test conditions?
A) I do well with structure and time constraints
B) I get a little nervous but can manage with practice
C) I struggle with timed tests and prefer coursework-based assessments
Your Results:
Mostly A’s → You should take the SAT/ACT! Your strengths align with standardized testing, and a strong score can give you an admissions edge.
Mostly B’s → Consider taking the SAT/ACT! If you’re applying to test-required schools, a solid score could boost your application.
Mostly C’s → You may not need the SAT/ACT! If your target schools are test-optional, you might focus on other parts of your application.
Conclusion
While many colleges have moved away from standardized testing, some institutions still require SAT/ACT scores as a key part of their admissions process. If you’re applying to any of these schools, preparing well in advance can give you a competitive advantage.
Utilizing trusted resources like The Princeton Review can help you maximize your test performance and increase your chances of admission. Whether you take the SAT or ACT, planning ahead and practicing effectively will set you up for success.
Are you ready for the SAT or ACT? Start your test prep journey today and take the next step toward your dream college!