The Return of Test Requirements: What It Means for 2025 Applicants
Many selective colleges are reinstating test requirements after the test-optional period. What does this mean for you?
The Shift Back to Testing
Schools like MIT, Georgetown, and the University of Texas never went test-optional. Now many others are following suit, recognizing that standardized tests provide useful data points for admissions decisions.
What This Means for Students
Strong SAT or ACT scores are once again a clear advantage. If your scores are at or above a school’s median, submitting them helps your application. Test preparation is no longer optional for competitive applicants.
Strategic Approach
Start prep early, take the test that suits your strengths, and plan for at least one retake. Use concordance tables to compare SAT and ACT scores and choose wisely.
