June 2026: Selective Universities Reverse Test-Optional Policies

In a significant shift for the 2026 admissions cycle, more than 60 highly selective universities—including most Ivy League schools, MIT, Stanford, and Duke—have reinstated standardized testing requirements. This reversal comes after years of test-optional policies adopted during the pandemic. According to [University Parent](https://universityparent.com/is-test-optional-going-away/), while over 90% of four-year colleges remain test-optional or test-blind, the trend among elite institutions is clear: standardized test scores are back as a critical component of applications.

Why the Change? The move reflects growing concerns about holistic review processes and the need for standardized metrics to evaluate increasingly competitive applicant pools. Schools like Dartmouth and Yale have cited data showing that test scores correlate strongly with academic success, even as they emphasize that scores are just one factor in a comprehensive review. Meanwhile, institutions like Carnegie Mellon are adopting program-specific testing policies, requiring scores for certain majors while remaining flexible for others ([Compass Prep](https://www.compassprep.com/testing-spotlight/)).

For families navigating these changes, the message is clear: students targeting top-tier schools should prepare to submit SAT or ACT scores unless explicitly told otherwise. The shift underscores the evolving nature of selective admissions, where policies can change rapidly in response to institutional priorities.