Re-Instated Standardized Testing Requirements: Cornell, Harvard, and More! 

Starting Fall 2026, Cornell University will re-instate standardized testing requirements. Cornell’s decision follows Harvard’s recent announcement that they would require applicants for Fall 2025 to submit either an SAT or an ACT score. So what does this mean for the future of college admissions?

Why Cornell re-instated their testing policy

Based on their multiyear study conducted by the university’s Task Force on Standardized Testing in Admissions, Cornell concluded that “it does not appear that the shift in Cornell’s testing policy has played a major role in diversifying first year students by race/ethnicity/citizenship, first generation status, or family income.”

Provost Michael I. Kotlikoff stated “While it may seem counterintuitive, considering these test scores actually promotes access to students from a wider range of backgrounds and circumstances. Our analysis indicates that instituting the testing requirement likely enhances, rather than diminishes, our ability to identify and admit qualified students.” Cornell’s data confirmed that those admitted and did not submit their test scores tended to have weaker semester GPAs and lower academic standings than those who chose to submit their test scores. Generally speaking, the students who chose to submit their scores strategically submitted them. Some students still decided not to submit their scores even if they earned a perfect SAT or ACT. Regardless, Cornell stressed that they consider numerous factors to analyze admits holistically and assess their academic preparedness and potential for inclusivity and success.

What other colleges are following suit?

Dartmouth College, MIT, Yale University, Brown University, and Georgetown University have all updated their test policies to reinstate their requirement that applicants submit scores from an SAT or ACT exam. 

Other institutions like the University of Michigan and Vanderbilt University, have announced that they will continue their test-optional admissions. UMich will continue their test-optional policy indefinitely and Vanderbilt will continue its policy for at least 3 years. 

Some universities are adjusting their policies from “test-optional” to “test-recommended.”

What does this mean for me?

We highly recommend students be prepared for more test policy changes to come and understand any “test-recommended” statements as “test-required.” 

If you need guidance or would like to review your waitlist process together, feel free to contact us at SK Education Consulting. 

 Key Takeaways

• Dartmouth College, MIT, Yale University, Brown University, and Georgetown University have reinstated their requirement that applicants submit scores from an SAT or ACT exam. 
• Other institutions like the University of Michigan and Vanderbilt University will continue their “test-optional” policies.
• For any “test-recommended” policies, we highly encourage you to submit your scores if you are able.