Highly Selective Colleges Reinstate Standardized Testing for Class of 2026

In a significant reversal of pandemic-era policies, several of the nation's most selective universities—including Harvard, Dartmouth, Yale, Brown, MIT, and Stanford—have announced the reinstatement of standardized testing requirements for the Class of 2026. This marks a departure from the test-optional approach adopted during COVID-19 and reflects a broader trend among elite institutions to reinstate SAT or ACT scores as a key component of admissions evaluations.

According to [Moon Prep](https://moonprep.com/newsletter-admissions/june-2026-admissions-news/), the shift is driven by concerns about maintaining academic rigor and ensuring equitable comparisons among applicants. While some schools, like Princeton, had previously extended test-optional policies, the latest announcements suggest a consensus among top-tier universities that standardized tests provide valuable data for holistic review.

The move has sparked debate among admissions experts. [Ivy Coach](https://www.ivycoach.com/the-ivy-coach-blog/college-admissions/college-admissions-trends/) notes that the reinstatement aligns with broader trends favoring quantitative metrics in admissions, even as AI and other innovations reshape the application process. Meanwhile, [Sara Harberson](https://www.saraharberson.com/blog/challenging-trends-facing-the-class-of-2026) highlights the challenges this poses for students navigating an increasingly competitive landscape.

Families targeting these schools should prepare for a return to pre-pandemic norms, with testing deadlines likely aligning with early application timelines.