The Koppelman Group

APRIL 9, 2025

Scores Yale requires test scores from all applicants, and while the policy is test flexible , that doesnt apply to you, legacy. As a legacy student, you need to be taking the ACT or SAT and you need to be getting the highest possible score you can get. Dont give them a reason to reject you!

Policies 52

Policies Ivy League Extracurricular Out-of-State 52

Top Tier Admissions

JULY 22, 2024

As the school year approaches, it’s time to finalize your standardized test prep plan and mark your calendar with upcoming SAT and ACT test dates. Here’s a tip: Take both SAT and ACT practice tests under simulated conditions, score them, and then use our SAT to ACT converter to determine your stronger test!

ACT 101

ACT SAT Test Prep Standardized Testing 101

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 10, 2025

The top five majors at Duke are Computer Science, Economics, Biology, Public Policy, and Psychology, and students are drawn to the university by the strong community culture paired with exceptional research opportunities. A strong SAT score for Duke is over 1550, and a strong ACT score is at or above a 34.

Policies 52

Policies Early Decision Accommodations Transcripts 52

College Transitions

MARCH 18, 2025

In the past, prospective college applicants had just two choices regarding standardized testingtaking the SAT or sitting for the ACT. However, since COVID-19, test-optional has become a stronger-than-ever third consideration as such policies have spread rapidly.) Rather, highly selective colleges are […]

ACT 86

ACT SAT Policies Testing 86

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 5, 2025

So, all applicants, including legacies, are required to submit standardized test scores, like the SAT or ACT. Looking back at the last time the SAT or ACT was required, for the Class of 2024, strong applicants need to submit an SAT Critical Reading EBRW of 750 or above and a SAT Math of 750 or higher, as well.

Policies 52

Policies Standardized Testing Ivy League SAT 52

Ivy Central

MARCH 13, 2023

Recently, Columbia University was the first Ivy League to no longer require SAT/ACT testing as of 2023-24 and will be test-optional permanently. Many Universities & Colleges across the US are continuing with their test-optional policy in 2023-24, with only a handful confirming that they will resume testing policies for 2023-24.

Testing 243

Testing Ivy League Placement SAT 243

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 7, 2025

Scores Harvard requires applicants to submit an ACT or SAT score to meet their testing requirements, but they dont have minimum scores to apply. For a few years over the COVID pandemic, this requirement was waived, which has resulted in some recent statistics that are not necessarily fully representative.

Policies 52

Policies SAT GPA Acceptance 52

AdmissionSight

MARCH 22, 2025

If youre aiming for Duke , youre probably wondering: Does Duke superscore the SAT? According to their admissions policy , Duke will consider the highest scores on each section, regardless of the test date, and will create a new composite score by averaging those scores. What Is an SAT Superscore? The good news is, yes, they do!

SAT 52

SAT Policies GPA Extracurricular 52

AdmissionSight

APRIL 3, 2025

If you got a 960 SAT score, youre probably wondering if thats a good score and what it means for your next steps. Optimizing your SAT score is worth it since it plays a big role in your college application. Of course, SAT scores arent the only factor colleges consider, but theyre an important one. How Good Is a 960 SAT Score?

SAT 52

SAT Testing Ivy League Tuition 52

BestColleges

MARCH 8, 2024

Starting in fall 2024, Brown University will require students to submit SAT or ACT scores. The university's announcement also includes news on its Early Decision and legacy admissions policies, both of which they'll maintain, at least for now. Brown admits that legacy admissions hampers efforts to promote student diversity.

ACT 98

ACT SAT Ivy League Early Decision 98

The Koppelman Group

APRIL 1, 2025

Scores Like most universities, the Cornell testing policy has been shifting over the past few years and through the Covid pandemic. Based on the data , strong applicants need to submit an ACT score at or above 35 or an SAT score at or above 1520.

Policies 52

Policies Ivy League University University 52

BestColleges

FEBRUARY 7, 2024

Dartmouth researchers found SAT and ACT scores can help identify high-achieving, under-resourced students since the college looks at scores in context to where a student is from. Researchers considered applicants' SAT/ACT scores, high school GPAs, other admissions indicators, and demographics data from 2017-2022.

SAT 98

SAT ACT Ivy League Standardized Testing 98

Grown & Flown

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Before we even opened the computer, my daughter and I sat down and discussed her top priorities. Academic Profile : What are the average GPA and ACT/SAT scores for admitted students? Housing Policies : Is freshman housing required? Are there any trends in enrollment to be aware of?

Financial Aid 148

Financial Aid Out-of-State Campus Tours Study Abroad 148

Admissions Village

JUNE 19, 2024

Historically Black College or University (HBCU): In Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Congress officially defined HBCUs as institutions of higher learning that were accredited and established before 1964, and whose principal mission is the education of Black Americans. To understand more about this please read our blog.

Admissions 246

Admissions Financial Aid Waitlist Standardized Testing 246

Top Tier Admissions

JANUARY 21, 2025

The University of Miami has announced a significant policy update for prospective students. Starting with the Fall 2026 application cycle, undergraduate applicants will once again be required to submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) as part of their application. SAT Tutoring Expert one-on-one guidance to boost your score.

Standardized Testing 85

Standardized Testing Testing University University 85

AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

As a high school student, you’re probably no stranger to big tests like AP exams, the PSAT, or the SAT and ACT. Here’s some good news: more colleges than ever are making the SAT and ACT optional. If you have test anxiety, decided to skip the SAT or ACT, or didn’t quite hit the scores you hoped for, you’re not out of luck.

Testing 52

Testing Standardized Testing SAT Policies 52

Spark Admissions

JUNE 9, 2023

Is the new digital SAT good? Is the new digital SAT bad? As you may know, the SAT is in the process of transitioning to a new version of the test. The process has already begun internationally, and in Spring 2024, high school students in the United States will only have the option to take the new digital SAT.

SAT 130

SAT Standardized Testing Accommodations ACT 130

Admissions.Blog

FEBRUARY 5, 2024

Dartmouth College Dartmouth College has announced that it will yet again require high school students to share either an SAT or ACT score as part of their application for admission. The change takes effect for students applying for Fall 2025 admission (those students who will begin their applications in Summer or Fall 2024).

ACT 105

ACT SAT Applications Financial Aid 105

Solomon Admissions

MAY 4, 2023

Understanding the Pros and Cons For decades, the SAT and ACT have been a staple in the college admissions process. Here's what you need to know: Pros of the SAT and ACT: Standardized Comparison: The SAT and ACT provide a standardized comparison of students across the country. It depends on who you ask.

ACT 86

ACT SAT Admissions Financial Aid 86

Top Tier Admissions

MAY 20, 2024

While many universities have announced post-pandemic admissions policies that re-instate mandatory standardized test scores, there is still no consensus. SAT Tutoring Expert one-on-one guidance to boost your score. Test-optional? Test-flexible? Test-blind? Test-neutral? Test-recommended? Test-aware?

Standardized Testing 80

Standardized Testing Policies Testing Test Prep 80

Top Tier Admissions

FEBRUARY 21, 2025

These were the first applicants to apply under Yales new test-flexible policy which requires at least one ACT, SAT, AP, or IB set of test scores. The Class of 2029 saw a 14% decrease in early applications, likely due to the implementation of the new testing policy.

Acceptance 81

Acceptance Ivy League Standardized Testing SAT 81

ACM College Consulting

MAY 3, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of college admissions, one question continues to perplex students, parents AND counselors: Should students take the SAT? Students should research the admissions policies and data of the schools on their list. Last summer, more than 1900 colleges were test optional, test-free or test-blind.

SAT 76

SAT ACT Testing Standardized Testing 76

AdmissionSight

FEBRUARY 6, 2025

For Fall 2025 applicants, Cornell remains test-optional, giving students the choice to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, this policy will change for Fall 2026 admissions, when standardized test scores will once again be required. Understanding Cornells shifting test policies is crucial for applicants.

Testing 52

Testing Standardized Testing GPA SAT 52

BestColleges

JULY 18, 2024

Students will have the option to take the science portion of the ACT, similar to the optional writing portion. The new ACT will roll out online in spring 2025 and in school in spring 2026. The science section requirement is being removed from the ACT, and the test will be shorter to be more flexible and manageable for students.

ACT 105

ACT Testing Standardized Testing Ivy League 105

Top Tier Admissions

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Applicants to the Class of 2029 will need to submit an SAT or ACT score although there are some exceptions for those unable to take these exams. Transfer students may still take advantage of a test-optional policy. SAT Tutoring Expert one-on-one guidance to boost your score.

Ivy League 96

Ivy League University University Transfer 96

Discovery College Consulting

SEPTEMBER 3, 2024

Not only are today’s high school students being affected by frequent changes in colleges’ testing policies (as described in a recent blog post ), they also have another upcoming change to contend with: next year, the ACT will switch to a digital format, in addition to undergoing other alterations.

ACT 96

ACT Test Prep Transition SAT 96

Expert Admissions

MARCH 20, 2023

With so many colleges extending test-optional policies put in place during the pandemic, you may be wondering how much effort you should put into standardized testing. So, knowing that test scores can be important, how do you decide whether to take the SAT or the ACT? Content The SAT has changed its content over the years.

ACT 76

ACT SAT Standardized Testing Test Prep 76

Spark Admissions

JANUARY 28, 2022

The past few years have seen an unprecedented number of American colleges and universities suspend or even completely drop their requirement that applicants submit standardized test scores from the SAT or ACT. Recently, in response, the College Board has announced major changes to the SAT. Now, they’ve planned a new change.

SAT 130

SAT Admissions Standardized Testing Accommodations 130

College Essay Guy

DECEMBER 20, 2024

GPA and test scores Most merit-based scholarships require top-notch academic records, so if youre applying for one, aim for a high GPA and strong test scores on the ACT or SAT. Check out these resources: What Are the Easiest Ways to Raise My SAT Score? Heres what you need to know to give yourself the best shot.

Scholarships 98

Scholarships Letters of Recommendation Tuition GPA 98

BestColleges

OCTOBER 12, 2023

The average composite ACT score dropped from 19.8 More students in the class of 2023 took the ACT test from the previous year. More students met none of the ACT benchmarks, compared to the previous year. The average composite score on the ACT dropped for the sixth-straight year from 19.8 for the class of 2022 to 19.5

ACT 98

ACT Testing Standardized Testing SAT 98

Admissions Village

APRIL 25, 2023

Part 3: This Process Is Opaque In the first part of this series, we discussed the role that the rise of test-optional (it is now optional to submit standardized test scores, SAT or ACT, at most colleges) has played in opening up the applicant pool to highly selective colleges. So, should you even be trying to test?

Waitlist 220

Waitlist Transfer Out-of-State SAT 220

Admissions Village

FEBRUARY 25, 2024

This week, Yale announced that they will require testing but that they are flexible on which type of testing, SAT, ACT, AP, or IB exam score. Yale has said if you want to submit AP scores in lieu of SAT or ACT scores they would like to see all of them. That said, it is not without its challenges.

Testing 180

Testing Standardized Testing SAT PSAT 180

Georgia Tech Admissions Blog

FEBRUARY 7, 2025

I gathered documents, tried, and failed to book an appointment, travelled to the DMV, drew a number, sat for three hours, turned in all my paperwork, took a mini drivers test and vision check, and finally posed for a new requisitely terrible picture. It was a ton of prep work and a huge investment of time and emotional energy.

Testing 84

Testing Admissions Standardized Testing Test Prep 84

Berkeley² Academy

MARCH 8, 2025

As a result of this increasing demand, UT Austin announced it would be lowering its auto admission threshold to the top 5% and other admissions data supports this increase in competitivenessthe middle 50% of SAT and ACT scores for admitted UT Austin students drastically increased, jumping from 1230-1500 to 1310-1520.

Admissions 52

Admissions Standardized Testing Policies SAT 52

AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 4, 2024

A big reason for this surge is the rise of test-optional policies and increased global access to higher education. According to UPenn’s 2023-2024 Common Data Set, the mid-50% SAT range for admitted students is 1500–1570, with the ACT range sitting at 34–35. Think 1550+ on the SAT or 35 on the ACT. to just 5.4%.

Acceptance 97

Acceptance Admissions Waitlist Ivy League 97

Spark Admissions

JANUARY 28, 2022

Then, as the pandemic continued, many colleges extended their policies for another year or longer. Meanwhile, a few other Ivy League schools (including Cornell University and Stanford University) had already extended their test-optional policies through 2023. What Prompted this Change? Final Thoughts.

Ivy League 130

Ivy League Testing Admissions SAT 130

Admissions Village

DECEMBER 1, 2022

Stuart Schmill, the Dean of Admissions and Student Financial Services at MIT, did a Q&A on MIT’s decision to reinstate their SAT/ACT requirement. A: I appreciate this question, which we have kept foremost in our minds as we reviewed our research and policies. Here is an interesting excerpt, which is long but worth reading.

Testing 169

Testing SAT Letters of Recommendation Retention 169