Columbia University has officially become the last Ivy League school to remain test-optional indefinitely. As the other Ivies move back toward requiring standardized testing, let’s take a closer look at where each one stands—and what this shift means for future applicants.
How the Test-Optional Era Began
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities, including the Ivy League schools, adopted test-optional admissions policies. Limited access to testing centers and widespread disruptions to education made it difficult to administer standardized exams fairly and safely.
Five years later, with testing access and schooling largely back to normal, many institutions are returning to their pre-pandemic policies. But when exactly did the Ivies make the switch back?
Harvard, Brown, and Dartmouth Lead the Way
Harvard University, Brown University, and Dartmouth College reinstated their test score requirements for the 2024–2025 admissions cycle.
Interestingly, Brown’s data reveals little change in accepted student scores before and after reinstating the requirement:
- 2023–2024 (test-optional): 25th percentile – 1510, 50th – 1540, 75th – 1560
- 2024–2025 (testing required): identical score range
Before the pandemic, in the 2019–2020 cycle, Brown’s 25th percentile SAT score was 1440 and the 75th percentile was 1570—slightly broader than the post-pandemic range. This consistency suggests Brown continues to expect top-tier performance, regardless of testing policy.
At Harvard, reinstating test requirements appears to have raised expectations. For the 2024–2025 cycle, accepted students scored between 1510 (25th percentile) and 1580 (75th percentile). Before COVID, in 2019–2020, those numbers ranged from 1460 to 1570—indicating a noticeable uptick in competitiveness.
UPenn, Yale, and Cornell Follow Suit
The University of Pennsylvania officially ended its test-optional policy beginning with the 2025–2026 admissions cycle, though updated score data is not yet available.
Meanwhile, Yale University introduced a test-flexible policy for the same cycle. Applicants can now submit SAT, ACT, AP, or IB scores. In “Yale announces new test-flexible admissions policy,” Yale’s Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Jeremiah Quinlan, explained
“During our four years of considering roughly half of our applicants without ACT or SAT scores, we found that subject-based exams such as AP and IB can add valuable evidence to our committee discussions, just as ACT and SAT do.”
Finally, Cornell University announced that it will end its test-optional policy for the 2026–2027 admissions cycle, marking the end of test-optional Ivy League admissions as we know it.
What This Means for Students
The message is clear: standardized testing is back. Universities are once again emphasizing the SAT and ACT as key indicators of academic readiness.
That means test prep is more important than ever—and it’s where Zinkerz can help. With personalized SAT and ACT prep programs designed to strengthen core skills and boost scores, Zinkerz helps students approach testing with confidence.
Book a call today to see how Zinkerz can help you reach your dream Ivy League school.
