For fall 2027 entry (the 2026–27 application cycle), many of the most selective private universities and several public systems require an SAT or ACT, while most U.S. colleges remain test-optional and the UC campuses stay test-free. Use this as a starting map, then confirm each school's page for the year you apply.
Selective private universities that require a score
These schools have reinstated or kept an SAT/ACT requirement for recent cycles (confirm the exact entry term):
- Ivy League (most): Harvard, Yale, Brown, Dartmouth, Cornell, and Penn require scores for 2026–27. Princeton and Columbia remain optional for that cycle and have announced a return to required testing the following year.
- Other highly selective: MIT, Stanford, Caltech, and Georgetown require SAT or ACT.
Competitive ranges at this tier cluster in the low-to-mid 30s among students who submit. Context: ACT scores for Ivy League and highly selective colleges.
Public universities and systems that require a score
Several large publics require SAT or ACT for first-year admission, or expect scores with limited exceptions. Recent examples include the University of Texas at Austin, Purdue, the University of Tennessee, and public university systems in Florida and Georgia. Ohio State has also required scores in recent cycles. Alabama has been tightening from a GPA-based exception toward a broader requirement—read the current freshman page.
Typical submitted-score bands for these campuses live in average ACT scores by college.
Still test-optional (examples, not a directory)
University of Michigan, NYU, and USC have been test-optional in recent cycles even while their published ACT ranges look high among submitters. Optional does not mean scores are ignored if you send them. Decide with should you submit at test-optional schools.
Test-free: University of California
UC campuses do not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarships. If UC is your only target, an ACT is for other reasons (out-of-state schools, private colleges, placement). If you are applying to UC plus a required school, you still need the test for the required one.
How to use this list
- Write required / optional / blind next to every school.
- If any school is required, schedule the ACT so scores arrive in time —see last-chance retake timing.
- Set one target from the highest 75th percentile on your list using how to find your target ACT score.
The bottom line
Testing is required again at a concentrated set of selective and public campuses, not everywhere. Sort your list by policy first, then study toward the strictest school that actually needs a number.
Start practicing
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This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.