Test Optional

Test-Optional Policies 

February 2024 Update

Dartmouth College and Yale University have decided to reinstate testing requirements for the 2024-25 application cycle. While Dartmouth has decided to fully reinstate the SAT/ACT requirement, Yale has expanded the list of accepted tests to include AP and IB exams.  Dartmouth and Yale join other top universities like MIT and Georgetown which have already reinstated the testing requirement.

Dartmouth and Yale conducted their own internal research in regard to standardized tests and their value in predicting a student’s GPA. Both colleges reached similar conclusions; that standardized test scores paired with a student’s high school transcript are the most reliable indicators for college academic success at their respective institutions. Both Yale and Dartmouth believe these tests can highlight an applicant’s areas of academic strength along with reinforcing a robust high school transcript.

Despite the changes coming from Dartmouth and Yale, as of February 2024, over 1900 colleges and universities remain test-optional. Columbia University has even instituted a permanent test-optional policy, being the only Ivy League institution to do so thus far. 

An ongoing list of colleges and universities that have test-optional admissions policies can be found at Fair Test.