Princeton reintroduces mandatory SAT or ACT scores for fall 2027 applicants ending test-optional policy

Princeton to Reinstate SAT and ACT Requirements for 2027-28 Admissions

End of Test-Optional Admissions at Princeton University

Princeton University has announced it will require SAT or ACT test scores from undergraduate applicants beginning with the 2027-28 admission cycle. This decision concludes a seven-year period of test-optional admissions initiated during the pandemic, aligning with similar adjustments from institutes like Harvard, Penn, and Brown. Unlike these universities, which will implement changes in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years, Princeton’s policy will start with the entering Class of 2032, welcoming students in the fall of 2028.

Peer Institutions Adopt Different Policies

While many universities are updating their admission policies, approaches vary. Yale has adopted a test-flexible policy, allowing the submission of SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate scores. Yet, Columbia University has chosen a permanently test-optional route. These strategic shifts among top universities highlight the evolving landscape of academic admissions.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Princeton’s decision is grounded in an analysis of five years of data from its test-optional period. The University found that students submitting test scores demonstrated stronger academic performance. This rationale underscores the belief that standardized tests can effectively predict undergraduate success. Despite the renewed requirement, test scores will remain one component of a comprehensive and holistic application review process, without minimum score requirements.

Accommodation for Military Applicants

Princeton will accommodate active military applicants who may lack access to testing sites. Such applicants can apply without SAT or ACT scores, and their applications will not be disadvantaged. This exception reflects a commitment to inclusivity and understanding of unique challenges faced by military personnel.

Historical Context of Test-Optional Policies

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Princeton paused its standardized testing requirement starting with the 2020-21 application cycle, extending it through the 2023-24 cycle. This temporary shift aimed to address reduced testing center accessibility during the health crisis. Interestingly, about 22% of Princeton’s Class of 2029 did not submit test scores, demonstrating the broader impacts of these policy changes.

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