Test required, test optional, or test blind? Where four-year colleges stand
How many four-year colleges require, consider, or ignore SAT and ACT scores, and which selective colleges require them.
By Dreamschool Research · October 30, 2026
Of the 1,506 four-year colleges that reported a testing policy (Fall 2024):
- Test optional (scores considered if submitted): 1,002
- Test required: 76
- Test blind (scores not considered): 428
- Recommended: 0
These selective colleges (admission rate under 25%) require test scores:
| College | Location | Admission rate |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | Cambridge, MA | 3.7% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | 4.6% |
| College of the Ozarks | Point Lookout, MO | 12% |
| United States Military Academy | West Point, NY | 13% |
| Georgetown University | Washington, DC | 13% |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | 14% |
| United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | 14% |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee, FL | 21% |
| Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | 24% |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 24% |
How we got these numbers
Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education: the College Scorecard (released 2026-10-15) and the IPEDS Admissions survey. Data years:
- Admission test policy: Fall 2024, reported in IPEDS DCY2024-25
- Admission rate: Fall 2024, reported in IPEDS DCY2024-25
Colleges with fewer than 500 applicants are excluded from selectivity rankings because their admission rates say little about selectivity. Full details on our data page.