Princeton University has announced it will reinstate the requirement for undergraduate applicants to submit either SAT or ACT scores. The policy change will take effect during the 2027–28 admissions cycle for students who will enroll in the fall of 2028.
The decision concludes a seven-year period of test-optional admissions, which was initially implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. University officials cited internal data showing a strong correlation between standardized test scores and academic success on campus.
Key Takeaways
- Princeton University will require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate applicants starting with the 2027–28 admission cycle.
- This policy will first apply to the Class of 2032, who will matriculate in the fall of 2028.
- The decision ends a seven-year test-optional policy that began in 2020 due to the pandemic.
- An internal review found that students who submitted test scores demonstrated stronger academic performance at Princeton.
- The move aligns Princeton with other Ivy League institutions like Harvard and Brown, which have also reinstated testing requirements.
End of an Era for Test-Optional Policy
Princeton University is reversing its test-optional admissions policy, a measure first adopted in June 2020. At that time, the university paused its standardized testing requirement to accommodate applicants facing reduced access to testing centers during the global pandemic.
The temporary policy was extended multiple times, covering the admissions cycles for the 2021–22, 2022–23, and 2023–24 academic years. The newly announced change marks a definitive shift back to pre-pandemic standards, though with a significant lead time before implementation.
The requirement will apply to students seeking admission for the fall 2028 term. This group, the future Class of 2032, will be the first in seven years required to provide standardized test results as part of their application.
A Trend Among Elite Universities
The decision by Princeton follows a pattern seen across other highly selective universities. In the past year and a half, institutions such as Harvard, Brown, and the University of Pennsylvania have also announced the reinstatement of their standardized testing mandates. Most of these peer schools implemented the change for earlier application cycles, typically for the 2024–25 or 2025–26 school years.
Data Informs University's Decision
The university's choice to restore the testing requirement was not made lightly. According to a statement, the decision was based on a comprehensive review of five years of admissions data collected during the test-optional period.
The internal analysis revealed a clear trend: students who voluntarily submitted their SAT or ACT scores generally achieved stronger academic results at Princeton compared to those who did not.
“The decision to resume testing requirements follows a review of five years of data from the test-optional period, which found that academic performance at Princeton was stronger for students who chose to submit test scores than for students who did not,” the University said in a statement.
This finding suggests that, in the view of the administration, standardized tests serve as a valuable predictor of a student's potential to succeed in Princeton's rigorous academic environment. During the most recent cycle, about 22% of the admitted Class of 2029 did not submit test scores, according to a survey by The Daily Princetonian.
Navigating the Ivy League Admissions Landscape
Princeton's move places it in line with a growing majority of its Ivy League peers, but the landscape remains varied. While Harvard, Penn, and Brown have returned to requiring tests, others have adopted different approaches.
Varied Policies Among Peers
- Yale University has implemented a "test-flexible" policy. Applicants can choose to submit scores from the SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams.
- Columbia University has taken a different path, making its test-optional policy permanent.
Unusually Early Announcement
Princeton’s announcement is notable for its timing. While other universities typically announced their policy changes in the spring for the following fall's application cycle, Princeton is giving future applicants more than two years' notice. This extended timeline ensures that current high school freshmen and sophomores are aware of the requirement well in advance.
Holistic Review and Special Considerations
Despite the renewed emphasis on standardized tests, Princeton officials have reaffirmed their commitment to a holistic application review process. The university stressed that test scores are just one component among many that are evaluated.
“Standardized testing is just one element of the University’s comprehensive and holistic application review,” the press release stated. “All information in each student’s application is considered in the student’s individual context.”
No Minimum Score Requirement
Importantly, the university has clarified that there are no minimum SAT or ACT scores required for admission. Each application will continue to be assessed based on a wide range of factors, including academic transcripts, essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.
Exception for Military Personnel
A specific exception to the new rule has been made for one group: active members of the U.S. military. The university acknowledged that their service and deployment schedules can create significant barriers to accessing testing sites within the required application timeline.
“Active members of the military who opt to apply to Princeton without an SAT or ACT score will not be at a disadvantage in our process,” the university confirmed.
This accommodation ensures that service members are not unfairly penalized for circumstances beyond their control, maintaining an accessible pathway for military applicants to one of the nation's top universities.
