The Applicant’s Guide to Standardized Test Score Submission: An Analysis of “All Scores Required” Policies and the Modern Admissions Landscape

The Modern Lexicon of Standardized Test Reporting

The landscape of standardized test score submission for U.S. college admissions has undergone a period of unprecedented volatility and transformation.

Following a widespread, pandemic-induced shift to test-optional policies, a significant counter-movement is now underway, with many elite institutions reinstating testing requirements.

This fluid environment has created a complex lexicon of policies that can be perilous for the unprepared applicant.

A precise understanding of terms such as “test-optional,” “test-flexible,” “test-blind,” “Score Choice,” “superscoring,” and the rare but critical “all scores required” is no longer an academic exercise but a prerequisite for crafting a successful application strategy.

Misinterpreting these policies can lead to strategic errors, from submitting scores that weaken an application to inadvertently violating an institution’s rules of integrity.

This section will deconstruct the full spectrum of score submission policies, establishing a firm foundation for navigating the nuanced and often contradictory requirements of modern college admissions.

The Spectrum of Choice: Defining Test-Optional, Test-Flexible, and Test-Blind Policies

The degree of choice an applicant has over submitting SAT or ACT scores exists on a spectrum, from complete applicant control to total institutional disregard.

At one end lies the “test-blind” policy, the most rigid approach, where admissions offices will not consider standardized test scores at all, even if an applicant submits them.¹

The University of California (UC) system is the most prominent adopter of this policy, having eliminated the use of SAT and ACT scores for admissions decisions and scholarship awards beginning in 2020.⁴

This decision was framed as a move to create a fairer admissions process, addressing long-standing criticisms that standardized tests were biased and did not accurately predict college success for all students.⁶

While scores may still be used for course placement after a student enrolls, they play no role in the admissions decision itself.⁴

This policy, however, is not without controversy and is subject to ongoing re-evaluation amid concerns about grade inflation and external legal scrutiny.⁷

The most prevalent policy in recent years has been “test-optional.” Under this model, applicants have the choice of whether or not to submit their SAT or ACT scores.

If scores are submitted, they are considered as part of a holistic review; if they are not, the applicant is theoretically not penalized, and greater weight is placed on other components like GPA, course rigor, and essays.¹

While this appears to be a straightforward, applicant-friendly policy, it has created a complex strategic dilemma.

The reality is that a strong test score can provide a significant competitive advantage, effectively creating two distinct application tracks: one for students who submit scores and one for those who do not.²

This dynamic has also had a notable effect on institutional data.

As students with lower scores disproportionately choose not to submit them, the average SAT/ACT scores of the students who

do submit and are subsequently admitted become artificially inflated.¹

This can create a misleading perception of a university’s selectivity and raise the unofficial “bar” for future applicants.

In a notable turn, some universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania, have cited the “decision-making stress” this calculus places on applicants as a key reason for abandoning their test-optional policy and returning to a clear testing requirement.¹¹

A more nuanced variation is the “test-flexible” policy.

Here, an institution requires applicants to submit some form of standardized test score but provides a menu of options beyond the traditional SAT and ACT.

These can include Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores, International Baccalaureate (IB) exam results, or other national leaving exams.¹

Yale University is a primary example of this model.

After a period of being test-optional, Yale reinstated a testing requirement but adopted a flexible policy, allowing applicants to submit scores from the SAT, ACT, AP, or IB exams.¹³

The university’s stated goal was to empower applicants to put their best foot forward using the tests that best highlight their academic strengths, thereby pulling some of the intense focus away from the SAT and ACT alone.¹⁶

Curating Your Application: Understanding Score Choice and Superscoring

Beyond the overarching policies of whether to submit a test score at all, two key mechanisms—one controlled by the student and one by the institution—govern which scores are seen.

The first is “Score Choice,” a feature offered by the College Board since 2009.¹⁸

This tool allows students who have taken the SAT multiple times to select which specific test dates they wish to send to colleges.¹⁸

For example, a student who performed poorly on their first attempt can choose to send only the scores from their second, improved attempt.

The stated purpose of Score Choice is to reduce student stress and give them more control over their application.¹⁸

However, a critical point of confusion arises from the relationship between this student-controlled tool and an institution’s own mandate.

A university’s admissions policy is the ultimate authority; if a college requires all scores to be sent, that rule overrides the applicant’s ability to use Score Choice.¹⁸

An applicant who sees “Score Choice” advertised by the College Board and assumes it is a universal right may inadvertently violate a university’s policy by withholding scores.

This reveals a crucial power dynamic where institutional policy reigns supreme, and it underscores the necessity for applicants to verify the rules of each individual college rather than relying on the features of the testing agency.

The second mechanism is “superscoring,” a widespread and applicant-friendly policy enacted at the college level.

When a university superscores, its admissions office will take an applicant’s highest section scores from all the test dates submitted and combine them to create a new, higher composite score.²²

For the SAT, this means combining the highest Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) score with the highest Math score, even if they were achieved on different days.¹⁸

This practice encourages students to retake the SAT, as they can focus on improving one section at a time without fear that a dip in the other section will be held against them.¹⁸

Many institutions that superscore, such as the University of Pennsylvania and Brown University, will encourage or even require applicants to send scores from all test dates.

This is not necessarily a punitive measure but a practical one, ensuring the admissions office has the complete dataset needed to calculate the highest possible superscore for every applicant.²⁰

The Mandate for Full Transparency: A Detailed Examination of the “All Scores Required” Policy

At the most rigid end of the submission spectrum for test-required schools is the “all scores required” policy.

This institutional mandate explicitly requires applicants to submit their entire testing history for a given exam (e.g., all SATs taken).

This policy directly negates the College Board’s Score Choice feature and demands complete transparency from the applicant.¹⁸

While many students may fear this policy, viewing it as a “gotcha” designed to expose their worst performances, the institutional perspective is often more nuanced.

Colleges with this policy frequently state that they still focus on an applicant’s highest scores and use the full record to observe positive trends, such as score improvement over time, which can reflect perseverance and growth.²⁰

Nonetheless, the requirement is non-negotiable.

For the small number of institutions that maintain this policy, adherence is considered a matter of application integrity and honesty.¹⁸

Attempting to use Score Choice to circumvent an “all scores required” policy is a significant risk that could call an applicant’s character into question and potentially jeopardize their candidacy.

This policy represents the ultimate assertion of institutional authority over the score submission process, demanding a complete and uncurated testing record as a condition of application.

Identifying Institutions with “All Scores Required” Policies

While the “all scores required” policy is a significant factor in application strategy, it is far less common than many applicants believe, particularly among top-tier universities.

The digital landscape is cluttered with outdated and inaccurate lists, creating a minefield of misinformation that can lead to critical errors.

Establishing a verified list of institutions with this mandate requires careful scrutiny of primary sources and a clear understanding of the difference between a requirement and a recommendation.

The Verified List: Institutions with Explicit “All Scores Required” Mandates

The number of highly selective universities that enforce a strict “all scores required” policy is remarkably small.

This rarity makes the institutions that do maintain it significant outliers, signaling a deep commitment to a specific admissions philosophy.

The table below presents a concise, verified list of notable institutions that, according to their official policies, require the submission of all SAT scores.

This list has been curated by prioritizing official university websites over third-party sources to ensure maximum accuracy.

University Name	Stated Policy and Source	Key Nuances and Analysis
Georgetown University	“Georgetown University does not participate in the Score Choice option available through the College Board. Georgetown requires that you submit scores from all test sittings of the SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests.” 30	Georgetown has the most famously rigid “all scores” policy. It is a non-negotiable requirement rooted in a philosophy of complete applicant transparency. While they do consider the highest section scores across sittings (a form of superscoring), they mandate the submission of the full testing record to do so.32
Carnegie Mellon University	“If you choose to have your SAT or ACT scores considered, you’re required to submit all official results. While we’re interested in the general pattern of your scores, we give the most weight to the highest score you’ve received on the SAT.” 34	CMU’s policy is complex and has been a source of confusion. While one source states they require “All Scores” 27, their official policy is more nuanced. The requirement to submit all results applies	if a student chooses to submit scores in a program where they are optional or flexible. They allow SAT superscoring.35 This is less of a universal mandate like Georgetown’s and more of a conditional requirement, but one that still demands full disclosure from score-submitters.
Syracuse University	“If you’re considering the Score Choice option for the SAT, please be aware that all of your test scores will be required. This works to your benefit—your application will be considered using the highest combination of your SAT scores.” 36	Syracuse presents a unique “if/then” conditional policy. The university is currently test-optional through the Spring 2027 admission cycle.37 However,	if an applicant chooses to submit scores, then they are required to submit their entire SAT testing history. This is a critical distinction that many applicants miss.

Note: This list is intentionally short.

Other institutions, such as The Citadel and Soka University of America, have also been cited as requiring all scores.²⁹

However, applicants must verify the current policy directly with any institution not listed here, as policies can change annually.

The “Gray Area” and The Myth of the Long List: Debunking Outdated Information

A significant challenge for applicants is the proliferation of inaccurate information regarding score submission policies.

Many widely circulated lists of “all scores required” colleges are dangerously out of date, a direct consequence of the rapid and frequent policy shifts that have occurred since 2020.

The sudden pivot to test-optional policies made many lists instantly obsolete, and the current “Great Reversal” back to required testing has introduced new, more flexible policies that are not yet reflected on many third-party sites.

This has created an information ecosystem where an applicant’s ability to find and correctly interpret primary source information—the university’s own admissions page—has become a critical, differentiating skill.

Several prominent universities are consistently and incorrectly listed as requiring all scores.

These errors highlight the danger of relying on secondary sources:

• University of Pennsylvania: Frequently cited as an “all scores required” school ²⁸, UPenn’s official policy is more flexible. For the 2025-26 cycle, they require the SAT or ACT but will superscore. They
  encourage applicants to submit all scores to facilitate accurate superscoring but do not have a strict mandate forbidding Score Choice in the way Georgetown does.²⁶ This is a “soft” recommendation, not a “hard” requirement.
• Cornell University: Also appears on outdated “all scores” lists.³¹ This is demonstrably false. Cornell’s official testing policy, which reinstates a requirement for Fall 2026 applicants, explicitly states that the university “participates in the College Board Score Choice program”.⁴¹
• University of California System: In the most glaring example of misinformation, the entire UC system appears on at least one prominent “all scores required” list.⁴⁰ This is the opposite of their actual policy. The UC system is famously “test-free,” meaning they do not consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions decisions at all.⁴

This analysis reveals that the “all scores required” mandate is an endangered species among top universities.

The overwhelming trend is toward more applicant-friendly policies like superscoring.

This rarity makes the few institutions that do cling to the policy—like Georgetown—all the more significant.

Their steadfastness indicates a deeply held institutional philosophy that values complete transparency above all else, and applicants must treat these schools as a distinct category requiring a unique and more cautious testing strategy.

Institutional Rationale: Why Demand a Complete Testing History?

The few universities that mandate the submission of a complete testing history do so for several key reasons, which range from ensuring integrity to facilitating a more generous review.

1. Ensuring Application Integrity: The primary and most straightforward reason is to ensure honesty. By requiring all scores, institutions prevent applicants from strategically hiding poor performances. Georgetown’s policy is the clearest articulation of this philosophy, which views the submission of a complete record as a fundamental matter of integrity in the application process.¹⁸
2. Enabling Contextual and Holistic Review: Admissions offices argue that a full testing history provides valuable context. It allows them to see an applicant’s academic trajectory and potential for growth. A low initial score followed by significant improvement on a subsequent test can tell a powerful story of perseverance and dedication, which may be viewed more favorably than a single high score.²⁰
3. Facilitating Accurate Superscoring: Some schools that superscore, like the University of Pennsylvania, encourage the submission of all scores for a practical, student-friendly reason: it ensures they have all the necessary data to calculate the highest possible superscore for the applicant.²⁴ In this model, the request for all scores is not about policing the applicant but about ensuring they receive the full benefit of the superscoring policy. This motivation is distinct from the integrity-focused rationale of a school like Georgetown.

The Great Reversal: The Return of Mandatory Testing

The test-optional era, which reached its zenith during the COVID-19 pandemic, is rapidly receding among America’s most selective universities.

A powerful trend, dubbed the “Great Reversal,” has seen a wave of elite institutions reinstating mandatory SAT/ACT submission policies.

This shift is not a simple return to the pre-2020 status quo; it is a data-driven correction informed by several years of experience with test-optional admissions.

Understanding the scope of this reversal and the nuanced justifications behind it is essential for any applicant navigating the current landscape.

The Post-Pandemic Shift: Charting the Reinstatement of SAT/ACT Requirements

Beginning in late 2023 and accelerating through 2024, a critical mass of the nation’s most prestigious universities announced they would once again require standardized test scores for applicants, typically starting with the 2025-2026 admissions cycle (for the Class of 2029 or 2030).

This movement was led by influential institutions whose decisions often have a ripple effect across higher education.

Key institutions that have reinstated SAT/ACT requirements include:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ¹³
• Georgetown University (which never went test-optional) ¹³
• Yale University ¹³
• Dartmouth College ¹³
• Brown University ¹³
• Harvard University ⁴⁴
• University of Pennsylvania ⁴⁵
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech) ⁴³
• University of Texas at Austin ¹³
• Cornell University (effective for Fall 2026 applicants) ⁴⁴

This trend extends beyond private universities.

Entire public university systems, most notably in Florida (including the University of Florida and Florida State University) and Georgia (including Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia), have also returned to mandatory testing, impacting hundreds of thousands of applicants.¹³

This marks a decisive end to the nearly universal test-optional consensus that prevailed among selective colleges from 2020 to 2024.¹⁰

The Justification for a Return to Testing: Beyond the Score

The rationale offered by university leaders for this reversal is more sophisticated and data-driven than simple tradition.

It reflects institutional learning from the large-scale experiment of test-optional admissions.

The justifications provided by admissions deans reveal a recalibration of how test scores are valued within a holistic review process.

• Enhanced Predictive Validity: A primary driver is the reaffirmed belief in the predictive power of standardized tests. Institutions with demanding, quantitative curricula, such as MIT and UT Austin, conducted and published internal research during the test-optional period. Their findings concluded that SAT/ACT scores were a uniquely strong predictor of students’ academic success (e.g., first-year GPA) at their institutions, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors and high school GPA.¹³
• A Standardized Tool to Combat Grade Inflation: Admissions deans have increasingly pointed to the problem of widespread grade inflation in U.S. high schools. As more students graduate with near-perfect GPAs, the utility of grades as a differentiating factor diminishes.⁵⁰ Standardized tests, for all their imperfections, provide a common metric that allows admissions officers to compare the academic preparedness of applicants from thousands of different high schools with varying grading standards.⁵⁰
• The New Pro-Equity Argument: Perhaps the most significant and counter-intuitive justification is that reinstating testing can actually increase equity. This argument, championed by institutions like Yale, Dartmouth, and Harvard, posits that the absence of test scores can inadvertently disadvantage applicants from low-income, first-generation, and under-resourced backgrounds.¹⁷ The reasoning is that a high test score can act as a powerful signal for a talented student from a less-known high school that may not offer extensive AP courses or have a track record of sending students to elite universities. In such cases, a strong score validates an applicant’s potential in a way their transcript alone cannot, helping them stand out in a hypercompetitive pool.¹⁰ Yale’s admissions office noted that during its test-optional period, applicants without scores were admitted at a lower rate, with the effect being most pronounced for students from lower-income backgrounds.¹⁷
• Reducing Applicant Stress and Ambiguity: In a notable reversal of the original logic for test-optional policies, universities like Penn now argue that a clear testing requirement is actually kinder to applicants. They contend that the strategic calculus of whether or not to submit scores under a test-optional policy creates significant anxiety and stress. A firm requirement removes this “decision-making stress” and allows applicants to focus on other parts of their application.¹¹

This shift demonstrates how the term “holistic review” is being redefined.

Previously, it was used to justify de-emphasizing scores.

Now, the same term is used to argue that a truly holistic picture is incomplete without the crucial data point a test score provides.

The argument from elite institutions is that testing, when used contextually, enhances their ability to conduct a fair and comprehensive review.¹¹

The “Test-Blind” Outlier: The University of California’s Experiment

Standing in stark contrast to the “Great Reversal” is the University of California system, which maintains its unique “test-free” or “test-blind” policy.

Under this policy, SAT and ACT scores are not considered for admissions or scholarship decisions whatsoever.⁴

This policy, cemented by a lawsuit settlement in 2021, was born from a desire to increase equity and access for all students.⁶

However, the UC’s position is under increasing internal and external pressure.

The university’s own Academic Senate Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools (BOARS) has begun re-evaluating the policy, citing concerns over rampant grade inflation and declining academic preparedness, particularly in math, among incoming students.⁷

Furthermore, the policy faces potential legal challenges.

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision limiting race-based affirmative action, there is scrutiny over whether test-blind policies could be considered an unlawful proxy for achieving racial diversity, a question that has reportedly drawn the attention of the U.S. Department of Justice.⁷

The future of the UC’s test-blind experiment remains uncertain, making it a critical case to watch in the evolving national debate over standardized testing.

Institutional Deep Dives: Case Studies in Score Reporting

To effectively navigate the admissions process, applicants must move beyond general trends and analyze the specific, nuanced policies of their target institutions.

Third-party sources are often unreliable, conflating recommendations with requirements and failing to capture program-specific variations.

The following case studies provide granular, actionable intelligence on the score reporting policies of key universities, resolving contradictions found in public information and highlighting the critical importance of primary source verification.

Georgetown University: The Archetype of the Strict “All Scores” Policy

Georgetown University stands as the clearest and most steadfast example of a top-tier institution with a strict “all scores required” policy.

This is not a recommendation or a preference; it is a cornerstone of their admissions philosophy.

• Policy: Georgetown’s official admissions literature explicitly states that the university “does not participate in the Score Choice option” and requires applicants to submit scores from “all test sittings of the SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests” (though Subject Tests are now discontinued).³⁰ This requirement applies to all first-year and most transfer applicants.³⁰
• Analysis: The policy is rooted in a belief in total applicant transparency. Georgetown’s admissions committee wants to see the complete, uncurated testing record of every applicant. However, a crucial nuance often missed is that this does not mean they ignore score improvements. For the SAT, the admissions committee will consider the highest Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score and the highest Math score from across all submitted test sessions—effectively superscoring the results.³³ For the ACT, they will consider the highest composite score.³³ The key distinction is that they perform this superscoring themselves, using a complete dataset that the applicant is mandated to provide. An applicant cannot use Score Choice to submit only their best sittings. The average SAT scores for admitted students are highly competitive, with a composite average around 1480-1500 and a middle 50% range of approximately 1400-1540.³²

Carnegie Mellon University: A Complex, Program-Specific, and “Test-Flexible” Model

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) presents one of the most complex and frequently misinterpreted testing policies.

It is not a monolithic policy but a varied set of rules that differ by the specific undergraduate college to which a student applies.

• Policy: For Fall 2026 applicants, CMU’s policy is highly differentiated ³⁵:

• Test-Required: The highly selective School of Computer Science requires an SAT or ACT score.
• Test-Flexible: The College of Engineering, Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Heinz College’s Information Systems program, Mellon College of Science, and Tepper School of Business all have a test-flexible policy. This means applicants must submit a standardized test score, but they can choose from a menu that includes the SAT, ACT, AP exams, or IB results.
• Test-Optional: The College of Fine Arts remains test-optional, requiring portfolios or auditions instead.
• Analysis of “All Scores” Confusion: Several sources label CMU as having an “All Scores” policy.²⁷ The university’s own course catalog states, “If you choose to have your SAT or ACT scores considered, you’re required to submit all official results”.³⁴ This is a conditional requirement. It does not apply universally but is triggered for any applicant who chooses to submit SAT/ACT scores. While CMU does superscore the SAT, they want the full context to do so.³⁵ This policy is less of a rigid, universal mandate like Georgetown’s and more of a strong, conditional directive for score-submitters. It represents a “gray area” where the university values full disclosure and will use the highest scores but requires the complete record to do so.

The Ivy League: A Comparative Analysis of a Spectrum of Policies

The Ivy League is often perceived as a monolithic bloc, but their testing policies are highly individualized.

The “Great Reversal” has not led to a uniform policy but rather a spectrum of approaches, from test-flexible to test-required with generous superscoring.

An applicant targeting multiple Ivies must understand these distinct policies.

University	Overall Policy (2025-26 Cycle)	“All Scores” Mandate?	Superscore Policy	Key Policy Language Snippet
Brown University	Test-Required 54	No	Yes, for both SAT and ACT. 25	“We do accept Score Choice, and will superscore within both the SAT and ACT.” 25
Cornell University	Test-Required (for Fall 2026+) 41	No	Yes, for SAT (highest sections); for ACT (highest composite). 41	“For the SAT, Cornell participates in the College Board Score Choice program, and we consider the highest section scores across test dates.” 41
University of Pennsylvania	Test-Required 26	No (but encouraged)	Yes, for both SAT and ACT. 26	“If you submit multiple sets of test scores, we will combine your highest Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing with your highest Math score…to calculate a superscore.” 26
Yale University	Test-Flexible 16	Yes (for AP/IB option)	Yes, for SAT and ACT if submitted. 56	“Applicants who choose to meet the requirement with AP or IB scores should include results from all subject exams completed prior to applying.” 16
Dartmouth College	Test-Required 13	No (policy not explicitly stated, but superscoring is common)	Not explicitly stated on main pages, but consistent with peer institutions.	“Dartmouth reinstated its requirement for SAT or ACT scores starting with the 2025 admissions cycle…” 13
Harvard University	Test-Required 44	No (policy not explicitly stated, but superscoring is common)	Not explicitly stated on main pages, but consistent with peer institutions.	“Harvard requires applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of the application process.” 45
Columbia University	Test-Optional 42	No	N/A (as optional)	“Columbia offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply without SAT or ACT scores.” 45
Princeton University	Test-Optional (through 2025-26) 42	No	N/A (as optional)	“Princeton University: Test-Optional” 42

This comparative view clearly demonstrates that an applicant’s strategy must be tailored to each school.

Yale’s unique test-flexible policy has its own “all scores” rule for those who choose the AP/IB pathway.

Meanwhile, Brown and Cornell explicitly embrace Score Choice, giving applicants maximum flexibility.

Other Key Institutions: Resolving Contradictions

Several other highly selective universities are subject to conflicting information regarding their score submission policies.

• Rice University: Despite being listed as an “all scores required” institution by some third-party sources ⁴⁰, Rice’s official policy is more lenient. Rice is currently test-optional but
  recommends that applicants submit scores.⁵⁸ Their FAQ page confirms that they superscore and “encourage students to report all scores knowing that we will recombine the sections to get the best possible set of scores,” but this is a recommendation to facilitate a generous review, not a strict requirement.⁵⁸
• Syracuse University: Syracuse’s policy highlights the emergence of complex, conditional rules at test-optional schools. While the university is test-optional for applicants through the Spring 2027 cycle ³⁷, their admissions website contains a critical clause: “If you’re considering the Score Choice option for the SAT, please be aware that all of your test scores will be required”.³⁶ This creates an “if/then” structure:
  if an applicant decides to submit scores, then they are bound by an “all scores required” rule. This is a sophisticated policy that allows the university to maintain a test-optional stance for access while demanding full disclosure from those who wish to use scores as a credential. Applicants cannot simply stop reading after seeing the words “test-optional”; they must understand the full set of rules that apply to score submitters.

A Strategic Framework for the Modern Applicant

The current admissions landscape, characterized by rapid policy shifts and nuanced institutional rules, demands a more sophisticated and proactive approach from applicants.

A successful strategy is not based on a single test score but on a holistic understanding of how testing policies interact with an applicant’s profile and college list.

The following framework provides actionable recommendations for designing an optimal testing plan and navigating the complexities of score submission.

Designing Your Optimal Testing Strategy

For any student targeting selective colleges and universities, the default strategy should now be to prepare for and take the SAT or ACT.

The widespread reinstatement of testing requirements at top-tier institutions and the near-universal adoption of superscoring among those that do means that testing is once again a central component of a competitive application.

• Embrace Multiple Sittings: The prevalence of superscoring policies at elite schools like Brown, Cornell, Penn, and Yale effectively encourages students to take the test more than once.²² Concerns that colleges look down on a reasonable number of retakes (e.g., two to four attempts) are largely unfounded; admissions offices are primarily interested in the final scores and the evidence of improvement.²⁰
• Utilize Section-Focused Preparation: Superscoring allows for a strategic approach to test preparation. An applicant can focus their efforts intensively on one section (e.g., Math) for a specific test date, with the goal of achieving a peak score in that area. They can then shift their focus to the other section (e.g., ERW) for a subsequent test date.¹⁸ This targeted approach can reduce pressure and help build a stronger superscore than might be achievable in a single sitting.

Navigating the “All Scores” Gauntlet

While the “all scores required” policy is rare, it has significant implications for applicants targeting the few schools that enforce it, most notably Georgetown University.

For these institutions, every official test sitting becomes part of the applicant’s permanent record.

• Strategy: The cardinal rule when applying to an “all scores required” school is to never take an official SAT or ACT “for practice.” The free, official practice tests provided by the College Board and ACT are the appropriate tools for gauging preparedness. Every official test administration should be treated as a serious attempt that will be seen by the admissions committee. While a single lower score followed by marked improvement is unlikely to be a disqualifying factor, a pattern of numerous, inconsistent, or stagnant scores could raise questions about an applicant’s judgment, preparation, and academic trajectory. The testing strategy for these schools must be conservative and deliberate. A student’s entire approach to testing must be conditioned by the knowledge that every score will be seen. The presence of even one “all scores required” school on a college list fundamentally alters the risk-reward calculation of each test sitting, meaning the college list should ideally be finalized before the last one or two testing attempts.

The Test-Optional Decision Matrix in a Test-Required World

Even with many excellent universities remaining test-optional, the “Great Reversal” at the most selective tier changes the strategic calculus for all applicants.

The decision of whether to submit a score to a test-optional school is now made in a context where testing is increasingly seen as a valuable credential.

• When to Submit Scores: An applicant should strongly consider submitting their scores to a test-optional institution if their score is at or above the 25th percentile of that school’s most recently published “middle 50%” score range. A score that falls within the 50th to 75th percentile of admitted students will be a clear asset to the application.²
• When to Withhold Scores: Withholding scores remains a viable strategy if an applicant’s score falls significantly below a school’s 25th percentile and the other components of their application—GPA, course rigor, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars—are exceptionally strong.² However, applicants must proceed with caution. At many selective test-optional schools, a majority of admitted students still submit test scores.¹⁰ Choosing not to submit in such an environment may place an applicant at a competitive disadvantage, as they are providing the admissions committee with one less data point to evaluate their candidacy. The return to required testing signals that top schools found the “three-legged stool” of grades, rigor, and activities to be less stable without the fourth leg of standardized testing. The new messaging is that scores are not interchangeable with other components but are a unique and valuable piece of the puzzle that complements and validates the rest of the application.

The Cardinal Rule of Application: Primary Source Verification

The single most important principle for navigating the modern admissions landscape is the unwavering commitment to primary source verification.

As demonstrated throughout this report, the information on third-party websites, blogs, and forums is frequently outdated and inaccurate due to the rapid pace of policy changes.

• Actionable Step: Before finalizing an application strategy, every applicant must create a definitive record of their target schools’ policies. This involves going directly to each university’s official undergraduate admissions website. The applicant should locate the specific page detailing standardized testing requirements and copy the exact wording of the policy. This process should be repeated every application cycle, as policies can and do change annually. Relying on memory, hearsay, or a blog post from last year is a recipe for a critical strategic error. In an era of information overload and policy flux, the ability to locate, interpret, and act upon accurate, primary source information has become a crucial skill in the college application process itself.

Works cited

1. Understanding Test Optional, Test Blind, and Test Flexible …, accessed on August 5, 2025, https://www.aplustutoring.com/understanding-test-optional-test-blind-and-test-flexible-admissions-policies/
2. Test Optional, Test Flexible, and Test Blind Explained! – Curvebreakers Blog, accessed on August 5, 2025, https://curvebreakerstestprep.com/test-optional-test-flexible-and-test-blind-explained/
3. Test-Optional, Test-Flexible, Test-Blind: What’s the Difference?! – College Essay Advisors, accessed on August 5, 2025, https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/test-optional-test-flexible-test-blind-whats-the-difference/
4. First-year requirements – Admissions | University of California, accessed on August 5, 2025, https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/preparing-freshman-students/freshman-requirements.html
5. First-Year Policies – Office of Undergraduate Admissions – University of California, Berkeley, accessed on August 5, 2025, https://admissions.berkeley.edu/apply-to-berkeley/freshmen/freshman-policy-changes/
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