Harvard University has made a significant announcement that will impact future applicants to the prestigious institution. Beginning with the class of 2029, Harvard will once again require standardized test scores as part of the admission process. This decision comes as other top colleges, such as Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, and MIT, have also reinstated their standardized testing requirements.
In June 2020, Harvard temporarily adopted a test-optional policy due to the limited access to standardized testing during the pandemic. This policy allowed students to apply without submitting their scores. Initially, the university had planned to maintain this test-optional approach through the entering class of fall 2026. However, the recent announcement has accelerated the return to mandatory standardized testing.
Under the new policy, students applying for fall 2025 admission will need to submit scores from either the SAT or ACT exams to fulfill the testing component of their application. In exceptional cases where applicants cannot access these tests, Harvard will accept other eligible exams, such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate.
Hopi Hoekstra, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, emphasized that more information, especially strongly predictive data, is crucial for identifying talent across the socioeconomic spectrum.
While Harvard welcomed test scores from applicants who had them during the past four years, the majority of accepted students still submitted their scores. The university also cited research indicating that standardized tests, when combined with other academic credentials, are a valuable tool for identifying promising students from less well-resourced high schools.
As the college admissions landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for prospective students to stay informed about the changing requirements and prepare accordingly. With Harvard joining the charge in reinstating standardized testing, it is likely that more institutions will follow suit, making it crucial for applicants to prioritize their test preparation alongside other aspects of their applications.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.