Nearly every Ivy League university except Columbia has announced that it will again require standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) for undergraduate admissions — a marked reversal of the pandemic-era test-optional policies that many selective U.S. schools adopted. The College Investor reported the policy shift on April 26, 2026, signaling that top U.S. institutions expect applicants to submit objective exam results as part of their profiles for the coming admission cycles.
For students in Jordan and the wider Middle East this change raises practical consequences. Many international applicants had delayed or deprioritized SAT/ACT preparation during the test-optional years; now those scores will be a formal part of holistic review. Strong SAT/ACT results often strengthen scholarship and merit-aid prospects, and can be decisive in differentiating similarly strong academic records from competitive international pools.
Actionable steps for applicants: register for an SAT or ACT administration as soon as possible and aim to complete testing by early fall of your final secondary year. Typical U.S. application windows to watch are Early Action/Early Decision (generally in early to mid-November) and Regular Decision (commonly January 1–5, though each school’s calendar can differ). Confirm each Ivy’s published deadline and testing policies — some schools still practice superscoring or allow score choice, while others will evaluate all submitted scores. Also remember English-proficiency exams (TOEFL/IELTS) remain necessary for many applicants.
Students should also note related testing developments: the ACT is rolling out format changes in 2026 (fewer questions, more time per section), and some U.S. states are adopting alternative college entrance exams that reflect ongoing national debates over testing. These shifts underline the need to verify which test (SAT or ACT) better suits your strengths and university targets. Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can help Jordanian students choose the right test, schedule exams, and prepare application timelines. For targeted support on waivers, scholarships and score strategy, contact Shatnawi’s advisors.
Bottom line: if you plan to apply to Ivy League or other selective U.S. universities for 2026–27, treat SAT/ACT planning as an essential part of your application. Register at College Board or ACT.org, book test dates well before application deadlines, and allow time for at least one retake if needed. For personalized timelines, application review, and scholarship strategy, reach out to Shatnawi for guidance via WhatsApp at +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com.