Columbia University has announced that Columbia College and Columbia Engineering will require SAT or ACT scores again for first‑year applicants, ending the period in which all Ivy League schools accepted applications without mandatory standardized test scores. Other elite institutions including Yale have recently updated testing policies, and several public systems such as the University of California are reconsidering tests after faculty concerns about incoming students’ math preparation.
For students in Jordan and the Middle East this change has immediate practical consequences. International applicants who may have relied on test-optional admissions must now submit official SAT/ACT scores to remain competitive, particularly for Early Decision/Early Action rounds where deadlines commonly fall on or around Nov. 1–15. Regular decision deadlines for many U.S. colleges remain near Jan. 1; make sure any tests you take allow enough time for score processing and reporting.
What students should do now: register for the next available SAT or ACT date, plan at least one realistic retake before application deadlines, and schedule English proficiency tests (TOEFL or IELTS) if required by target universities. Check each university’s testing and score‑reporting policy (Score Choice, superscoring, required subject exams) and order official reports early. If you expect to use fee waivers or need witness documentation for financial aid, apply through College Board/ACT channels as soon as possible.
Preparation strategy matters more than ever: focus on math fundamentals for students targeting STEM programs, use timed practice tests to track progress, and consider targeted tutoring for two months prior to a retake. Advanced Placement (AP) courses and strong school transcripts remain important but are unlikely to substitute for the required standardized scores at schools that have reinstated them.
Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can help Jordanian students with test registration, timeline planning, application strategy, and sending official scores to universities. We can advise which test dates to target given your intended application round and help secure fee waivers or additional documentation when available. For personalized guidance contact us via WhatsApp at +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com.