**What happened and why it matters.** Columbia University announced that it will again require SAT or ACT scores from applicants, making it the last Ivy League school to end its test-optional period that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Admissions leaders say the shift responds to concerns about assessing quantitative readiness and ensuring consistent comparisons among applicants.
**Impact on students, especially in Jordan and the region.** For many international applicants, standardized scores are a central part of U.S. admissions profiles. Reinstatement at Columbia — following similar moves across Ivy institutions — raises the bar for students who had planned to apply without test scores. Students from Jordan and the Middle East should expect higher competition for test-date seats at local centers in Amman and across the region, and possible changes in how admissions offices weigh other credentials (grades, APs, personal statements).
**Context: broader U.S. trends.** The Columbia decision comes as other systems also reconsider testing: the University of California system has begun a formal review of SAT/ACT reinstatement, and the ACT itself announced format changes for 2026 (fewer questions, more time). Together, these developments signal that standardized testing will remain central to many U.S. admissions processes for the near future, even as formats and institutional policies evolve.
**Practical steps for applicants.** If you plan to apply to Columbia or other highly selective U.S. schools for the 2026–27 cycle, register for SAT or ACT administrations now. Aim to complete required testing by October or November of your application year for Early Decision/Action, and by December at the latest for Regular Decision, to allow time for score reporting and any retakes. Check each university’s official admissions page for their exact score-submission deadlines and whether they superscore. For students in Jordan: reserve test seats early, verify international test center availability in Amman, and prepare for possible increased demand.
**How Shatnawi can help.** Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can assist with choosing between SAT and ACT, booking test dates, scheduling practice diagnostics, and integrating scores into a competitive application strategy for U.S. schools. We also advise on alternatives to strengthen applications (AP exams, IB, recommendation letters) if testing timelines are tight.
If you’re applying this cycle or planning ahead, contact Shatnawi for personalised guidance — WhatsApp +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com for appointments and details.