The University of California system has told admissions leaders it will consider reinstating SAT and ACT test requirements after faculty raised alarms about declining math readiness, according to reporting by the Los Angeles Times and the San Francisco Chronicle. The move comes amid a broader reversal: several Ivy League schools have already returned to requiring standardized-test scores, and Yale recently updated its undergraduate testing policy. At the same time, the ACT organization announced format changes for 2026 — fewer questions and more time — that will affect how students prepare.
For students in Jordan and the wider Middle East, the change is significant because many applicants use U.S. flagship public universities and Ivy League schools as benchmarks for competitive admissions. If UC or other major systems restore test requirements, applicants who relied on test-optional cycles will face renewed pressure to submit strong SAT/ACT results. That matters especially for students who need quantitative evidence of readiness for majors with heavy math or STEM components.
Practical steps: first, verify each target university’s current policy — policies can differ by campus and change quickly. Typical deadlines to bear in mind: Ivy League early-action deadlines usually fall in early November, and regular decision deadlines are commonly around January 1; UC systems historically use a fall application window (confirm dates for the coming cycle). To meet these timelines, students should plan to take a SAT or ACT sitting at least one application cycle before their intended enrollment. Given test-center capacity in Amman, Beirut and Cairo, book as early as registrations open and reserve a preparation schedule that reflects the ACT’s 2026 format changes.
On timing: if you aim for fall 2027 admission, take your first official test no later than late 2026 (October–December) so you have time for a retake if needed. For early-action applicants, arrange testing even earlier. Check the College Board and ACT official sites for international dates and the new 2026 ACT format details. Keep documentation of scores and consider sending “score choice” reports where allowed.
How Shatnawi can help: Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can assist Jordanian students with updated test registration, choosing which test(s) to prioritize based on intended majors, and tailored prep plans that emphasize the ACT’s new timing and UC/math expectations. We provide mock exams under timed conditions and advise on which scores to submit to specific campuses.
Bottom line: the U.S. admissions landscape is shifting back toward standardized evidence of readiness, especially in math. Jordanian and regional students should act now — confirm deadlines for each school, register early for international test dates, adapt test prep to the ACT’s 2026 format changes, and seek guidance if you need help aligning scores with your application strategy. For help, contact Shatnawi on WhatsApp at +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com.