Auburn University has confirmed it will require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores beginning with the fall 2027 admission cycle. The policy reversal, reported by The Auburn Plainsman, ends a period in which many U.S. institutions adopted test-optional admissions following the COVID-19 pandemic. For students, especially those applying from Jordan and the wider Middle East, the decision is a timely reminder that standardized testing remains a significant component of some U.S. admissions processes.
What this means for applicants: students planning to apply to Auburn for fall 2027 — and those applying to peer institutions that may follow suit — should ensure they have competitive SAT or ACT scores on file before application deadlines. Typical U.S. application timelines place Early Action/Early Decision deadlines in November and Regular Decision deadlines in December–January of the application year; therefore, applicants aiming for fall 2027 should schedule tests during 2025–2026 windows to allow time for retakes and score reporting. Check College Board and ACT dates now and book early to secure seats in regional testing centers.
The wider implication is an increased need for careful planning. Some U.S. campuses may continue to weigh tests alongside other factors (grades, essays, recommendations). For students from Jordan, alternatives include strengthening academic records at home, preparing robust personal statements, and investigating universities with different admissions models. Shatnawi for College Admissions & Academic Consultations (شطناوي للخدمات الجامعية والاستشارات الأكاديمية) can help students map timelines, enroll in SAT/ACT prep, and evaluate whether particular U.S. universities still accept applications without scores.
Practical steps: register for upcoming SAT/ACT dates as soon as possible; aim to complete at least one sitting by late 2026; allow time for a second attempt if needed. Verify each target university’s policy — policies can change — and prepare supporting materials (transcripts, recommendation letters, English tests such as IELTS if required). Students considering alternatives to the U.S. should note Shatnawi’s supported destinations: Georgia (Tbilisi/Batumi) is a primary pathway for Medicine and Dentistry, with English-medium programs and WHO/EU-recognized degrees; for students pivoting to study in Jordan, Shatnawi’s partner discounts may apply (10% registration discount at Applied Science Private University, 20% at University of Jordan, 25% at Jordan University of Science & Technology).
How Shatnawi can help: our team in Amman offers SAT and admissions preparation, scholarship matching, and one-to-one counseling to align testing schedules with application deadlines. For document services, note our equivalency processing and admissions support. For guidance on test timelines or alternative study pathways, contact Shatnawi on WhatsApp at +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com.