Columbia University Reinstates SAT/ACT Requirement for Fall 2028 Applicants

Columbia University will once again require standardized test scores for undergraduate admissions, reversing its test-optional policy in a move that signals a continuing shift among highly selective institutions. The requirement will apply to applicants seeking entry in the fall of 2028, according to an announcement reported by Higher Ed Dive [7].

This decision places Columbia among a growing cohort of elite universities reinstating testing mandates. While Columbia's policy change is for a future cycle, it follows similar reinstatements at peer institutions like MIT, Georgetown, and Johns Hopkins for more immediate application cycles [4, 8]. The Higher Ed Dive report notes the requirement begins "beginning August 2027," which aligns with the start of the application cycle for fall 2028 matriculation [7].

The policy reversal at an Ivy League school carries significant weight in the admissions landscape, often influencing decisions at other selective colleges. While the specific rationale from Columbia was not detailed in the available search result, the broader trend suggests a reassessment of holistic review processes and a renewed emphasis on standardized metrics for comparing applicants from diverse educational backgrounds [4].

Prospective students targeting Columbia and similar top-tier schools must now recalibrate their testing strategies. With the first affected application cycle over a year away, current high school juniors (class of 2028) should plan to take the SAT or ACT. Students should consult official university communications for precise implementation details and any potential exceptions to the policy.