Ivies Mandate Testing, Drop Supplemental Essays for 2026–27 Cycle

In a decisive move that solidifies a post-pandemic trend, all eight Ivy League universities will require standardized test scores for the 2026–27 admissions cycle, according to a July 15 roundup from the College Planning Centers. This marks a full return to pre-pandemic testing norms across the most selective tier of U.S. higher education, ending the test-optional experiments that began in 2020.

Concurrently, several selective universities are removing supplemental essays from their applications, as reported by Inside Higher Ed on July 8. This streamlining effort aims to reduce applicant burden, though it places greater weight on the core Common Application essay and other components of the file. The dual shift represents a substantial simplification of the application mechanics for these elite schools, even as competition remains intense.

The policy reversal on testing suggests that Ivy League admissions offices found the lack of scores hampered their evaluation process, particularly for distinguishing among high-achieving applicants. The removal of school-specific essays, meanwhile, may be a response to widespread counselor and student feedback about application fatigue, though it also reduces opportunities for applicants to articulate a specific fit with each institution.

These changes arrive alongside other significant shifts in the admissions landscape, including new federal student loan rules taking effect July 1 and an executive order from the Trump administration mandating new data collection from colleges on their admissions practices, as noted by the American Council on Education. For families targeting highly-selective colleges, the upcoming cycle will demand a recalibrated strategy focused on strong testing and a polished, generalized application narrative.