Ohio State Reinstates SAT/ACT Requirement for 2026 Applicants, Joining Elite Trend

A major public flagship university has officially ended its test-optional policy, signaling a continued shift back toward standardized testing in selective admissions. The Ohio State University has announced the reinstatement of the ACT/SAT test requirement for all new first-year undergraduate applicants to its Columbus campus, effective for the 2026 admissions cycle [Compass Prep](https://www.compassprep.com/testing-spotlight/).

This move places Ohio State among a growing list of selective institutions, including several elite private universities, that have reversed pandemic-era test-optional policies. According to a recent analysis, "several elite schools have reinstated test-required policies in 2026, and many others strongly encourage scores even while remaining test-optional" [Collegewise](https://collegewise.com/blog/do-you-need-to-take-the-sat-in-2026). The policy change at Ohio State, a top-tier public research university, is particularly consequential due to its size and influence, potentially affecting tens of thousands of applicants.

The decision underscores a bifurcating landscape in college admissions, where highly selective institutions are increasingly returning to testing requirements while a majority of colleges remain test-optional. For students targeting competitive schools, the message is clear: preparing for and taking the SAT or ACT remains a critical component of a strong application. With the first SAT of the 2026-27 testing cycle scheduled for August 22, 2026, and registration deadlines approaching, this reinstatement adds urgency for rising high school seniors [College Board](https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/dates-deadlines).