Princeton, Columbia to Reinstate Standardized Testing for 2027-28 Applicants

In a notable reversal of pandemic-era policies, two Ivy League institutions have announced plans to reinstate standardized testing requirements for future applicants. According to a July 2026 update from an independent college counseling firm, Princeton University and Columbia University will require testing again for students applying in the 2027–28 cycle [[source 8](https://www.kingfisherprep.com/post/nathaniel-s-july-2026-college-admissions-update?srsltid=AfmBOoqulD0pdSlc6qbhnwUUtVDU5yiPqqZe2gucJvDHouXgjFTE-kvZ)].

This announcement signals a pivotal shift in the admissions landscape for highly selective universities. While many institutions extended or made permanent their test-optional policies following the COVID-19 pandemic, Princeton and Columbia are now among the first elite universities to publicly commit to a full reinstatement for a specific future class. The policy change is targeted, applying to applicants for the 2027-28 academic year, which means current high school juniors (rising seniors in summer 2026) will be unaffected, but sophomores and freshmen must plan accordingly.

The move aligns with a broader, albeit uneven, trend of reassessing test-optional frameworks. Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, and Brown have already reinstated testing requirements for current cycles, making the Ivy League a key battleground for this policy debate. Columbia and Princeton's decision for the 2027-28 cycle suggests a deliberate, forward-looking strategy rather than an immediate reaction, giving families and schools ample notice. Admissions experts note that such reinstatements at top-tier schools often influence practices at other selective colleges and liberal arts institutions, potentially setting a new standard for the sector [[source 3](https://www.acceptu.com/blog/whats-really-changing-in-college-admissions-in-2026/)].

For families of students targeting elite universities, this development underscores the importance of monitoring official policy announcements well in advance of a student's application year. The specific focus on the 2027-28 cycle provides a clear timeline for preparation but also introduces a new variable into long-term academic planning for high school underclassmen.