University System of Georgia Reinstates SAT/ACT Requirement for Fall 2026 Admissions

A significant public university system has officially ended its test-optional admissions policy, requiring all first-year applicants for Fall 2026 admission to submit SAT or ACT scores. The University System of Georgia—which includes highly selective institutions like Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Georgia—has reinstated the standardized testing requirement for the upcoming admissions cycle, according to a recent report from CollegeHelpGuide.

This policy shift marks a decisive move away from the test-optional framework adopted by many institutions during the pandemic. The requirement applies to the entire system, meaning applicants to Georgia Tech, UGA, Georgia State University, and other system schools must now include scores with their applications. The report notes this change is for "fall 2026" admissions, aligning with the timeline for current high school juniors preparing for applications this coming year.

The reinstatement in Georgia adds a major public university system to the growing list of institutions reversing test-optional policies. This trend has been particularly pronounced among elite private universities, with six of the eight Ivy League schools now requiring scores, as noted by CarnegiePrep. However, the Georgia system's move is notable for its scale and its impact on a top-tier public engineering school (Georgia Tech) and a flagship public university (UGA), both of which are highly selective and popular with out-of-state applicants. This development underscores the increasing importance of standardized testing for students targeting competitive public universities in the 2026-27 admissions cycle.