2026–2027 College Admissions Guide: SAT/ACT Policies at 370+ Colleges — Test-Optional, Self-Reported vs. Official Scores, Superscoring & All Scores Required

1. Test-Optional / Self-Reported Scores

Under a Test-Optional policy, colleges allow applicants to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. Students who believe their test scores strengthen their academic profile may choose to submit them, while those who feel their scores do not reflect their academic abilities can choose not to. Some colleges allow applicants to self-report their scores directly on the application without sending official score reports from the testing agency during the initial application process. However, a college may require official scores later for verification, enrollment, or other purposes. It is important to understand that test-optional and self-reported scores are not the same thing: test-optional describes whether submitting scores is required, whereas self-reporting describes how scores may be submitted. Applicants should always check each college's current testing policy to determine whether scores are optional, whether self-reporting is accepted, and whether official scores are required at a later stage.

• Some colleges require applicants to send official SAT or ACT score reports directly from the testing agency, such as the College Board or ACT, as part of the application process. Other colleges allow applicants to self-report their scores on the application and require official score reports only after admission or enrollment. Requirements vary by institution, so applicants should verify whether official scores must be received by the application deadline or can be submitted later.

  
  

2. Official Superscore

An Official Superscore policy allows colleges to consider a student's highest section scores from multiple SAT or ACT test dates to calculate a combined superscore. For example, if a student earns a 700 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and a 650 in Math on one SAT attempt, then earns a 680 in Reading and Writing and a 750 in Math on another attempt, the college may combine the highest section scores to produce a superscore of 1,450 (700 + 750). Under an official-score submission requirement, applicants must arrange for the testing agency, such as the College Board or ACT, to send official score reports directly to the college. The college then determines whether and how to superscore the results according to its own policy. Students should verify whether the college accepts superscoring, whether it requires official reports from every test date used in the superscore, and whether self-reported scores are accepted during the application process.

3. All Scores Required

Under an All Scores Required policy, applicants must submit the results of every SAT or ACT test administration specified by the college's policy, rather than selecting only their highest scores. This means students may need to report multiple test attempts, including attempts with lower scores, depending on the institution's requirements. Some colleges require official score reports sent directly by the testing agency, while others may permit self-reporting initially and request official documentation later. An all-scores policy does not necessarily mean that a college will penalize applicants for lower scores; admissions offices may evaluate the complete testing history according to their own review process. Students should carefully review each institution's requirements before applying, because policies can differ between colleges and may change from one admissions cycle to the next.

Disclaimer

The information in this chart is provided for informational purposes only and is intended to help students and families understand SAT/ACT testing and score-reporting policies at more than 370 colleges and universities for the 2026–2027 admissions cycle. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, college admissions policies may change, and information may be incomplete or subject to interpretation.

Testing requirements, test-optional policies, self-reported score acceptance, official score submission requirements, superscoring practices, and all-scores reporting policies may vary by institution, applicant type, academic program, and admissions cycle. The terminology used in this chart is intended to summarize each college's policy and may not reflect all exceptions or specific conditions.

Students should always verify the latest requirements directly on each college's official admissions website before submitting an application or sending test scores. This chart is not affiliated with or endorsed by any college, university, the College Board, or ACT. The author assumes no responsibility for decisions made based on the information provided in this chart.