Brigham Young University (BYU) was test-optional for applicants for terms from spring 2021 through winter 2024. But, as of the Fall 2024 application cycle, BYU has reinstated its requirement for applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores, meaning it's not test-optional for 2026.
Is BYU going test optional?
BYU is no longer test-optional as of the Fall 2024 application cycle; they've brought back their requirement for applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores.
While BYU temporarily stopped requiring ACT/SAT scores for admissions and scholarships for terms between spring 2021 and winter 2024, that policy is over now. Students applying for admission for Fall 2024 and semesters after that, including 2026, need to submit official test scores. Always check the official BYU Admissions website for the latest info.
Is BYU waiving ACT?
BYU is not currently waiving the ACT or SAT requirement for applicants seeking admission for the Fall 2024 term or later.
They temporarily stopped requiring standardized test scores (including the ACT) for certain application cycles from 2021 to 2024. Now, for 2026 and beyond, students applying to BYU have to submit either ACT or SAT scores as part of their application. This is basically a return to their pre-pandemic admissions policies. They're clearly emphasizing standardized tests again, along with everything else in your application.
Are SAT scores optional for 2021?
Yes, for the 2021 application cycle, SAT scores were optional at many American colleges and universities because of the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The huge challenges of 2020 and 2021, like test date cancellations and limited access to testing centers, pushed a lot of schools to go test-optional. They did this to ease applicant stress and make sure everyone had a fair shot at college. Many schools are still test-optional, but some, like BYU, have brought back their requirements for 2026.
Does BYU require the SAT?
Yes, as of the Fall 2024 application cycle, Brigham Young University (BYU) requires applicants to submit scores from either the SAT or ACT.
Yep, standardized test scores are a must-have part of your application if you're applying to BYU for 2026. They brought them back after a short test-optional period. Sure, a good score helps, but BYU looks at the whole picture (what they call a 'holistic review'). They'll check out your grades, essays, extracurriculars, and those ecclesiastical endorsements. You'll want to aim for scores that are pretty close to what their average admitted student gets. That'll definitely make your application stronger.
What is the average ACT score?
The national average composite ACT score for the class of 2023 was 19.8, based on data from the ACT organization.
This average score, which ranges from 1 to 36, is actually a bit lower than in past years, which might mean changes in who's taking the test or how they're prepping. Knowing the national average can give you a good idea of where you stand. But remember, what colleges require can really differ. For the absolute latest stats, always check ACT.org directly.
Is Duke optional for 2022?
After the pandemic first hit, Duke went test-optional for a few application cycles, including 2020-2021 through 2025-2026. Students could decide if they wanted to send in their SAT or ACT scores. But here's the thing: for the 2026-2027 cycle and moving forward, Duke's announced they're going back to requiring those scores. They're really stressing how valuable they are in their holistic review process, according to the Duke Admissions website.
What schools aren’t requiring SAT for 2021?
For the 2021 application cycle, lots of schools, including American University, Bates College, Bowdoin College, and Cornell College, went test-optional and did not require SAT scores.
- American University (DC)
- Bates College.
- Bennington College.
- Bowdoin College.
- Bryn Mawr College.
- Clark University.
- College of Atlantic.
- Cornell College.
Going test-optional in 2021 was a huge trend because of the pandemic. Thousands of colleges and universities temporarily (or even permanently) dropped their standardized test requirements. Many of these schools are still test-optional through 2026, but honestly, you've gotta double-check the current policy directly with each school's admissions office. The whole standardized testing scene keeps changing, so don't assume!
What GPA is required for Harvard?
To be a competitive applicant for Harvard University, you generally need a GPA very close to a 4.0 unweighted, meaning consistent A grades in the most rigorous courses available.
Harvard's admissions process is super selective, and you need to be academically excellent. While a 4.0 GPA is a strong indicator, you also absolutely need to have taken really tough classes (think AP, IB, or honors) to show them you're intellectually curious and capable. Harvard uses a holistic review, which means a perfect GPA isn't enough on its own. You'll need amazing extracurriculars, really compelling essays, and strong letters of recommendation to round out your application.
Is 14 a good ACT score?
A 14 on the ACT is considered a low score, placing you in the bottom 13th percentile nationally among test-takers.
That score tells you there's a lot of room to improve across all sections of the ACT (English, Math, Reading, and Science). While a 14 might be competitive for some open-enrollment or community colleges, it probably won't get you into most four-year universities. If you're aiming for higher education, you'll definitely want to look into some serious test prep. That means reviewing core academic stuff and practicing with official ACT materials. It's the best way to really boost your score.
Is 19 a good ACT score?
A 19 on the ACT is slightly below the national average composite score of 19.8 (for the class of 2023), placing it in the bottom 44th percentile nationally.
Okay, a 19 isn't exactly a powerhouse score for really competitive universities, but it can still get you into a good number of colleges, especially those with less selective admissions or open-enrollment policies. If you're eyeing more selective schools, you'd probably want to improve that 19. Seriously, focused test prep, figuring out your weak spots, and consistent practice can really bump that score up to something much more competitive.
Is a 12 on the ACT good?
A 12 on the ACT is a very low score, placing a student in the bottom 6th percentile nationally among test-takers.
This score really points to big challenges across all parts of the exam. Honestly, getting into most four-year colleges and universities with a 12 is super unlikely. Sure, a 12 might be enough for some community colleges or specific vocational programs. But if you're dreaming of a bachelor's degree from a four-year school, you absolutely need to make intensive test preparation your top priority. You've got to focus on fundamental academic skills and really targeted practice. That's what's essential to get a score that opens up more educational opportunities for you.
