Cornell University Reinstates Standardized Testing: What It Means for Future Applicants
Cornell University is the latest school to join many Ivy and top-choice schools—MIT, Dartmouth, Yale, Georgetown—that have recently reversed course in their college admissions policies, reinstating their standardized testing mandates for college admissions.
Cornell’s timeline echoes many other top schools that have revised their stance on testing requirements.
Cornell University Suspended ACT, SAT Requirements for 2020-2021 Applicants Amidst COVID-19 Crisis
In 2020, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, five undergraduate colleges and schools at Cornell (A&S, Cornell Engineering, Human Ecology, the Brooks School, and the ILR School) made standardized test scores optional, while three other schools (Cornell CALS, AAP, and the SC Johnson College) did not consider them at all.
Cornell Finds Test Scores Beneficial for Holistic Applicant Evaluation
A Cornell task force analyzed admissions since 2020 and found that test scores, when evaluated alongside other application components like GPA, academic rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters, contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of each applicant.
While standardized test scores may not wholly capture a student’s abilities and potential, they do offer valuable insights into a student’s likelihood of academic success when considered alongside other factors like high school GPA, student demographics, and high school accolades.
Cornell’s study found that students admitted with test scores generally had stronger GPAs and were more likely to maintain good academic standing.
Cornell To Reinstate Standardized Test Requirements For Fall 2026
Cornell is set to reintroduce standardized testing requirements for undergraduate applicants for the Fall application cycle of 2026.
“Effective for those applying to enroll for fall 2026 or beyond, applicants to all eight Cornell undergraduate colleges and schools will be required to submit standardized test scores.”
In the meantime, Cornell will honor a test-optional policy for students applying to the following Cornell colleges and schools during the Fall 2025 admission cycle:
College of Arts and Sciences
Cornell Engineering
College of Human Ecology
Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Likewise, Cornell will also permit score-free applications to students applying to the following Cornell colleges and schools during the Fall 2025 admission cycle:
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
College of Architecture, Art and Planning
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
That said, Cornell strongly encourages students to submit SAT/ACT scores to all eight Cornell colleges and schools.
The Role of Standardized Testing in College Admissions
Test scores play a crucial role in forming a broader view of a student’s academic capabilities.
When evaluated in conjunction with other application elements, standardized test scores shed light on a student’s academic potential—especially when compared with their GPA, extracurricular activities, and recommendation letters.
This comprehensive approach allows admissions officers to assess an applicant’s readiness for the rigors of college-level coursework.
Moreover, data indicates that these scores can be particularly beneficial in identifying high-potential students from under-resourced high schools. These students may not have access to advanced coursework or extracurricular opportunities that others might have, making their test scores a potentially significant indicator of their academic promise.
When used appropriately and in context, test scores can play a positive role in college admissions by providing a more complete picture of an applicant’s academic potential and identifying promising students who are likely to succeed in higher education.
Cornell University’s decision to reinstate standardized testing requirements for undergraduate admissions reflects the importance of test scores as one of several factors contributing to a comprehensive assessment in evaluating applicants' academic potential.
Cornell’s strategy emphasizes the need to strike a balance between maintaining tradition and embracing change. This ensures that their admissions policies are fair, thorough, and supportive of all applicants, regardless of their individual backgrounds or situations.
Key Takeaways
Reevaluation of Admissions Policies: Cornell University, in line with several other prestigious institutions, revisited its admissions policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, temporarily suspending standardized testing requirements for certain colleges and schools.
Comprehensive Evaluation Process: Cornell’s task force found that while standardized test scores are not the sole determinant of academic success, they provide valuable insights when considered alongside other application components such as GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters.
Benefits of Standardized Testing: Standardized test scores offer a standardized metric that contributes to a more holistic understanding of an applicant’s academic potential and readiness for college-level coursework.
Support for Under-Resourced Students: Data suggests that standardized test scores can be particularly beneficial in identifying high-potential students from under-resourced high schools, providing a fairer assessment of their academic promise.
Future Admissions Policies: Cornell University plans to reintroduce standardized testing requirements for undergraduate applicants starting from the Fall 2026 application cycle while maintaining flexibility for certain applicants during the interim period.
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