Colleges That Require ACT Score in 2025

After several years of test-optional admissions, more colleges—especially highly selective ones—are bringing back standardized testing. While SAT often gets the spotlight, the ACT is equally accepted—and sometimes preferred—depending on the school.

If you’re applying in 2025, understanding which colleges expect ACT scores, what those scores should look like, and how they factor into admissions decisions will help you build a smarter application strategy.

Which Top Colleges Accept ACT Scores?

Nearly every top U.S. college accepts ACT scores—and treats them equally alongside SAT scores. Whether you’re applying to an Ivy League university, a top public flagship, or a selective liberal arts college, you can choose which test to submit.

Here are some of the most prestigious schools that officially accept and consider ACT scores for 2025-2026 admissions:

• Harvard University
• Yale University
• Brown University
• Dartmouth College
• University of Chicago
• Stanford University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• University of Florida
• University of Texas at Austin

If you’re a strong test-taker and your ACT score reflects your academic strengths, it can be just as powerful as the SAT in helping you stand out.

Top 10 Highly Selective Colleges That Consider ACT Scores

For the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, several of the most competitive U.S. colleges not only accept ACT scores but have reinstated them as required components of the application. Here are ten highly selective institutions where submitting an ACT score is expected:​

1. MIT
   MIT requires standardized test scores and considers the ACT equally alongside the SAT
2. Harvard University
   Harvard has reinstated its standardized testing requirement, accepting both the ACT and SAT without preference
3. Yale University
   Yale requires applicants to submit standardized test scores, accepting the ACT, SAT, or AP/IB exam scores
4. Dartmouth College
   Dartmouth mandates the submission of standardized test scores, with no preference between the ACT and SAT
5. Brown University
   Brown requires standardized test scores for admission, accepting either the ACT or SAT
6. Georgetown University
   Georgetown has consistently required standardized test scores, accepting the ACT or SAT
7. University of Florida (UF)
   UF requires applicants to submit standardized test scores, accepting both the ACT and SAT
8. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
   UT Austin mandates the submission of standardized test scores, accepting either the ACT or SAT
9. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
   Georgia Tech requires standardized test scores for admission, accepting the ACT or SAT.
10. Purdue University
    Purdue requires applicants to submit standardized test scores, accepting both the ACT and SAT

How To Identify Prestigious Universities That Require ACT?

Not every college that accepts ACT scores requires them. But some of the most competitive universities have made standardized tests mandatory again for the 2025-2026 cycle.

Here’s how to find out which prestigious schools require the ACT:

• Check official admissions websites. Each college publishes its test policy online. Look under “first-year application requirements” or “standardized testing”
• Use trusted databases like the one Legacy Online School offers
• Watch for updates from Ivy League and flagship public universities. These schools often lead policy trends and announce changes early
• Follow news from state education systems. Some public universities follow state testing policies

As more schools shift back to requiring test scores, the best way to stay informed is to create a list of your target colleges and visit their official admissions pages regularly.

What Is A Good ACT Score For College Admissions?

A “good” ACT score depends on where you’re applying. For most colleges, anything above the national average of 19.5-20.3 is considered competitive. But for top-tier universities, you’ll need a much higher score to stand out. Here’s how ACT scores generally compare:

A good ACT score for you is one that aligns with the expectations of your target schools and strengthens your overall application. Use each college’s published ranges to guide your prep and testing strategy.

How Do Colleges Use ACT Scores In Admissions?

ACT scores give colleges a standardized way to compare students from different schools, states, and academic backgrounds. They’re not the only thing that matters, but they help admissions teams evaluate your readiness for college-level work—especially in math, reading, and writing.

Here’s how ACT scores are used:

• If your GPA is strong, a solid ACT score confirms it. If your GPA is weaker or comes from a less-known school, a high ACT score can help balance the picture.
• Since high schools vary in grading systems and course offerings, the ACT provides one consistent measure across the board.
• Many merit-based scholarships require or strongly prefer ACT scores. A few points can make a big difference in financial aid offers.
• Some colleges use ACT subscores (especially in math or English) to place students into the right courses.

At test-required schools, the ACT may carry more weight in the initial review. At test-optional colleges, it still helps—but only if it strengthens your application.

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The Role Of ACT Scores In Your Application

ACT scores are just one piece of your application, but they can play a key role depending on the schools you’re applying to and the strength of your overall profile.

Here’s when ACT scores can have the most impact:

• When your GPA needs backup: If your grades are uneven or your school doesn’t offer advanced courses, a high ACT score can show you’re still ready for college-level academics.
• When applying to competitive programs: Business, engineering, or honors tracks often favor high test scores—especially in math or science sub-sections.
• When competing for merit aid: Many universities tie scholarship tiers directly to ACT scores. A 32 or above can unlock thousands in tuition discounts at schools like the University of Alabama or Purdue.
• When you’re applying from an unfamiliar school: Admissions offices don’t always know how to interpret GPAs from every high school. A strong ACT score helps put your transcript in context.

But ACT scores are rarely the deciding factor alone. They work best when they reinforce the strengths of your application, not replace them. Strong essays, teacher recommendations, extracurricular impact, and course rigor still carry more weight at most selective colleges.

If your ACT score is in the top 25% for a school, send it. If it’s in the middle 50%, think strategically. If it’s below, you may be better off not including it—especially at test-optional schools.

ACT Vs. SAT: Which Score Do Colleges Prefer?

Colleges don’t prefer one test over the other. Both the ACT and SAT are accepted equally by every U.S. college that requires standardized test scores—including all Ivy League schools, MIT, Stanford, and top public universities.

Here’s how the two tests compare:

Which test is better for you depends on your strengths:

• Take the ACT if you’re quick with reading, good at science reasoning, and prefer more straightforward math questions.
• Try the SAT if you like digital tools, want more time per question, or prefer multi step math problems with a calculator allowed throughout.

Both tests are accepted. What matters most is how well your score fits your target colleges’ expectations. Pick the one that plays to your strengths and gives you the best shot at reaching their middle or top score ranges.

What ACT Score Range Do Most Colleges Accept?

Most colleges publish a middle 50% ACT score range for admitted students. This range shows where the bulk of accepted applicants scored—and gives you a sense of what’s competitive.

Here’s a look at the middle 50% ACT score ranges for a mix of selective and public institutions:

• University of Florida: 30-34
• University of Georgia: 30-34
• Purdue University: 27-34
• Georgia Tech: 32-35

At highly selective schools, you’ll want a composite score of at least 30-34 to be in the most competitive range. But for many public universities, a score of 27-30 still places you in a strong position.

Always check the published ranges on each college’s website. If your score is above the 75th percentile, it can boost your chances. If it’s below the 25th, focus on strengthening the rest of your application—or consider test-optional strategies.

Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist

Sources: College Board, Harvard University, Yale University, Brown University, Dartmouth College, MIT, University of Florida, University of Texas at Austin, Georgetown University, Georgia Tech, Purdue University