John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
Stanford University will resume requiring either the SAT or the ACT for undergraduate admission, starting with students applying in fall 2025 for the Class of 2030. The university will remain test-optional for those applying in fall 2024 for the Class of 2029.
According to Stanford, "Test scores represent only one part of a holistic review of each applicant to the university, for which academic potential is the primary criterion for admission." A review by the faculty Committee on Undergraduate Admission and Financial Aid confirmed that performance on standardized tests is an important predictor of academic performance at Stanford. The renewed testing requirement aims to allow Stanford to consider a broader array of information in support of each student’s application.
The university initially paused its testing requirement in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning with applicants to the Class of 2025. Since then, while applicants have been welcome to submit test scores, they were not required to do so.
Stanford is reinstating the test requirement with sufficient lead time for all students to plan and prepare. Test scores from either the SAT or ACT will be mandatory starting with applications submitted in fall 2025 for entry into the Class of 2030.
In its admissions process, Stanford emphasizes that it will continue to review applicants comprehensively and contextually. The university evaluates academic achievement and potential within each student's unique background, educational pathway, work and family responsibilities, among other factors. More details can be found on Stanford's Undergraduate Admission website.
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