What International Students Need to Know About SAT/ACT Testing in 2026
In my work with international students and globally mobile families, testing policies are one of the most common areas of confusion in the U.S. admissions process. Over the past several years, standardized testing policies in U.S. college admissions have changed dramatically. Many universities moved to test-optional policies during the pandemic, leaving families wondering whether SAT or ACT scores still matter. Although many universities still maintain test-optional policies, some selective institutions such as Stanford, Penn, and Harvard have begun reinstating SAT or ACT requirements. At the same time, more students are choosing to submit scores, even when testing is optional.
Although many universities continue to offer test-optional admissions, recent data suggests that standardized testing is regaining importance in an increasingly competitive application landscape.
Are U.S. Colleges Requiring the SAT or ACT Again?
Some are.
A growing number of universities have begun reinstating testing requirements, particularly more selective institutions. Others continue to use test-optional policies, meaning students can choose whether or not to submit scores.
However, “test-optional” does not necessarily mean “test-irrelevant.”
This distinction is especially important for international students.
In many cases, strong SAT or ACT scores can still strengthen an application, particularly for students applying from:
unfamiliar educational systems
countries where grading systems are difficult to compare internationally
systems focused heavily on final exams
Test scores can help provide additional academic context.
What Happened During the 2025–26 Application Cycle?
The latest Common App data revealed several important trends:
Applications increased 5% year-over-year
The average student submitted 6.59 applications
First-generation applicants increased by 13%
International applications decreased by 9%
One of the most notable shifts involved standardized testing.
Although only around 5% of Common App institutions currently require SAT or ACT scores, the number of students submitting test scores increased substantially this year.
Nearly 784,000 students submitted test scores during the 2025–26 cycle — an 11% increase from the previous year.
This marked the first time since before the pandemic that more students applied with test scores than without. The trend suggests that many applicants increasingly believe strong scores may still strengthen an application — even at test-optional schools.
Why Are More Students Submitting Scores Again?
There are several likely reasons.
Increased Competition
Application numbers continue to rise, especially at selective universities. As more students apply to more schools, applicants are looking for additional ways to distinguish themselves academically.
Greater Clarity Around Testing
In the early years of test-optional admissions, many students were uncertain whether scores truly mattered. Now, several admissions cycles later, families and counselors have more data. It has become increasingly clear that submitting strong scores can strengthen an application.
New ACT Changes International Students Should Know About
The ACT has changed significantly over the past year. It is much shorter, now taking closer to two hours instead of three. One of the biggest changes is that the ACT Science section is now optional.
Under the new format:
the composite ACT score will be based only on English, Math, and Reading
students who choose to take Science will receive a separate Science score and STEM score
This has created some confusion because universities are still determining how they will evaluate the optional Science section.
At the moment, only a relatively small number of universities specifically require or recommend the ACT Science, although policies vary by institution and intended major. For students applying to STEM programs, taking the Science section may be worthwhile.
The ACT is only available in digital format outside of the U.S. Unlike the Digital SAT, however, it is not adaptive. All students still receive the same questions in the same order regardless of performance during the exam.
What This Means for Students
The changing testing landscape can make planning more complicated.
Students should pay close attention to:
whether universities require testing
whether ACT Science is recommended for intended majors
superscoring policies
scholarship requirements tied to testing
Should International Students Take the SAT or ACT?
The answer depends on the student, their academic profile, and the universities they are considering.
In general, testing may still be worth considering for students who:
are applying to highly selective universities
have strong testing ability
come from less familiar educational systems
want to strengthen academic comparability
are applying for merit scholarships
Students with weaker scores, however, may still benefit from applying test-optional at many institutions.
There is no universal answer.
Final Thoughts
The U.S. admissions landscape continues to evolve, and testing policies remain one of the most confusing areas.
While many universities still allow students to apply without scores, recent application trends suggest that more students submit them.
Testing strategy is never one-size-fits-all. In my work with students, testing strategy is always personalized based on the student’s academic profile, strengths, university goals, and the specific admissions policies of the schools they are considering.
Students planning ahead may also find my U.S. College Application Timeline for International Students helpful.
Financial Aid for International Students at U.S. Colleges
For many international students, the cost of studying in the United States can feel like the biggest obstacle. While financial aid for international students at U.S. colleges does exist, it’s important to understand how admissions and funding really work — especially when financial need is involved.
Do U.S. Colleges Offer Financial Aid to International Students?
Yes, many U.S. colleges provide institutional scholarships and financial aid for international students. The financial aid policies and amounts vary significantly from college to college and between state schools and private colleges. For example, public universities typically do not offer need-based aid and award limited merit aid, while private colleges offer more. It is important to research financial aid policies and availability at each college when building your list.
Need-Aware Admissions for International Students
Most U.S. colleges are need-aware for international applicants, meaning a student’s ability to pay can impact the admissions decision. In other words, applying for financial aid may make admission more competitive at many schools. Only a small number of U.S. colleges are truly need-blind for international students, which is why strategic school selection is critical. Schools that are need-blind and/or offer significant financial aid for international students are some of the most competitive for admission.
Types of Financial Aid Available
International students may receive:
Merit-based scholarships, awarded for academic achievement, leadership, or special talents
Need-based institutional aid, offered by colleges with budgets specifically for international students
Because funding is limited, students requesting significant financial aid must present especially strong academic profiles and applications.
Proof of Finances and the Student Visa Process
In addition to admissions, proof of financial resources is a required part of the U.S. student visa process. Students must show they can cover tuition and living expenses (through personal funds, scholarships, or a combination) in order to receive the Form I-20 and apply for an F-1 student visa. Here is a sample of what this form looks like. This makes understanding true affordability even more important early in the process.
Why Expert Guidance Matters
Navigating need-aware admissions, scholarships, and visa financial requirements can be overwhelming. At ACM College Consulting, we help international students:
Build realistic, financially strategic college lists
Understand how requesting aid affects admissions decisions
Identify schools that support international students with funding
Prepare strong applications and manage financial documentation
Financial aid for international students in the U.S. is possible — but it requires honest financial planning, careful school selection, and strong applications. With the right strategy and expert support, students can maximize both admission and funding outcomes while avoiding surprises during the visa process.
Stay tuned for our next blog post about financial aid forms for international students.