The five policies
| Policy | US universities | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Optional | 559 | You choose whether to send a score. |
| Sometimes required | 320 | Required for some programs or some applicants, often international or homeschooled ones. |
| Flexible | 132 | Other exams can replace the SAT or ACT: AP, IB, sometimes national exams. |
| Required | 52 | No complete application without a score. |
| Not considered | 20 | Test-blind: scores are ignored even if you send them. |
Which universities require the SAT
52 US universities list SAT or ACT scores as required for 2026–27, including Harvard University, Stanford University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, Brown University, Dartmouth College. See the full list, or the test-optional and test-blind ones.
Which SAT date for your deadline
What counts is the date your scores come out, not the test date.
| Deadline | Last international SAT in time | Scores |
|---|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | October 3, 2026 | Oct 16 |
| November 15, 2026 | October 3, 2026 | Oct 16 |
| January 1, 2027 | December 5, 2026 | Dec 18 |
| January 15, 2027 | December 5, 2026 | Dec 18 |
| February 1, 2027 | December 5, 2026 | Dec 18 |
SAT or ACT?
Universities that ask for a score accept either. The SAT is digital, about two hours and fifteen minutes, scored 400 to 1600, and has more international test centers. Take a full practice test of each and prepare only for the one you're more comfortable with.
Questions
Do international students need the SAT for US universities?
Not for most: 559 US universities are test-optional and 20 test-blind for 2026–27. 52 require scores.
Which Ivy League universities require the SAT in 2026–27?
Harvard University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, Brown University, Dartmouth College
When is the last SAT for a January 1 deadline?
The December 5, 2026 sitting, with scores on December 18, 2026.