Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Jan 13, 2025 20:59 IST

Looking at US admissions in 2025 for the upcoming Spring & Fall intake? Check out the list of SAT accepting colleges in USA and plan your admissions accordingly. Applicants will also get information for test optional and SAT score-free admissions in the US. Read the article for more details. 

SAT Accepting Colleges in USA

Planning to study in USA and want to know about the SAT accepting colleges in USA? We have curated a list of colleges accepting SAT scores along with their ideal cutoff range in this article. Also applicants who are sceptical about submitting SAT scores can look at test-optional US universities. Finally, those who have test anxiety and do not wish to take the SAT can get details about SAT-free universities through this article. So check it out now and plan your US university admissions now!

What is SAT?

SAT is a standardised exam required for undergraduate admissions across various US universities. The SAT exam is conducted seven times a year in - March, May, June, August, October, November and December across 129+ SAT centres in India. The SAT applicants are tested on their verbal and mathematical skills. The SAT exam pattern is simple, there are two sections Reading + Writing (RW) and Mathematics and both have a certain set of questions tested across 2 hours and 14 minutes. There is no predefined SAT eligibility for applicants, but ideally, applicants should take the SAT exam in class XI-XII or after class XII. 

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SAT syllabus includes questions about literature, history, and science with tables and bar graphs. There is no negative marking and no penalty for unattempted questions as well. The SAT exam dates are available in these seven months of testing. SAT registrations can happen between three to four weeks before the testing date. SAT exam fees for Indian applicants are USD 130.98 and include sales tax. 








Is SAT Mandatory for UG Admissions in USA?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of the US universities had either scrapped SAT scores or had become test optional. Since there were no other options for students to go on test centres to appear for the SAT exam. To date, for Fall 2025 admissions, some US universities still choose to be test-optional, while others have slowly started bringing back the SAT scores as a mandatory component of the application process. 







Some of the major Ivy League schools like Harvard, Dartmouth, Yale and Brown universities were test-optional for the past three years, but for Fall 2025, they have announced that SAT scores will be important to get through the admission process. 

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List of Top 10 SAT Accepting Colleges in USA 2025-26

International students aiming for admission for Fall 2025 intake in USA should know the SAT accepting colleges in the USA and prepare themselves accordingly for the admission process. Here’s a list of the top 10 SAT-accepting colleges in USA for the 2025-26 admission cycle along with their ideal SAT cutoff:

SAT Accepting US Universities 2025-26

SAT Cutoff (Ideal not Exact)

Yale University

1470-1515

Harvard University

1500-1580

Dartmouth College

1450-1550

Brown University 

1520-1570

Cornell University

1480-1550

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

1520-1570

California Institute of Technology (CalTech)

1500-1545

University of Chicago

1220-1600

New York University

1480-1520

University of Pittsburgh

1350-1470

Check out How to Score 1600 on SAT? Since universities like University of Chicago may require SAT scores between 1220-1600. It will be essential for international applicants to note that the following universities have reinstated the SAT score requirements for the Fall 2025 cycle only recently:

These US universities have started accepting SAT only recently for Fall 2025 admissions. Previously they were all test-optional and it was up to the students to submit or not submit their SAT scores. Check out What is a Good SAT Score?

Top US Colleges: SAT is Optional for 2025 Applications

Various US  universities have chosen to make standardised tests optional and do not ‘mandatorily’ require SAT scores as part of the admission process. Some of the US colleges where the SAT is optional for submission for the 2025 admission cycle are as follows: 

US Colleges Where the SAT is Optional for 2025 Applicants

Princeton University

University of Delaware

Boston University

Columbia University

Stanford University 

Carnegie Mellon University

Duke University

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UIUC)

Texas A&M University

Emory University

University of Wisconsin - Madison

The Ohio State University

Exceptionally, US universities accepting SAT scores optionally are those where applicants have to fulfil eligibility criteria or have lower GPA scores. To quote, UCLA accepts SAT scores if applicants lack eligibility fulfilment criteria anywhere. Also, the University of Carolina, Chapel Hills encourages international students to submit SAT scores if their GPA calculator shows a GPA below 2.8. And for Arizona State University for supplemental information. 

Check out: Top 10 Hardest Universities to Get into USA

US Universities to Accept SAT from 2026

Apart from the US colleges accepting SAT optionally, there are universities which have announced to begin accepting SAT from 2026 admissions, check out below:

Thus, those applying to these above-mentioned US universities can check admission requirements for 2025 and utilise the advantage of test-optional policies or score-free admission applications, if the rule applies. If applying in 2026 to either Fall or Spring Intake in USA at the above universities, applicants would need to prepare for the SAT and appear for the exam. 

10 Best SAT-Free Colleges in the USA

Now that we have discussed the US colleges accepting SAT scores, test-optional universities in USA for SAT and also those US universities which will reinstate SAT acceptance from the next admission cycle, let us now check SAT score-free universities for admission below:  

  1. University of Pennsylvania
  2. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
  3. Northwestern University
  4. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  5. University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
  6. University of Washington
  7. University of Southern California (USC)
  8. University of California, Davis (UCD)
  9. University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
  10. Vanderbilt University

As mentioned above, a majority of the University of California system universities are SAT-test-free or test-blind universities. Apart from this, a popular Ivy League school - UPenn is also SAT-free for international admissions. These universities look at selection based on the applicant's overall academic profile. Some of the factors considered beyond SAT scores for admission include assessments of:

Thus, those looking at US universities NOT accepting SAT scores can consider applying to the above-mentioned ones for 2025 admissions. But also ensure that their academic profile is impressive enough to get through in one go. 

So this was all about SAT accepting colleges in the USA and how international students can choose SAT accepting colleges for admissions. There is also an option to choose test-optional US universities if applicants have a good academic background. Plus, there are test-blind universities also like the University of California which consider other aspects of an applicant rather than the SAT/ACT scores. Understand - When Should You Start Studying for SAT if planning to submit SAT exam scores for admissions. 

Q:   How many US universities are still test optional for accepting SAT scores?

A:

While US universities have started accepting SAT scores for undergraduate admissions, after a long pause since COVID-19, there are still a few who choose to be test optional. Majority of the Ivy League schools and public universities are accepting SAT scores mandatorily. Some of the universities which are still test optional are as follows:

Applicants must check the official website and check if the university is test-optional. Despite being test-optional, universities still recommend and encourage applicants to submit their standardised test scores. Thus, until and unless it is mentioned test-optional or not mandatory for admission, applicants need not submit their SAT or ACT scores. 

Q:   What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?

A:

There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.

Q:   What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?

A:

The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.

Q:   What are the requirements for admission into Purdue?

A:

Purdue University application must have the following components:

Undergraduate Admissions

  • The application itself
  • Purdue-specific questions from the application
  • Self-reported high-school grades
  • Self-reported SAT or ACT scores (if applicable)
  • Application fee

Steps to apply for Purdue University Undergraduate Courses

  • First of all, complete and submit a Common application as per the Purdue University application deadlines
  • Make sure that Purdue University receives all material required to complete the application  

Graduate Admissions Steps

  • Firstly, check Purdue University entry requirements
  • Then, create an application account to start the application
  • Choose the campus and course as per the preference
  • Then, submit the results of the tests needed for the graduate program
  • Prepare the additional documents based on the graduate program
  • Lastly, pay the non-refundable application fee to submit the application. Purdue University graduate application fee is USD 75 for international applicants

Read: College / University Application Process for USA

Q:   Which is better, UIC (University of Illinois Chicago) or NIU (Northern Illinois University)?

A:

As per an unofficial source, the University of Illinois Chicago ranked at #80 among national universities which is better than the NIU ranking at #273 position. The UIC is also exceeding in terms of graduation rates and easier selection than NIU. However, the tuition cost is more affordable at Northern Illinois University as compared to UIC. Students can get more clarity from the comparison table given below:

Particulars

University of Illinois Chicago

Northern Illinois University

US News National Rankings 2024

#80

#273

Acceptance Rate

79%

70%

Graduation Rate

40%

33%

Tuition Cost

UG: INR 22L-INR 49L

PG: INR 13L-INR 37L

UG: INR 10L-INR 16.5L

PG: INR 8L-INR 45L

Student-faculty ratio

17:1

14:1

Q:   Is Texas A&M Commerce a good university?

A:

Texas A&M Commerce is regarded as one of the top public universities across the United States. Moreover, the Texas A&M Commerce ranking 2024 under the category of Best Colleges is National Universities is #369. Also, the acceptance rate of this university is 42%. Additionally, the university offers the best academic programs, expert faculty, job & placement, and more. Besides, Texas A&M University-Commerce also offers over 130 academic degrees for its students.

Q:   Is University of Minnesota Morris hard to get into?

A:

According to various sources, University of Minnesota Morris has an acceptance rate of around 78% making it moderately selective for admissions. Some of the general admission requirements for international students are given as follows:

Students are required to apply for admission according to the deadlines given on the official university website. 

Q:   How much does it cost to attend the University of South Dakota?

A:

The USD provides over 200 undergraduates and 80 master's programs in specializations such as Business Analytics, Business Administration, Accountancy, Computer Science, Mathematics, and more. The University of South Dakota tuition fees for international students range between INR 6L and INR 21L for graduates and around INR 10L for undergraduates. Students can check the table below for the tuition cost of the popular courses at the university:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

MBA/PGDM (4 courses)

INR 10 L - 12 L

MS (10 courses)

INR 9 L - 18 L

BSN (1 course)

INR 11 L

MIM (3 courses)

INR 10 L - 12 L

BSc (30 courses)

INR 11 L

BBA (14 courses)

INR 11 L

BA (18 courses)

INR 11 L

BE / BTech (4 courses)

INR 11 L

MA (19 courses)

INR 10 L - 21 L

PG Certificate (10 courses)

INR 7 L

Still have more queries? Get in touch with us in the comments below. For free counselling, sing for free Shiksha Abroad Counselling and our team of experts will get back to you. 

About the Author
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Written by
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert

Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio

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Reviewed by
Nidhi
MS in USA

With 6 years of sound experience in abroad education industry, Nidhi has helped more than 250+ students to get the admission in their dream universities in USA, Canada and Australia. Before moving to the full time c... Read Full Bio

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