Vanderbilt University Standardized Testing Policy: SAT/ACT Requirement Reinstated Starting Fall 2029

Vanderbilt University has announced its standardized testing policy for undergraduate admissions on its official admissions website. For students applying for Fall 2027 and Fall 2028 enrollment, the university will continue its Test-Optional policy, not requiring ACT or SAT scores; however, for students applying for Fall 2029 and beyond, the requirement to submit ACT or SAT scores will be reinstated. This policy applies to all first-year and transfer students, including international students.

Specific Impact on Students in Different Grades

• Current high school seniors and juniors: When applying for Fall 2027 and Fall 2028 enrollment, you may decide whether to submit ACT or SAT scores. If you do not submit them, you will not be at a disadvantage in the application review.
• Current high school sophomores: When applying for Fall 2029 enrollment, you must submit ACT or SAT scores. Please be sure to plan your standardized testing well in advance.

Our Advice: High school sophomores considering Vanderbilt can take their first SAT/ACT between the second semester of their sophomore year and the summer before their senior year, leaving time for retakes. High school juniors can choose not to submit scores; the university states that submitting or not submitting scores will neither advantage nor disadvantage an application.

Applicability to International Students and Scholarship Impact

This policy fully applies to international students. International students applying for Fall 2027 and Fall 2028 enrollment can also choose not to submit ACT or SAT scores, but regardless of whether they submit them, they must provide proof of English proficiency. If the ACT English score is above 26, or the SAT Reading and Writing score is above 630, English language test scores can be waived. Regarding scholarships, applicants for Fall 2027 and Fall 2028 enrollment who apply for merit-based scholarships by the December 1 deadline will be considered for scholarships regardless of whether they submit standardized test scores.

Advice for Applicants

• Make the Most of the Superscoring Policy: The university practices superscoring, which means it combines the highest section scores from multiple test dates to create a new composite score. If you decide to submit scores, it is recommended to submit all test scores.
• Score Submission Method: You can choose to self-report ACT or SAT scores for the application review, but admitted students who decide to enroll must provide official score reports.
• Other Test Scores: If you self-report AP or SAT Subject Test scores, the university will also consider them as part of the review.

For specific implementation details of the policy, please refer to the official subsequent announcements.

Source: https://admissions.vanderbilt.edu/apply/testing-policies/. The policy is subject to the latest official release.