Notre Dame announced in September that it will require SAT or ACT scores beginning with the 2027–28 cycle, for students entering in fall 2028. Seniors applying this fall can still apply test-optional. The university said a review of several admissions cycles found scores strongly correlated with how students performed once enrolled. Vanderbilt announced in July that it will require scores for students entering in fall 2029.
What this means for your student
For juniors aiming at Notre Dame or similar schools, testing is no longer optional. Pick test dates now and leave room for a retake. For sophomores, the list of selective schools requiring scores keeps growing, so a strong score is becoming part of the floor again.
Related reading
Sources: University of Notre Dame announcement; Notre Dame Admissions, testing policy; Vanderbilt Admissions, testing policies.