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Penn Admissions Blog

Revised Testing Policy for the 2021-2022 Admissions Cycle
Penn Admissions | January 27, 2021

Due to COVID-19 and the ongoing disruptions to standardized testing, Penn is extending our test-optional policy through the 2021-2022 admissions cycle. This change will be in effect immediately for all first-year and transfer applicants.  

Penn Admissions will not require ACT or SAT test results for the upcoming application cycle, and students who are unable or choose not to submit test scores will not be at a disadvantage in the admissions process. We will continue to evaluate all components of an individual’s application through our comprehensive review process.  

Penn will continue to accept SAT and ACT scores for those students who wish to include testing as part of their applications. We will accept ACT and SAT scores through November test dates for Early Decision applicants and scores through December 2021 for Regular Decision applicants. We will continue to accept self-reported scores at the time of application. Admitted students will be required to provide official score reports prior to matriculation. 


For international students attending schools where English is not the language of instruction and not their native language, we continue to require testing that demonstrates English-language proficiency.  For more details on these policies, please see our testing webpage.

Penn will also continue to follow the guidance and policies of the Ivy League regarding testing requirements for applicants who expect to participate in a varsity athletic program.  Testing requirements for student-athletes entering in the fall of 2022 have yet to be determined. For more information, please see the Ivy League’s webpage for prospective student athletes.

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