Standardized Testing

Our standardized testing policy

Johns Hopkins University is test-optional for the 2024–2025 application year (students enrolling in fall 2025) but encourages students with access to SAT or ACT testing to submit available scores. Standardized testing will be required beginning with the 2025–2026 application year (students enrolling in fall 2026 and beyond).

First-Year Applicants for Fall 2025

Johns Hopkins University is test-optional for the 2024–2025 application year. This means if you are applying to Hopkins as part of the class entering in fall 2025, we encourage you to submit any available SAT or ACT scores with your application.

We are aware that some students may not have reasonable access to a testing site at this time, so standardized testing is recommended but not required to be considered for admission in the 2024–2025 application year.

Why is testing recommended?

We encourage all applicants to submit standardized test scores as an additional component that aids the admissions committee in better understanding your preparation for the academic environment at Hopkins. When reviewing your application, our admissions committee will consider your standardized testing scores alongside your transcripts, AP or IB scores, if any, and the rigor of your courses within the context of your school curriculum, to provide a picture of your academic preparation through our holistic review process. While encouraged, submitting test scores is not required for the 2024-2025 application cycle as we are aware that some students may not have reasonable access to a testing site at this time.

What if I don’t have access to testing?

We understand that access to testing remains limited in some areas. If you are not able to submit a test score for the 2024–2025 application year, your application will still be considered and we encourage you to use the additional information section of the application to share any relevant circumstances with the committee. This information will be taken into consideration along with the rest of your application as part of our holistic, context-based review process. Learn more about how we review applications.

How should I submit scores?

We review self-reported and official SAT or ACT scores. You can self-report test scores through the Common Application and Coalition on Scoir. You should report all available scores, and we’ll consider your most competitive testing profile when reviewing your application. For students who self-report scores on the application, if you are admitted and choose to enroll, you will be required to send official score reports. The test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency or submitted on your behalf by a school official.

First-Year Applicants for Fall 2026 and Beyond

If you are applying to Hopkins as part of the class entering in fall 2026 or beyond, submitting SAT or ACT test scores will be required to be considered for admission.

As part of our holistic review process, submitted scores will be taken into consideration within the context of your broader application. Learn more about holistic review.

In the exceptional circumstance that neither test is available, you may submit one of the following as an alternative and should explain your situation in the additional information section of the application:

  • AP Exam Results (For All Exams Taken)
  • IB Actual or Predicted Scores
  • GCSE/A-Level Actual or Predicted Results
  • National Leaving Exams Results or Predictions

submitting your scores

Test scores should be sent to the following recipient codes: SAT (5332), ACT (1704), AND TOEFL (5332)

Score-Choice Policy

We’ll consider your highest section scores across all SATs taken—even if they were on different test dates, or across paper and digital tests—in our evaluation of your application. Make sure to update your application with new test scores each time you take the SATs.

We also consider your highest combined score for the ACT. We’ll find the maximum value of each official section score submitted, then recalculate the composite score.

Transfer Applicants

Transfer applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. Learn more about applying to Hopkins as a transfer applicant.

English Proficiency

TOEFL, IELTS, the Duolingo English Test (DET), or the Cambridge English Exam are recommended if your primary language is not English, or you have not attended an English language school for the last three years.

How Do I Know if I Should Submit My Scores?

We encourage you to submit TOEFL, IELTS, DET, or Cambridge English scores if you score below 690 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) section of the SAT or below 30 on both the ACT Reading and English sections.

To be competitive, applicants should typically receive: 

  • TOEFL (iBT)- A minimum of 100 total with preferred sub-scores of 26 (Reading), 26 (Listening), 22 (Writing), and 25 (Speaking) 
  • IELTS- A score of 7.0 or higher on each band
  • DET- A composite score of 120 or higher with preferred sub-scores of 125 (Literacy), 120 (Conversation), 135 (Comprehension), and 105 (Production) 
  • Cambridge English Exam- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a Cambridge English score of 185 or higher

A Note on Standardized Test Dates

If you choose to submit scores for consideration and plan on applying Early Decision, we encourage you to complete your standardized tests no later than October of your senior year.

If you plan on applying Regular Decision, we encourage you to complete your standardized tests no later than December of your senior year. 

If you intend to sit for a later testing, please note your intention of taking the later standardized test(s) on your application.