Standardized Testing

johns hopkins university is test-optional through 2026

Because of the continued impact of COVID-19 on testing availability and access, Johns Hopkins University will be test-optional through the 2025-2026 application year. This means if you’re applying to Hopkins as part of the class entering in 2024, 2025, or 2026, you will not need to submit test scores to be considered for admission.

You will not be disadvantaged in our review process if you do not submit your test scores. Our admissions review has always been about how you navigate your academic and personal circumstances. We focus on your academic character, impact and initiative, and match for our community.

If you have a test score—SAT, ACT, AP, IB, English language proficiency exams, or others—and feel it’s reflective of your academic ability, we welcome any you choose to share. 

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 your highest score from each section, and we’ll calculate your composite score 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.

Test-Optional Policy

What does test-optional really mean? And should you send scores if you have them? A member of our admissions committee breaks down some of the most common questions we get about our test-optional policy.

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.

SAT Subject Tests

SAT Subject Tests are optional. You may take them in one or more areas of interest to demonstrate an academic strength, but they are not required.

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.