Following in the steps of Yale University, Brown University, and Dartmouth College, Harvard University and California Institute of Technology simultaneously announced on April 11th, U.S. time, that they are reinstating the standardized score requirement for the Fall 2025 application.
Harvard University
Harvard previously listed standardized tests as test-optional in its admissions policy due to the epidemic. Instead, this new policy will apply to students applying for admission in the fall of 2025 and graduating in 2029. In special cases, if an applicant is unable to take the SAT or ACT, other eligible tests will be accepted, including the AP Advanced Placement (AP) exam.
California Institute of Technology
California Institute of Technology (Caltech), one of the leading science and technology schools in the western U.S., previously had a test-free admissions policy.On April 11, Caltech announced that, effective immediately, it will reintroduce the requirement for applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores.
Latest Trends in U.S. Undergraduate Applications for 2025/2026
- In addition to the traditional SAT/ACT, top U.S. undergraduate universities are placing more emphasis on APsthan ever before, including AP examsand high school AP course selections and scores;
- Having AP exams/AP credits helps applicants stand out even more, and AP will be a key track to widen the academic gap between applicants.
SMOA AP Credit Course
01 GPA out of 5.0, 8 weeks to effectively improve your GPA
AP refers to Advanced Placement Course, which is more difficult than regular high school courses and closer to the difficulty of undergraduate courses in the U.S. A full AP score of 5.0 is highly effective in improving applicants’ high school GPA and academic background.
Students admitted to TOP 20-30 universities take an average of 6-8 AP courses in high school Students admitted to TOP 30-50 universities take an average of 4-5 AP courses in high school.
02 High-value AP credits, transcripts, recognized by U.S. undergraduate universities
SMOA originates from St. Mary’s School, one of the top 100 boarding schools in the U.S. and one of the top 100 boarding schools in the U.S. Niche. SMOA has a strong U.S. teaching faculty, and is accredited by Cognia, the International Baccalaureate Organization, as well as AdvancED, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), and the Western Boarding Schools Association (WBSA). The AP courses are accredited by the College Board and the UC A-G Curriculum, and the credits, transcripts, and diplomas are recognized by universities in the U.S. and around the world.
Students who have received SMOA diploma certificates, credits and transcripts have been accepted into world-renowned universities and art colleges in the U.S., Canada, the UK and Australia.
03 Own Mainland China AP Exam Centers
Students enrolled in our AP credit courses can take the May AP exams at SMOA’s mainland China test center, no need to travel to Hong Kong (China) or abroad to take the AP exams.
04 7 Subject Areas, 30+ AP Courses Available
SMOA offers 30+ AP credit courses covering 7 major subject areas: Capstone, English, Math and Computer Science, Science, History and Social Science, World Languages and Cultures, and Art.
In addition to common popular AP courses, such as AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP U.S. History, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Physics 1/2, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Psychology, etc., SMOA also offers many unpopular/specialized courses, such as AP 2D/3D Art, Art History, Seminar, etc., which are able to satisfy the needs of students from different backgrounds and their individualized needs.
SMOA AP credit courses in May and summer small sized class schedule please see the picture below, small size class of 3-6 students, 1 v 1 VIP classes are enrollment in progress, more information about the class and course details welcome to consult with us!