Is the SAT still required by U.S. universities for Saudi students?

Yes, and no. Here’s the deal: during the pandemic, many U.S. colleges went test-optional. But guess what? Big names like MIT, Yale, Dartmouth, Cornell, Georgetown, Stanford, Princeton, and Brown have brought back testing requirements. Translation: a strong SAT score can absolutely boost your chances, especially if you’re an international applicant from Saudi Arabia competing in a global pool.

Even at test-optional schools, sending a solid SAT score can help you stand out. It signals that you’re not just academically prepared but serious about success. For Saudi students aiming for highly selective universities, skipping the SAT can put you at a disadvantage, especially if your school profile or grading system is unfamiliar to U.S. admissions officers.

Bottom line: Don’t gamble. Prepare for the SAT like it’s your golden ticket. Even if a college says “optional,” think of it as “optional if you want a lower chance of admission.” With the Digital SAT now shorter and adaptive, it’s more efficient than ever to show off your skills. So, yes, while not every college demands it, most Saudi students benefit from submitting scores.