Columbia Test-Required & Michigan ED: June 2026 News

Why This Month's News Actually Changes Your Strategy

June 2026 delivered three concrete policy shifts that affect how you build your college list, when you apply, and what scores you submit. These aren't rumors or speculation — they're official decisions with deadlines attached. If you're a rising junior or senior, some of these changes apply directly to your cycle.

Columbia Rejoins the Test-Required Camp

Columbia University will reinstate standardized test requirements beginning with the fall 2027 admissions cycle, according to Campus Reform. That means students applying for fall 2027 enrollment — the class of 2031 — must submit SAT or ACT scores.

This is a significant reversal. Columbia had joined the wave of test-optional policies during the pandemic, and its return to requiring scores signals a broader recalibration happening across elite universities. MIT made a similar move earlier; now an Ivy is following.

For current sophomores and juniors, this is your clearest signal yet: treat standardized testing as non-negotiable if Columbia is on your list. Don't wait to see whether more schools follow — prep now and give yourself multiple testing windows.

University of Michigan Brings Back Early Decision

The University of Michigan is offering early decision again, reports The Detroit News, despite pushback from some critics who argue binding early decision programs disadvantage students who need to compare financial aid offers.

Early decision is a binding commitment: if admitted, you enroll. The tradeoff is that ED applicants historically see stronger admit rates at many selective schools — though the size of that advantage varies by institution and year. Michigan's reinstatement matters because it's a flagship public university, a category that has traditionally favored regular decision to preserve broad access.

If Michigan is your top choice and your financial situation allows you to commit without comparing aid packages, ED is worth serious consideration. If you're uncertain about cost, regular decision keeps your options open.

Florida Moves Toward Banning Undocumented Students from Public Universities

Florida's university system is considering a policy that would bar undocumented students from enrolling in public universities, according to Higher Ed Dive. The board overseeing state colleges is eyeing a similar ban, and if both policies pass, Inside Higher Ed reports Florida would become the fourth state to limit noncitizens' enrollment in public colleges and universities.

The practical stakes are high. Florida's public university system is large, and these institutions have historically served diverse student populations. Undocumented students in Florida — including DACA recipients — should consult directly with admissions offices and immigration legal counsel before assuming any current pathway remains open.

This is also a signal for families in other states: access policies at public institutions are shifting at the state level, and the college list you built last year may need revisiting.

What This Means for Your Application

These three stories point in different directions, but they share a common theme: the rules are changing faster than most families expect. Here's how to respond:

Sophomores and juniors with Columbia on the list: Register for the SAT or ACT now. The fall 2027 cycle means you're applying in fall 2026 — that's closer than it feels. Check our junior-year timeline for a month-by-month testing schedule.
Students weighing early decision at Michigan: Run the financial math first. If your family can genuinely afford Michigan without comparing aid packages, ED may improve your odds. If not, regular decision is the responsible choice.
Undocumented students in Florida: Do not rely on current enrollment policies remaining in place. Reach out to individual admissions offices for the most current guidance, and broaden your list to include institutions in states where your enrollment rights are protected.
All families building a college list: Policy volatility is real. A list built around a single state's public system or a single school's test policy is fragile. Diversify across institution types and states. Our college list-building resources can help you think through balance.

Parents: U.S. News & World Report recently outlined key admissions facts for families navigating this cycle — worth a read alongside the news above. More guidance for parents is available at /parents.

Stay Ahead of the Next Policy Shift

Admissions policy is moving fast this cycle. The students who adapt earliest — by testing early, understanding binding commitments, and building resilient college lists — are the ones who stay in control of their options. Check back here for ongoing coverage, or explore the GoodGoblin blog for deeper dives on each of these topics.