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SAT and ACT Policies and Score Ranges for Popular Colleges and Universities

Compass has compiled the most recently available score range data and admission testing policies for popular colleges and universities, public and private, chosen to represent a wide array of four-year postsecondary institutions in the U.S. 

The SAT and ACT scores in the table below represent the most recently reported* scores available. The 25th to 75th percentile ranges show the mid-50% of test scores submitted by enrolled students. These scores should not be viewed as cutoffs or qualifying scores as the ranges are often inflated by pandemic-era score submission practices. In fact, withholding scores may suggest much lower performance to admission officers than would your actual score. 

In early 2024, schools like Yale, Dartmouth, and Brown followed MIT and returned to requiring testing for nearly all applicants. We have compiled recent significant testing policy updates here.

Schools marked with an asterisk (*) are only Test Optional for some students. Schools that are Test Optional for admissions may require or recommend scores for merit scholarships. We track merit award score ranges and testing policies here.

We encourage you to click on a college’s name, which links directly to its testing policy page for the most complete guidance.

School Testing Policy Policy Details Number of Applicants Accept Rate SAT Total 25th–75th Percentile ACT Total 25th–75th Percentile
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Test Required MIT requires applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. 33240 4.11% 1510–1570 34–36
Yale University Test Required Yale requires applicants to submit SAT, ACT, or AP/IB scores as part of the admissions process. Yale does not offer merit-based aid. 50060 4.57% 1470–1560 33–35
Brown University Test Required Brown requires students submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their admission application. Brown does not offer merit-based aid. 50649 5.06% 1500–1560 34–36
Dartmouth College Test Required Dartmouth requires students to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. Dartmouth does not offer merit-based aid. 28336 6.38%
United States Military Academy Test Required West Point requires applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. They require the ACT with writing, and students who submit SAT scores may be asked to provide a timed writing sample. 13955 10.66% 1210–1430 28–33
Georgetown University Test Required Georgetown requires submission of SAT/ACT scores for admission. Students who apply without scores will be asked to explain why they were unable to take a test. Georgetown does not offer merit-based aid. 26638 12.23% 1410–1540 32–35
United States Air Force Academy Test Required USAFA requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 8353 16.23% 1320–1470 28–33
Georgia Institute of Technology Test Required The University System of Georgia has announced that all institutions will resume test score admission requirements beginning with the Spring semester of 2022. Any student applying to a University System of Georgia school in 2022 and beyond will have to submit an SAT or ACT test score. 50610 17.13% 1370–1530 31–35
University of Florida Test Required The University of Florida requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 64473 23.35% 1320–1470 28–33
Florida State University Test Required Florida State University requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 78088 25.04% 1220–1360 26–31
United States Merchant Maritime Academy Test Required USMMA requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 1531 27.37%
University of Texas—Austin Test Required UT Austin requires students to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of the application for admission. 59767 31.41%
University of Central Florida Test Required University of Central Florida requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the ACT Writing Test. 54977 41.04% 1200–1360 25–29
University of Georgia Test Required The University System of Georgia has announced that all institutions will resume test score admission requirements beginning with the Spring semester of 2022. Any student applying to a University System of Georgia school in 2022 and beyond will have to submit an SAT or ACT test score. 39354 42.51% 1220–1400 26–32
University of South Florida Test Required University of South Florida requries either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 65567 43.94% 1240–1370 27–30
Purdue University—West Lafayette Test Required Purdue University requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 68309 52.69% 1210–1450 27–33
University of Dallas Test Required University of Dallas requires first year applicants to submit offical SAT or ACT scores. 4990 58.36% 1120–1380 24–31
Gallaudet University Test Required Gallaudet University requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 380 59.21% 770–1060 14–20
Morehouse College Test Required Morehouse requires first year applicants to submit offical SAT or ACT scores. 5221 60.01% 18–25
Florida International Test Required Florida International University requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the ACT Writing Test. 17343 63.86% 1070–1240 21–26
Florida Institute of Technology Test Required Florida Institute of Technology requires either the SAT or ACT. It generally does not require the optional ACT Writing Test, but it may be required for some applicants. 10650 65.88% 1150–1330 24–30
University of Tennessee Test Required The University of Tennessee requires SAT/ACT scores as part of the application for admission. 36290 68.41% 1180–1320 25–31
New College of Florida Test Required The New College of Florida requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 1830 75.41% 1120–1340 24–31
Thomas Aquinas College Test Required Thomas Aquinas College requires requires that applicants take the SAT, the ACT, or the CLT. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. Thomas Aquinas College does not offer merit-based aid. 262 84.73% 1210–1400 27–32
University of Memphis Test Required UM requires students to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their applicants. 15767 94.60% 960–1220 17–24
California Institute of Technology Test Free (Temporary) Caltech has extended their temporary Test Free policy, meaning it will not consider standardized test scores, to the 2024–25 admissions cycle. CalTech does not offer merit-based aid. 16626 2.69%
Harvard College Test Optional (Temporary) Harvard has extended their temporary test optional policy through the 2026 admissions cycle. 61221 3.24% 1490–1580 34–36
Stanford University Test Optional (Temporary) Stanford extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admissions cycle. 56378 3.68% 1500–1570 33–35
Columbia University Test Optional (Permanent) Columbia offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply without SAT or ACT scores. 60551 3.89% 1510–1560 34–35
Princeton University Test Optional (Temporary) Princeton has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admissions cycle. Princeton does not offer merit-based aid. 37601 4.38% 1470–1560 33–35
University of Chicago Test Optional (Permanent) UChicago offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 37522 5.44% 1510–1560 34–35
University of Pennsylvania Test Optional (Temporary) UPenn has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2023–24 admissions cycle. 56332 5.87% 1480–1570 33–35
Duke University Test Optional (Temporary) Duke has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2023–24 admissions cycle. 49523 5.88% 1490–1560 33–35
Johns Hopkins University Test Optional (Temporary) Johns Hopkins has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2025–26 admission cycle. 37156 6.00% 1520–1560 34–35
Vanderbilt University Test Optional (Temporary) Vanderbilt has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2026–27 admission cycle. 46377 6.67% 1490–1570 34–35
Northeastern University Test Optional (Temporary) Northeastern has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2025-26 admission cycle. 91000 6.80% 1450–1530 33–35
Swarthmore College Test Optional (Temporary) Swarthmore has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024-25 admission cycle. 14707 6.93% 1450–1540 32–35
Northwestern University Test Optional (Temporary) Northwestern has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admissions cycle. 47636 6.97% 1490–1550 33–35
Pomona College Test Optional (Permanent) Pomona College offers a test optional policy which allows students to apply without SAT or ACT scores. 10666 7.02% 1480–1540 33–35
Amherst College Test Optional (Permanent) Amherst offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 14864 7.26% 1450–1550 33–35
Cornell University Test Optional (Temporary) Cornell has extended their temporary test optional policy to Fall 2024 applicants. Additionally, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, and the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business will not consider test scores even if submitted. Cornell does not offer merit-based aid. 71164 7.26% 1470–1550 33–35
Colby College Test Optional (Permanent) Colby College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. Colby does not offer merit-based aid. 16890 7.61% 1430–1540 32–34
Williams College Test Optional (Temporary) Williams has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2025–26 admissions cycle. 15321 8.50% 1490–1550 34–35
University of California—Los Angeles Test Free (Permanent) The UC system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT/ACT scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. 149815 8.57%
Rice University Test Optional (Permanent) Rice offers a test optional olicy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 31443 8.68% 1490–1570 34–36
Bowdoin College Test Optional (Permanent) Bowdoin College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. Bowdoin does not offer merit-based aid. 9376 9.19% 1340–1520 31–35
United States Naval Academy Test Optional (Temporary) USNA has extended their temporary test flexible policy, meaning they will review applications with or without standardized test scores. Students seeking admission without a test score will be asked to provide supporting information concerning test availability, cancellation, etc. 14727 9.36%
Claremont McKenna College Test Optional (Temporary) CMC has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2021–22 admission cycle. 5709 10.35% 1450–1540 33–35
Grinnell College Test Optional (Temporary) Grinnell has extended their temporary test optional policy to Fall 2026. 9997 10.76% 1410–1520 31–33
Carnegie Mellon University Test Optional (Temporary) Carnegie Mellon has extended their temporary test optional policy to Fall 2024 34261 11.30% 1500–1560 34–35
Emory University Test Optional (Temporary) Emory has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admissions cycle. 33179 11.35% 1450–1530 32–34
University of California—Berkeley Test Free (Permanent) The UC system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT/ACT scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. 128226 11.40%
Tufts University Test Optional (Temporary) Tufts has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2025–26 admission cycle. 31198 11.43% 1450–1530 33–35
Tulane University Test Optional (Temporary) Tulane has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2023–24 admissions cycle. 31615 11.45% 1400–1500 31–33
Barnard College Test Optional (Temporary) Barnard College has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2023–24 admissions cycle. Barnard College does not offer merit-based aid. 10395 11.47% 1445–1530 32–34
Hamilton College Test Optional (Permanent) Hamilton offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. Hamilton does not offer merit-based aid. 9899 11.78% 1440–1520 33–34
New York University Test Optional (Temporary) NYU has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2023–24 admission cycle. 100662 12.46% 1470–1520 33–34
University of Southern California Test Optional (Temporary) USC has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2023–24 admission cycle. 71031 12.51% 1330–1520 30–34
Middlebury College Test Optional (Temporary) Middlebury has extended their temproary, test optional policy to the 2025–26 admission cycle. Middlebury does not offer merit-based aid. 12952 12.69% 1420–1520 33–35
University of Notre Dame Test Optional (Temporary) Notre Dame has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admissions cycle. 26509 12.91% 1420–1550 32–35
Washington University in St. Louis Test Optional (Temporary) Washington University in St. Louis has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2023–24 admission cycle. 33634 13.00% 1490–1570 33–35
Harvey Mudd College Test Optional (Temporary) Harvey Mudd has extended their temporary test optional policy through 2025. 4440 13.36% 1480–1560 34–36
Wellesley College Test Optional (Temporary) Wellesley College has extended their temporary test optional policy to Fall 2024 admission. 8491 13.57% 1440–1540 33–35
Bates College Test Optional (Permanent) Bates offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. Bates does not offer merit-based aid. 8273 13.74% 1340–1500 31–33
Haverford College Test Optional (Permanent) Haverford offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission with SAT or ACT scores. Haverford does not offer merit-based aid. 5657 14.21% 1410–1530 33–35
Boston University Test Optional (Temporary) BU has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admission cycle. 80796 14.37% 1370–1430 31–33
Wesleyan University Test Optional (Permanent) Wesleyan University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. International students will not be required to submit SAT or ACT scores for the 2020-21 admission cycle. 14521 14.43% 1310–1500 31–34
United States Coast Guard Academy Test Optional (Permanent) USCGA has adopted a test optional policy. While scores are optional, they are encouraged, and students applying without scores are asked to upload a short statement. 1894 15.47% 1160–1360 26–31
Colorado College Test Optional (Permanent) Colorado College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students and international students are not eligible for test optional admission. 7846 16.30% 1270–1460 29–33
Carleton College Test Optional (Temporary) Carleton College has extended their temporary test optional to Fall 2025 admissions. 8583 16.63% 1430–1540 32–35
Boston College Test Optional (Temporary) Boston College has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admissions cycle. 40494 16.66% 1450–1520 33–35
Davidson College Test Optional (Permanent) Davidson offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission with SAT or ACT scores. Homeschooled students and students who attend non-traditional schools are recommended to submit scores. 6479 16.95% 1360–1490 31–33
Washington and Lee University Test Optional (Temporary) Washington and Lee has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admissions cycle. 7224 16.96% 1410–1530 32–34
Colgate University Test Optional (Temporary) Colgate University has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2026–27 admissions cycle. 17540 17.19% 1360–1490 31–34
University of Michigan—Ann Arbor Test Optional (Permanent) The University of Michigan offers a test optional policy. 84289 17.69% 1350–1530 31–34
Pitzer College Test Free (Temporary) Pitzer has been test optional since 2003. After nearly two decades of test optional admissions, Pitzer College will switch to a test-free admission policy through Fall 2025. 3500 18.40%
Vassar College Test Optional (Permanent) Vassar offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. Vassar College does not offer merit-based aid. 11412 18.66% 1440–1510 32–34
University of Miami Test Optional (Temporary) University of Miami has extended their temporary test optional policy to Fall 2025. 49167 18.94% 1330–1450 30–33
Rhode Island School of Design Test Optional (Permanent) Rhode Island School of Design offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, international and homeschooled students are still required to submit test scores. N/A 19.00%
University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill Test Optional (Temporary) The UNC System has reinstated their temporary test optional policy through Fall 2024. 53776 19.24% 1330–1500 29–33
Hillsdale College Test Optional (Permanent) Hillsdale College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 3066 20.58% 1370–1480 30–34
University of Virginia Test Optional (Temporary) UVA has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admissions cycle. 47982 20.74% 1400–1510 32–35
Babson College Test Optional (Permanent) Babson has adopted a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 7607 22.01% 1410–1510 31–34
The Cooper Union Test Optional (Temporary) Cooper Union has extemded their temporary test optional policy for first-year and transfer applicants, to Fall 2024. 1508 22.28% 1380–1530 32–35
Smith College Test Optional (Permanent) Smith College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, international students are not eligible for test optional admission. 7269 22.86% 1390–1500 31–34
Villanova University Test Optional (Temporary) Villanova has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2025–26 admission cycle. 23835 23.39% 1390–1480 32–34
University of Richmond Test Optional (Temporary) University of Richmond has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2023–24 admissions cycle. 14364 24.37% 1410–1500 32–34
Berea College Test Optional (Permanent) Berea College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 2217 24.58% 1090–1300 23–27
Wake Forest University Test Optional (Permanent) Wake Forest offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 15156 25.18% 1380–1480 30–33
Skidmore College Test Optional (Permanent) Skidmore College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, international students and homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 13183 25.54% 1320–1440 30–33
University of California—Santa Barbara Test Free (Permanent) The UC system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT/ACT scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. 111006 25.84%
Case Western Reserve University Test Optional (Temporary) Case Western has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2023–24 admissions cycle. 38701 27.41% 1420–1520 32–35
Scripps College Test Optional (Permanent) Scripps offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 3099 27.91% 1410–1510 32–34
Denison University Test Optional (Permanent) Denison offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. 9513 28.27% 1250–1410 28–32
Spelman College Test Optional (Temporary) Spelman has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2023–24 admission cycle. 13649 28.39% 1100–1290 22–27
Macalester College Test Optional (Permanent) Macalester College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, Macalester recommends that homeschooled students and students who attend high schools that do not provide grades submit SAT or ACT scores. 8434 28.42% 1350–1490 30–34
University of California—Irvine Test Free (Permanent) The UC system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT/ACT scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. 107952 28.94%
California State Polytechnic University—San Luis Obispo Test Free (Permanent) The Cal State system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process. 58944 30.34% 1260–1450 28–33
Trinity University Test Optional (Temporary) Trinity University has extended their test optional policy to the 2025–26 admission cycle. 11463 30.51% 1310–1450 29–33
Bryn Mawr College Test Optional (Permanent) Bryn Mawr offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, international students are not eligible for test optional admission. 3594 30.75% 1300–1470 29–35
Reed College Test Free (Temporary) Reed has extended their temporary test free admission policy to the Fall 2024 period. 9023 30.80% 1320–1500 30–33
Bucknell University Test Optional (Temporary) Bucknell University adopted a five-year, test optional policy for first-year students, beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. However, homeschooled students and international students are not eligible for test optional admission. Bucknell will use the five-year pilot period to assess the patterns of success for test score submitters and non-submitters. 11707 32.55% 1180–1390 27–32
College of William and Mary Test Optional (Permanent) William and Mary offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply without SAT or ACT scores. 18087 33.50% 1370–1520 32–34
Lafayette College Test Optional (Temporary) Lafayette College extended their temporary test optional policy through the 2029 academic year. 10500 33.63% 1350–1460 30–33
Kenyon College Test Optional (Temporary) Kenyon has extended their temporary test optional policy to the Fall 2025 semester. 8116 34.30% 1380–1490 31–34
University of California—San Diego Test Free (Permanent) The UC system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT/ACT scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. 118410 34.31%
Oberlin College Test Optional (Temporary) Oberlin College has extended their temporary test optional policy for first-time, international, and homeschooled to the 2025–26 application year. 10597 34.34% 1340–1460 30–34
Dickinson College Test Optional (Permanent) Dickinson offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 8261 34.92% 1290–1410 29–32
Howard University Test Optional (Temporary) Howard University has extended its temporary test optional policy to the 2023–24 admissions cycle. 29396 35.25% 1100–1270 21–26
Franklin and Marshall College Test Optional (Permanent) Franklin and Marshall College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. Franklin and Marshall does not offer merit-based aid. 8923 36.23% 1300–1410 29–32
College of the Holy Cross Test Optional (Permanent) The College of the Holy Cross offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 7036 36.36% 1270–1420 28–32
Lehigh University Test Optional (Permanent) Lehigh offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 15163 36.98% 1350–1480 30–33
Trinity College (Hartford) Test Optional (Permanent) Trinity offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 5603 37.75% 1340–1470 29–33
University of Rochester Test Optional (Permanent) The University of Rochester offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 19933 38.88% 1410–1520 31–34
Brandeis University Test Optional (Permanent) Brandeis University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 9796 39.14% 1390–1500 31–34
San Diego State University Test Free (Permanent) The Cal State system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process. 77250 39.26% 1130–1340 23–29
Occidental College Test Optional (Permanent) Oxy offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 6305 39.40% 1380–1490 31–34
Mount Holyoke College Test Optional (Permanent) Mount Holyoke College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 4894 39.76% 1370–1500 30–34
Hampden-Sydney College Test Optional (Temporary) Hampden-Sydney College has extended their temporary test optional policy to the Fall 2024 period. 3262 39.79% 1040–1310 23–29
California State University—Long Beach Test Free (Permanent) The Cal State system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process. 74694 39.96%
Connecticut College Test Optional (Permanent) Connecticut College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 8744 40.40% 1180–1390 28–32
American University Test Optional (Permanent) American University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 19510 40.63% 1290–1420 29–32
Loyola Marymount University Test Optional (Temporary) LMU has extended their temporary test optional policy to Fall 2024. 21695 41.31% 1280–1430 28–32
Binghamton University—SUNY Test Optional (Permanent) The SUNY system offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 41642 41.75% 1340–1510 29–34
Illinois Wesleyan University Test Optional (Permanent) Illinois Wesleyan offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 4408 42.22% 1120–1330 25–30
Emerson College Test Optional (Permanent) Emerson College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 12109 42.75% 1280–1410 30–32
Clemson University Test Optional (Permanent) Clemson offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 52814 42.99% 1230–1400 26–31
CUNY—Baruch College Test Free (Temporary) The CUNY system has extended their temporary test free policy through Spring 2025 20303 43.40% 1130–1330
Auburn University Test Optional* (Temporary) Auburn requires either the SAT or the ACT. However, Fall 2024 applicants with a 3.6+ GPA may apply test-optional. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 45693 43.74% 1240–1370 24–30
University of Maryland—College Park Test Optional (Temporary) UMD has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 application cycle. 56637 44.50% 1370–1510 31–34
Southwestern University Test Optional (Permanent) Southwestern University has a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students and international students are not eligible for test optional admission. 5557 44.79% 1140–1320 24–30
University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign Test Optional (Permanent) University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign offers a test optional oplicy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT/ACT scores. 63257 44.82% 1350–1510 29–34
Pratt Institute Test Optional (Permanent) Pratt offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 8278 44.87% 1200–1400 26–31
Truman State University Test Optional (Temporary) Truman State University has extended their temporary test optional policy to the Fall 2024 semester. Students applying to the nursing major must submit scores. Test scores are also required to be eligible for some scholarships or programs. 4912 45.05% 1070–1330 23–29
Hampton University Test Optional* (Permanent) Hampton University requires either the SAT or ACT, however they will waive this requirement for students with a 3.3+ GPA or who rank in the top 10% of their class. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 15035 45.10% 840–1220 17–27
Bennington College Test Optional (Permanent) Bennington has a test-optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. 2801 45.31% 1260–1370 29–33
Baylor University Test Optional (Temporary) Baylor has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admissions cycle. However, homeschooled students, students who attend schools that only provide narrative evaluations, and students who graduate high school early are not eligible for test optional admissions. 40753 45.88% 1170–1360 26–32
Stevens Institute of Technology Test Optional (Temporary) Stevens Institute of Technology has extended their temporary test optional policy, with some exceptions, for Fall 2026. However, students applying to the Accelerated Pre-Medicine or Pre-Law programs are required to submit scores. 12500 46.22% 1380–1510 31–34
University of California—Davis Test Free (Permanent) The UC system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT/ACT scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. 76225 46.32% 1160–1370 25–31
Union College (Schenectady, NY) Test Optional (Permanent) Union College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students and those applying for the Leadership in Medicine program or the 3+3 Accelerated Law Program are not eligible for test optional admission. 8458 46.51% 1310–1490 29–33
North Carolina State University—Raleigh Test Optional (Temporary) The UNC System has reinstated their temporary test optional policy through Fall 2024. 35420 47.01% 1260–1420 24–31
University of California—Santa Cruz Test Free (Permanent) The UC system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT/ACT scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. 66033 47.09%
University of Washington—Seattle Test Optional (Permanent) The University of Washington—Seattle offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. 52488 47.52% 1320–1500 29–34
CUNY—Hunter Test Free (Temporary) The CUNY system has extended their temporary test free policy through Spring 2025 33913 47.80%
Whitman College Test Optional (Permanent) Whitman College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, international and homeschooled students are strongly encouraged to submit SAT or ACT scores. 5497 47.83% 1310–1460 30–33
University of Wisconsin—Madison Test Optional (Temporary) The University of Wisiconsin—Madison has extended its temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admission cycle. 60260 49.03% 1370–1500 28–33
University of Pittsburgh Test Optional (Temporary) Pitt has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admission cycle. 53072 49.14% 1280–1470 29–33
Stony Brook University—SUNY Test Optional (Permanent) The SUNY system offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 40513 49.14% 1320–1480 28–34
George Washington University Test Optional* (Permanent) George Washington University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, applicants applying to the accelerated Seven-Year B.A./M.D. Program, students who attend secondary schools that do not provide letter grades, homeschooled students, and recruited NCAA Division 1 athletes are not eligible for test optional admission (unless allowed by the NCAA). 27236 49.71% 1320–1460 30–34
Sarah Lawrence College Test Optional (Permanent) Sarah Lawrence College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. 5186 49.88% 1280–1430 29–33
St. John's College—Annapolis Test Optional (Permanent) St. John's College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students and students who will not earn high school diplomas are not eligible for test optional admission. Most international students are not eligible for test optional admission. 983 49.95% 1250–1460 30–33
Rollins College Test Optional (Permanent) Rollins offers a test optional policy ("test scores waived option"), which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, applicants to the 3/2 Accelerated Management Program or the Honors Degree Program must submit test scores. 9022 49.99% 1150–1350 24–29
Clark University Test Optional (Permanent) Clark University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, international students are not eligible for test optional admission. 8787 50.32% 1260–1430 28–33
Syracuse University Test Optional (Temporary) Syracuse extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admissions cycle. 41489 51.75% 1260–1410 28–32
Ohio Wesleyan University Test Optional (Permanent) Ohio Wesleyan University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 5324 52.18%
Fairfield University Test Optional (Permanent) Fairfield University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 13359 52.18% 1260–1360 28–31
Southern Methodist University Test Optional (Permanent) SMU offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply without SAT or ACT scores. 16150 52.25% 1390–1500 31–34
Sewanee: University of the South Test Optional (Permanent) Sewanee—The University of the South offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 4578 52.32% 1190–1280 26–31
University of San Diego Test Free (Temporary) University of San Diego has extended their temporary test free policy to the Fall 2024 semester. 14334 52.61%
Pepperdine University Test Optional (Permanent) Pepperdine offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. 11855 52.71% 1280–1430 25–30
Providence College Test Optional (Permanent) Providence College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 11129 52.78% 1130–1330 25–31
Rhodes College Test Optional (Permanent) Rhodes offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 5253 53.91% 1320–1450 28–32
Santa Clara University Test Optional (Temporary) Santa Clara University has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2025 terms. 16848 53.98% 1300–1460 29–33
Austin College Test Optional (Permanent) Austin College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. 5192 54.37% 1120–1360 23–29
California State Polytechnic University—Pomona Test Free (Permanent) The Cal State system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process. 49721 55.19%
Pennsylvania State University—University Park Test Optional (Temporary) Penn State has extended their temporary test optional policy to the Fall 2025 term. 85784 55.21% 1220–1380 26–31
University of Connecticut Test Optional (Temporary) UConn has extended their temporary test optional policy to the Fall 2026 term. 36753 55.60% 1230–1430 27–33
Texas Christian University Test Optional (Temporary) TCU has extended their temporary test optional policy through 2025. 16197 56.10% 1140–1360 26–31
The College of Wooster Test Optional (Permanent) The College of Wooster offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. 7251 56.27% 1260–1430 27–32
Gettysburg College Test Optional (Permanent) Gettysburg College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, Gettysburg recommends that both international and homeschooled students submit SAT or ACT scores. 5796 56.31% 1350–1440 28–32
St. Olaf College Test Optional (Permanent) St. Olaf College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 5524 56.41% 1300–1460 28–33
Biola University Test Optional (Permanent) Biola University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 4225 56.62%
Soka University of America Test Optional (Permanent) Soka University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. 498 56.63% 1280–1410 26–27
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Test Optional (Temporary) Virginia Tech has extended their temporary test optional policy through Fall 2025. 45321 56.98% 1220–1420 26–32
New School Test Optional (Permanent) The New School offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 9524 57.18%
Ohio State University—Columbus Test Optional (Temporary) OSU has extended their temporary test optional policy to Fall 2025. 58180 57.18% 1260–1420 26–32
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Test Free (Temporary) WPI has adopted an eight year test free policy, which means the university does not accept scores in the application process, beginning with the Fall 2021 application cycle. 11599 57.48%
Bentley University Test Optional (Temporary) Bentley University has extended their temporary test optional policy through Fall 2025. 9662 57.88% 1280–1400 28–32
California State University—Fresno Test Free (Permanent) The Cal State system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process. 18122 57.94% 950–1130 16–22
Colorado School of Mines Test Optional (Permanent) Mines offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 10886 58.00% 1340–1460 30–33
Fordham University Test Optional (Temporary) Fordham University has extended their temporary test optional policy to Fall 2025 admissions. 46275 58.30% 1320–1450 30–33
John Brown University Test Optional (Permanent) JBU offers a test optional admission policy. However, some international students may be required to submit scores. 1442 58.39% 1100–1360 21–28
Marist College Test Optional (Permanent) Marist College offers a test optional policy, offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students and students applying to some programs are not eligible for test optional admission. 11000 59.09% 1220–1350 27–32
Texas Lutheran University Test Optional (Permanent) TLU offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. 2683 59.30% 1018–1160 19–24
Lake Forest College Test Optional (Permanent) Lake Forest College has a test-optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. Test optional applicants must complete an interview. Homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 4665 59.72% 1160–1350 26–31
University of Vermont Test Optional (Temporary) University of Vermont has extended their temporary test optional policy through Fall 2026. 30231 59.79% 1280–1420 28–32
Bard College Test Optional (Permanent) Bard College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 5161 59.99% 1290–1470 28–33
Wofford College Test Optional (Permanent) Wofford College has a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, international students are not eligible for test optional admission. 4425 60.18%
Hendrix College Test Optional (Permanent) Hendrix College has a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students and international students who are native speakers of English are not eligible for test optional admission. 2729 60.28% 1130–1340 23–31
Augustana College Test Optional (Permanent) Augustana College has a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. Test optional applicants may be asked to complete an interview. However, homeschooled applicants and international applicants are not eligible for test optional admission. 6965 61.22% 1020–1240 21–28
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Test Optional (Permanent) The SUNY system offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 2018 61.40% 1120–1310 23–29
Wabash College Test Optional (Permanent) Wabash offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 1914 61.49% 1140–1320 22–29
Yeshiva University Test Optional* (Permanent) Yeshiva offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for regular admission without SAT/AC scores. However, honors applicants are required to submit scores. 1410 61.63% 1210–1450 25–31
Centre College Test Optional (Permanent) Centre College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scors. 2746 62.35% 1200–1470
Texas A&M University—College Station Test Optional (Permanent) Texas A&M offers a test optional policy. 43422 62.65% 1160–1380 25–31
Milwaukee School of Engineering Test Optional (Permanent) MSOE offers a test optional policy. 5478 63.42% 1190–1390 25–31
St. Lawrence University Test Optional (Permanent) St. Lawrence offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. However, international students are not eligible for test optional admission. 5172 63.50% 1270–1380 29–32
University of Massachusetts—Amherst Test Optional (Permanent) UMass Amherst offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 45451 63.52% 1280–1450 29–33
University of South Carolina Test Optional (Temporary) The University of South Carolina has extended their temporary test optional policy through Fall 2024 admissions. 42188 64.05% 1200–1380 27–32
The College of New Jersey Test Optional* (Temporary) The College of New Jersey has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2025–26 admission cycle. However, test scores are required for Nursing students and the Accelerated Seven-Year Medical School opportunities. 10302 64.43% 1160–1330 24–30
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Test Optional (Temporary) RPI has extended their temporary test optional police to the fall 2025 semester. However, students applying to the Physician-Scientist Program will be required to submit the appropriate testing. 16863 64.51% 1380–1500 30–33
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University—Daytona Beach Test Optional (Permanent) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a test optional policy, which allows most students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. Homeschooled students must provide SAT or ACT scores and show academic strength through AP Exams. 9825 64.85% 1140–1330 23–30
Drury University Test Optional (Permanent) Drury University offers a test optional policy, which allows domestic students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 1949 65.42% 1070–1250 23–30
Muhlenberg College Test Optional (Permanent) Muhlenberg College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. 4329 65.51% 1200–1400 29–33
Concordia College—Moorhead Test Optional (Permanent) Concordia College offers a test optional policy, which allows applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 3774 65.53% 1410–1410 21–28
Abilene Christian University Test Optional (Permanent) ACU offers a test optional policy. However, only students who submit test scores will be considered for the honors college and elligible for some scholarships. 11226 65.79% 1030–1250 20–27
DePauw University Test Optional (Permanent) DePauw University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students and students who wish to apply for an Honor Scholar or Fellows program are not eligible for test optional admission. 5708 65.80% 1160–1360 24–31
Birmingham-Southern College Test Optional (Permanent) Birmingham-Southern College offers a test optional policy, which allows applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, applicants who select test optional admission are required to have an interview with an admissions counselor. 2461 65.91% 1080–1250 22–28
Illinois Institute of Technology Test Optional (Permanent) Illinois Tech offers a test optional policy. 6520 66.10% 1230–1400 26–32
University of Houston Test Optional* (Permanent) University of Houston requires the SAT or ACT. However, they will waive this requirement for students who rank in the top 10% of their class or have a 3.45+ GPA. 29783 66.24% 1170–1330 23–29
Albion College Test Optional (Temporary) Albion has extended their temporary test optional policy to the Fall 2023 term. 6827 66.52%
Agnes Scott College Test Optional (Permanent) Agnes Scott College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 1879 66.52% 1140–1340 24–31
Brigham Young University—Provo Test Optional (Temporary) BYU has extended their temporary test optional policy to the Winter 2026 term. 10559 66.67% 1280–1450 27–32
California State University—Fullerton Test Free (Permanent) The Cal State system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process. 48749 66.72% 930–1190 18–26
Rochester Institute of Technology Test Optional (Permanent) Rochester Institute of Technology offers a test optional policy, which allows students applying to most programs to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. Students applying to imaging science, motion picture science, and photographic sciences within the College of Art & Design must still provide test scores 23763 66.95% 1280–1430 29–33
Furman University Test Optional (Permanent) Furman University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 7510 67.02% 1280–1430 27–32
Beloit College Test Optional (Permanent) Beloit offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. 3277 67.32% 1230–1380 24–28
Texas Tech University Test Optional (Temporary) Texas Tech has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2025 entry terms. 35400 67.34% 1110–1260 23–28
Drake University Test Optional (Permanent) Drake University offers a test optional policy, which it refers to as a "test-flexible" plan, which allows students to either write an essay or sit for an interview in lieu of submitting test scores. However, homeschooled students, as well as applicants to certain programs, are not eligible for test optional admission. 8580 67.44% 1190–1380 25–30
Stonehill College Test Free (Temporary) Stonehill College has has extended their temporary test free policy to Fall 2024. 6961 67.69% 1120–1290 24–29
University at Buffalo—SUNY Test Optional (Permanent) The SUNY system offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 30939 67.71% 1190–1380 25–32
Kennesaw State University Test Optional* (Temporary) The University System of Georgia has announced that all institutions will resume test score admission requirements beginning with the Spring semester of 2022. Any student applying to a University System of Georgia school in 2022 and beyond will have to submit an SAT or ACT test score. However, students applying to Kennesaw State with a 3.2+ GPA may be considered without scores. 21106 67.85% 1030–1200 19–25
University at Albany—SUNY Test Optional (Permanent) The SUNY system offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 26031 67.89% 1120–1320 22–31
University of North Carolina—Wilmington Test Optional (Temporary) The UNC System has reinstated their temporary test optional policy through Fall 2024. 15792 67.98% 1220–1320 24–28
Millsaps College Test Optional (Permanent) Millsaps College offers a test optional policy. N/A 68.00%
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey—New Brunswick Test Optional (Permanent) Rutgers—New Brunswick offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 43161 68.16% 1240–1470 27–33
Ball State Test Optional (Permanent) Ball State University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students and students whose high schools do not provide grades are not eligible for test optional admission. 22947 68.17% 1030–1210 20–27
University of North Georgia Test Optional* (Temporary) The University System of Georgia has announced that all institutions will resume test score admission requirements beginning with the Spring semester of 2022. Any student applying to a University System of Georgia school in 2022 and beyond will have to submit an SAT or ACT test score. However, students applying to UNG with a 3.0+ GPA may be considered without scores. 9599 68.22% 1010–1190 19–25
Hobart and William Smith Colleges Test Optional (Permanent) Hobart and William Smith Colleges offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 5082 68.38% 1230–1390 27–32
Lewis & Clark College Test Optional (Permanent) Lewis and Clark offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. Prior to the 2020-21 admission cycle, students who chose not to submit standardized test scores had to submit an academic portfolio in lieu of scores. However, students will no longer be required to submit a portfolio. 6663 68.59% 1270–1400 29–32
New Jersey Institute of Technology Test Optional (Temporary) NJIT has extended their temporary test optional policy to Fall 2024. 11578 69.14% 1100–1440 27–33
University of Tulsa Test Optional* (Permanent) University of Tulsa offers a test optional policy, however, test scores are strongly encouraged. Applicants to the Early Careers in Medicine program are required to submit scores. 12042 69.18% 1070–1350 21–30
University of California—Riverside Test Free (Permanent) The UC system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT/ACT scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. 54685 69.22%
Hofstra University Test Optional (Permanent) Hofstra Univeristy offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students and international students are not eligible for test optional admission. 23577 69.33% 1190–1370 26–31
Allegheny College Test Optional (Permanent) Allegheny College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. However, international students are not eligible for test optional admission. 4148 69.65% 1120–1370 23–30
Gonzaga University Test Optional (Permanent) Gonzaga University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without test scores. 9886 69.77% 1210–1400 26–31
Georgia State Test Optional* (Temporary) The University System of Georgia has announced that all institutions will resume test score admission requirements beginning with the Spring semester of 2022. Any student applying to a University System of Georgia school in 2022 and beyond will have to submit an SAT or ACT test score. However, students applying to Georgia State with a 3.4+ GPA may be considered without scores. 34647 69.92% 990–1210 19–27
Berry College Test Optional (Permanent) Berry College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply without standardized test scores. 5220 69.94% 1100–1270 23–29
Saint Louis University Test Optional (Permanent) Saint Louis University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT/ACT scores. 15047 70.05%
St. Mary's College of California Test Optional (Permanent) St. Mary's offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without test scores. However, student-athletes, homeschooled students, and students attending schools that don't give grades must provide test scores. 3523 70.08%
DePaul University Test Optional (Permanent) DePaul University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students and international students are not eligible for test optional admission. 31785 70.17% 1090–1290
Oklahoma State University Test Optional (Permanent) Oklahoma State University offers a test optional policy. However, test scores are required for most university scholarships. 19117 70.63% 1010–1240 20–27
Siena College Test Optional (Permanent) Siena College offers a test optional policy, which allows applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, applicants must meet certain academic requirements to apply test optional. Additionally, applicants to select programs are not eligible for test optional admission. 9466 70.83% 1050–1260 22–31
Knox College Test Optional (Permanent) Knox College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 3038 70.87% 1180–1360 24–31
Randolph-Macon College Test Optional (Permanent) Randolph-Macon College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT/ACT scores. 2460 70.89% 1050–1240 21–27
Presbyterian College (SC) Test Optional (Permanent) Presbyterian College offers a test optional policy, which allows applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 1964 70.98% 1010–1220 19–26
Virginia Military Institute Test Optional (Temporary) VMI has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2023–24 admission cycle. 1192 71.06% 1120–1270 22–29
St. John Fisher University Test Optional (Permanent) Fisher offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 4515 71.10% 1120–1260 23–29
University of San Francisco Test Optional (Permanent) University of San Francisco offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 23103 71.18% 1230–1390 27–31
Queens University of Charlotte Test Optional (Permanent) Queens University of Charlotte offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores, though they encourage applicants to submit scores. 3154 71.27% 1080–1240 22–29
Elmhurst College Test Optional (Permanent) Elmhurst offers a test optional policy. Students who choose to apply TO will be required to submit an essay. 3762 71.29% 1010–1210 22–29
Coe College Test Optional* (Permanent) Coe College requires either the SAT or ACT, however, it will waive this requirement if you have a 3.0+ GPA. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 7481 71.50% 1080–1280 22–28
Hollins University Test Optional (Permanent) Hollins offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT/ACT scores. 3310 72.30% 1140–1300 25–30
Chapman University Test Optional (Permanent) Chapman offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students and students who graduate from schools without traditional grades are not eligible for test optional admission. 13690 72.52% 1220–1380 26–31
University of Delaware Test Optional (Permanent) University of Delaware offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 33965 72.66% 1170–1350 26–31
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Test Optional (Permanent) University of Hawai'i offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scors. However, please note that scholarships or department direct entry programs may require test scores for consideration. 18974 72.77%
Adelphi University Test Optional (Temporary) Adelphi University has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2027–28 admissions cycle. 17301 72.78%
University of Oklahoma Test Optional (Temporary) University of Oklahoma has adopted a five-year test optional policy beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. Test scores are encouraged for scholarship consideration. 21548 72.92% 1130–1320 23–29
Drew University Test Optional (Permanent) Drew University offers a test optional policy, which allows applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 3989 73.15% 1120–1300 24–30
Earlham College Test Optional (Permanent) Earlham offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. However, international students and homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 1375 73.24% 1160–1350 24–32
University of Idaho Test Optional* (Temporary) The University of Idahos requires either the SAT or the ACT. However, applicants through 2024 may apply test-optional with a 2.6+ GPA. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 13393 73.85% 1000–1240 20–27
Gustavus Adolphus College Test Optional (Permanent) Gustavus Adolphus College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. 3781 73.90% 25–31
Lipscomb University Test Optional (Temporary) Lipscomb University has extended their temporary test optional policy to the Fall 2024 term. 3422 73.99% 1120–1280 22–29
University of Dayton Test Optional (Permanent) The University of Dayton offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT/ACT scores. 18566 74.30% 1160–1350 23–30
Mercer University Test Optional* (Permanent) Mercer University requires test scores. However, students with an unweighted GPA of 3.5+ are able to apply test optional. 7586 74.39% 1210–1340 26–31
Elon University Test Optional* (Permanent) Elon offers a test optional policy. However, students applying to the Nursing, Accelerated Pathways to PA and DPT and the Accelerated 3+1 Business Dual-Degree programs are required to submit scores. Nursing applicants must have a minimum SAT score of 1100 and ACT 22. Home-schooled applicants and students attending U.S. high schools that do not issue letter grades are required to submit standardized test scores for admission and scholarship consideration. 17551 74.46% 1180–1330 25–30
Clarkson University Test Optional (Permanent) Clarkson University offers a test optional policy. 7011 74.58% 1190–1370 25–32
Taylor University Test Optional (Permanent) Taylor University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. Students who choose not to submit scores may be asked to provide more information or complete proficiency exams. 2099 74.61% 1100–1310 23–30
Washington College Test Optional (Permanent) Washington College has a test-optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled applicants and internantional applicants are not eligible for test optional admission. 2554 74.71% 1200–1370 25–29
University of Redlands Test Optional (Permanent) University of Redlands offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 4713 74.75% 1100–1250 23–28
University of Minnesota—Twin Cities Test Optional (Temporary) University of Minnesota—Twin Cities has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2025 terms. 38050 74.91% 1300–1470 27–32
SUNY—Geneseo Test Optional (Permanent) SUNY-Geneseo offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT/ACT scores. 9069 74.93% 1170–1310 25–31
Lawrence University Test Optional (Permanent) Lawrence University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. 2907 74.96% 1230–1460 27–32
University of La Verne Test Optional (Permanent) University of La Verne offers a test optional policy, which allows first-year applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 5984 75.10% 970–1300 18–25
Bradley University Test Optional (Permanent) Bradley University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 11352 75.14% 1070–1280 24–30
Mississippi State University Test Optional (Permanent) Mississippi State offers a test optional policy. While SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission, they are recommended for scholarship consideration. 18830 75.19% 1070–1280 21–29
Ithaca College Test Optional (Permanent) Ithaca College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 12446 75.20% 1210–1360 28–32
Wayne State University Test Optional (Temporary) WSU has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2023–24 admission cycle. 14002 75.32% 980–1220 20–28
University of Illinois—Chicago Test Optional (Permanent) UIC offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT/ACT scores. 24562 75.49% 1120–1320 24–27
College of Charleston Test Optional (Permanent) College of Charleston is test optional. 22020 75.69% 1140–1290 24–30
Creighton University Test Optional (Permanent) Creighton offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, applicants to the nursing program and homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 7977 75.69% 1220–1400 24–31
Louisiana State University—Baton Rouge Test Optional* (Permanent) LSU requires SAT or ACT scores, however students who earn at least a 3.0 GPA on core classes or 18 early college credits with a 2.5 GPA may apply without test scores. 38853 75.72% 1140–1310 23–28
Luther College Test Optional (Permanent) Luther College offers a test optional policy. However, who do not meet the minimum academic requirements may be asked to provide additional transcripts, test scores, educator references, or essays. 2495 76.07% 1090–1320 22–29
University of Rhode Island Test Optional (Temporary) University of Rhode Island has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admission cycle. 25105 76.46% 1130–1280 25–30
University of Missouri Test Optional (Temporary) Mizzou has extended their temporary test optional policy to the Fall 2025 term. 19966 76.55% 1130–1350 23–30
Seton Hall University Test Optional (Temporary) Seton Hall has extended their temporary test optional policy to the Fall 2026 term. 23417 76.61% 1250–1400
Baldwin Wallace University Test Optional (Permanent) Baldwin Wallace University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without test scores. However, home schooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 4229 77.04% 1070–1290 20–27
Wheaton College (MA) Test Optional (Permanent) Wheaton College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, Wheaton encourages students whose first language is not English to submit their SAT or ACT scores along with the required English proficiency testing. 3580 77.09% 1180–1340 25–31
St. Mary's College of Maryland Test Optional (Permanent) Saint Mary's College of Maryland has a test-optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled applicants and applicants with non-traditional academic transcripts are not eligible for test optional admission. 2934 77.30% 1130–1350 28–30
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey—Newark Test Free* (Permanent) Rutgers—Newark offers a test free policy, which means they will not consider SAT or ACT scores as part of the admission process. However, applicants to the 7-year BA/MD joint program are required to submit scores. 14456 77.43% 1030–1270 21–28
University of Denver Test Optional (Permanent) University of Denver offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 19342 77.68% 1240–1390 28–32
Loyola University New Orleans Test Free (Permanent) Starting with the Fall 2021 application cycle, Loyola will not require a standardized test score for its university admission application and will not consider a test score, should a student choose to submit. 7340 78.11%
James Madison University Test Optional (Permanent) James Madison University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 30727 78.31% 1160–1310 23–29
Carroll College Test Optional* (Permanent) Carroll College requires either the SAT or ACT, however it will waive this requirement for students with a 3.0+ unweighted GPA. Students who are homeschooled, wish to apply to Direct Entry Nursing, or wish to participate in intercollegiate atheletics are not elligible for test optional admission. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 2709 78.33% 1070–1270 22–28
Towson University Test Optional (Permanent) Towson offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 17770 78.60% 1030–1230 19–25
University of Nebraska—Lincoln Test Optional* (Permanent) The University of Nebraska-Lincoln requires either the SAT or the ACT. However, it will waive this requriement for students with a 3.0+ GPA or who rank in the top half of their class. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 19085 78.68% 1110–1330 22–28
High Point University Test Optional (Permanent) High Point University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, students seeking some merit scholarship or those who wish to be placed in the Honors Program need to submit test scores. 12446 78.88% 1100–1280 23–29
University of Arkansas—Fayetteville Test Optional* (Temporary) The University of Arkansas requires either the SAT or the ACT. Fall 2024 applicants with a 3.2+ GPA may apply test optional, however, they are required to submit scores for enrollment. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 26210 78.94% 1040–1210 21–28
Central Michigan University Test Optional (Temporary) CMU has extended their temporary test optional policy to the Spring 2025 semester. However, homeschooled students or students whose high schools do not provide grades are not eligible for TO admission. 19888 78.95% 980–1200 21–27
University of Colorado—Boulder Test Optional (Permanent) University of Colorado—Boulder offers a test optional admission policy. 54861 79.14% 1170–1380 26–31
Loyola University Chicago Test Optional (Permanent) Loyola University Chicago offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without standardized test scores. However, students applying for admission to the Bachelor of Nursing and Engineering Science programs will still be required to submit a self-reported test score as part of the requirement for review. 40909 79.15% 1130–1320 27–32
Cornell College Test Optional (Permanent) Cornell College has a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. Students who apply test optional are expected to respond to two additional written prompts on their applications, and to submit portfolios. 3057 79.33% 1210–1320 23–30
Appalachian State University Test Optional (Temporary) The UNC System has reinstated their temporary test optional policy through Fall 2024. 18178 79.51% 1180–1220 22–27
Drexel University Test Optional (Temporary) Drexel has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2023–24 admission cycle. 37040 79.61% 1240–1420 27–32
University of North Carolina—Charlotte Test Optional (Temporary) The UNC System has reinstated their temporary test optional policy through Fall 2024. 21355 79.64% 1090–1280 20–26
Temple University Test Optional (Permanent) Temple University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, home-schooled applicants, recruited student athletes, and international applicants are not eligible for test optional admission. 38666 79.70% 1130–1360 24–31
Kalamazoo College Test Optional (Permanent) Kalamazoo College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. 3334 79.96% 1160–1370 24–30
Northern Arizona University Test Optional (Permanent) Northern Arizona University offers a test optional policy, which allows first-year applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, scores required to receive merit-based scholarships. 44855 79.99% 1060–1260 19–25
Indiana University—Bloomington Test Optional (Permanent) Indiana University—Bloomington offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students and students who attend schools with nontraditional grading systems are not eligible for test optional admission. 46000 80.00% 1200–1400 27–32
University of Alabama Test Optional (Temporary) Bama has extended their temporary test optional policy to the Fall 2025 term. 54072 80.06% 1090–1370 22–31
Willamette University Test Optional (Permanent) Willamette University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. 3995 80.60% 1240–1420 27–33
Goucher College Test Optional (Permanent) Goucher College offers a test optional policy, which allows applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 2928 80.74% 1140–1320 26–33
University of Texas—Arlington Test Optional (Permanent) UTA is test score optional for admission. However, test scores can help in determining admissions decisions, scholarship opportunities, and Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exemptions. 21963 80.80% 1000–1240 18–26
Hanover College Test Optional (Permanent) Hanover College offers a test optional policy, which allows applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 2848 81.00% 1070–1220 23–29
University of New Mexico Test Optional (Permanent) UNM offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without test scores. However, home-schooled and non-traditional students are not eligible for TO admission. Scores are also necessary for some scholarships. 13676 81.27% 20–26
Ripon College Test Optional (Permanent) Ripon College offers a test optional policy, which allows applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 2142 81.33% 990–1170 19–27
University of North Texas Test Optional* (Permanent) University of North Texas requires either the SAT or ACT. However, they will waive this requirement for students with a 3.0+ GPA. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 24854 81.44% 1020–1230 19–26
St. Mary's College (IN) Test Optional (Permanent) Saint Mary's College has a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students and international students are not eligible for test optional admission. 2411 81.50% 1065–1250 22–28
West Virginia University Test Optional (Permanent) WVU has a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. 18639 81.61% 1050–1240 21–27
University of Alaska, Anchorage Test Optional (Permanent) University of Alaska, Anchorage offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 4352 81.87% 1020–1220 17–24
Point Loma Nazarene University Test Optional (Permanent) PLNU does not require an SAT or ACT score for admission. Some merit aid at PLNU does still require a test score to be awarded. 3149 81.93% 1170–1370 23–30
Westmont College Test Optional (Permanent) Westmont College offers a test otional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 2326 81.99% 1220–1420 30–33
Butler University Test Optional (Permanent) Butler University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, applicants who major in Pre-Pharmacy, Health Sciences, and Healthcare and Business programs, students who attend secondary schools that do not provide letter grades, homeschooled students, and transfer applicants who have completed fewer than 20 college credits are not eligible for test optional admission. 13386 82.06% 1130–1320 24–30
Quinnipiac University Test Optional (Permanent) Quinnipiac University offers a test optional policy, which allows most students applying to the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Communications and School of Engineering to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. Homeschooled students and students playing a Division I sport must provide test scores. 19787 82.43% 1080–1250 22–27
Oregon State University Test Optional (Permanent) Oregon State University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 25651 82.53% 1130–1380 22–30
Simmons University Test Optional (Permanent) Simmons University offers a test optional policy. 2905 82.55% 1080–1250 24–29
University of Puget Sound Test Optional (Permanent) Puget Sound offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, students who attend secondary schools that do not provide letter grades and homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 5345 82.66% 1190–1370 27–32
Ursinus College Test Optional (Permanent) Ursinus College has a test-optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled applicants and applicants with narrative-style transcripts are not eligible for test optional admission. 3818 82.71% 1200–1350 27–32
University of Akron Test Optional (Permanent) The University of Akron offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scors. 12282 82.87% 970–1220 18–25
Washington State University Test Optional (Permanent) WSU offers a test free policy, which means they do not consider SAT/ACT scores as part of the admissions process. 19401 83.10%
Boise State Test Free (Permanent) Boise State offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT/ACT scores. However, homeschooled students and students who attend non-accredited high schools are required to submit test scores. 15648 83.13%
University of St. Thomas (MN) Test Optional (Permanent) The University of St. Thomas offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 6718 83.16% 1160–1350 24–29
Eastern Michigan University Test Optional (Temporary) Eastern Michigan University has extended their temporary test optional policy to Fall 2024. 19919 83.23% 930–1170 18–25
Samford University Test Optional (Temporary) Samford University has extended their temporary test optional policy to the Fall 2024 term. 4337 83.26% 1090–1270 23–29
University of North Dakota Test Optional (Permanent) University of North Dakota offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply without SAT or ACT scores. 6597 83.28% 1100–1280 20–26
Loyola University Maryland Test Optional (Permanent) Loyola University Maryland offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 9643 83.48% 1190–1350 26–33
Xavier University Test Optional (Permanent) Xavier University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without test scores. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 15199 84.02% 1100–1290 22–28
San Francisco State University Test Free (Permanent) The Cal State system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process. 31430 84.09% 940–1130 16–23
San Jose State University Test Free (Permanent) The Cal State system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process. 30442 84.37% 1030–1310 20–31
Western Michigan University Test Optional (Permanent) WMU offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT/ACT scores. 20501 84.55% 1000–1220 19–27
St. John's University (NY) Test Optional (Permanent) St. John's University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students, some international students, students applying for several specific majors, and prospective student athletes are not eligible for test optional admission. 24607 84.67% 1110–1310 24–29
University of Texas—Dallas Test Optional (Permanent) UTD offers a test optional policy. 21500 84.74% 1180–1410 24–32
St. Michael's College Test Optional (Permanent) St. Michael's College has a test-optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled applicants are not eligible for test optional admission. 2629 85.05% 1160–1320 26–30
Seattle University Test Optional (Permanent) Seattle University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled applicants are not elligible for test optional admission. 7934 85.15% 1160–1360 24–30
University of Nevada—Las Vegas Test Optional* (Permanent) UNLV requires either the SAT or ACT, however, they will waive the requirement for students with a 3.0+ GPA. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 13285 85.25% 1010–1220 18–24
Christopher Newport University Test Optional* (Permanent) Christopher Newport University requires either the SAT or ACT, however they will waive this requirement for students with a 3.5+ GPA or who rank in the top 10% of their class. For students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle, there is no minimum GPA for test optional admission. 7428 85.35% 1120–1280 22–29
Missouri University of Science & Technology Test Optional (Temporary) Missouri S&T has extended their temporary test optional policy to the Fall 2025 term. 5533 85.40% 1330–1420 26–32
The Catholic University of America Test Free (Permanent) The Catholic University of America has adopted a test free policy, which means they will not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission. 5801 85.59% 1110–1340 22–29
University of Mary Washington Test Optional (Permanent) The University of Mary Washington offers a test optional policy, which allows students to petition to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, students applying for the Pre-Nursing Program or merit based scholarships and homeschooled students are not eligible for test choice. 4709 85.79% 1170–1330 25–30
University of Iowa Test Optional (Permanent) University of Iowa is test optional, which means eligible students can apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 25729 86.00% 1140–1340 22–28
University of Cincinnati Test Optional (Temporary) The University of Cincinnati has extended its temporary test optional policy through Fall 2024. However, standardized test scores are still required for admission into some programs. 29024 86.21% 1170–1350 24–29
Illinois State Test Optional (Permanent) Illinois State offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without standardized test scores. 19596 86.24% 1020–1200 21–27
Michigan Technological University Test Optional* (Temporary) Michigan Technological University has extended their temporary test optional policy to the Fall 2024 semester. However, homeschooled students and students with a GPA below 3.0 may be asked to submit test scores. 8569 86.29% 1140–1330 24–30
University of Oregon Test Optional (Permanent) The University of Oregon offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, applicants from nonaccredited schools and homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 37154 86.29% 1140–1370 24–30
Pacific Lutheran University Test Optional (Permanent) Pacific Lutheran University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, applicants from schools with written evaluations rather than grades and homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. Applicants to the nursing program, students interested in teaching, and international applicants strongly encouraged to submit scores. 3306 86.30% 1110–1290 23–29
Missouri State University Test Optional* (Permanent) Missouri State University requires either the SAT or ACT, however, it will waive the requirement for students with a 3.25+ GPA. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 9591 86.57% 1060–1200 21–27
University of Arizona Test Optional (Permanent) University of Arizona offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, applicants to the UA Honors College, the College of Fine Arts, the College of Nursing, the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, and College of Engineering and homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. 52103 86.74% 1140–1360 21–29
University of Texas, San Antonio Test Optional (Permanent) University of Texas, San Antonio offers a test optional policy, which allows studenrs to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 23295 86.90% 1010–1210 19–26
California State University—Los Angeles Test Free (Permanent) The Cal State system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process. 33941 86.94%
University of New Hampshire Test Optional (Permanent) The University of New Hampshire offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, all Division 1 athletic recruits are required to submit standardized test scores. 21016 86.99% 1130–1310 26–31
California Lutheran University Test Optional (Permanent) California Lutheran University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission, and test scores are required to qualify for some merit scholarships. 5150 87.18% 1150–1320 26–30
Marquette University Test Optional (Permanent) Marquette University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores, to both domestic and international applicants. 15883 87.21% 1180–1350 26–31
College of St. Benedict Test Optional (Permanent) The College of Saint Benedict offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students, students who attend schools with nontraditional grading systems, and applicants to the Nursing Early Admission Program are not eligible for test optional admission. 1689 87.80% 21–31
University of Kansas Test Optional* (Permanent) The University of Kansas requires either the SAT or the ACT. However, they will waive the requirement for students with a 3.4+ GPA. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 16204 87.84% 1090–1320 21–28
Whittier College Test Optional* (Permanent) Whittier College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without test scores. Students with a GPA below 3.0 may be asked to submit standardized test scores. 2740 87.88% 1190–1400 24–31
Michigan State University Test Optional (Permanent) Michigan State offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 53341 87.95% 1110–1320 24–30
Kent State Test Optional (Permanent) Kent State requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 20369 88.02% 990–1210 18–25
Susquehanna University Test Optional (Permanent) Susquehanna University offers a test optional policy, which allows applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 4688 88.03% 1090–1250 22–28
University of Washington—Bothell Test Optional (Permanent) The University of Washington—Bothell offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT/ACT scores. 4537 88.08% 1150–1360 25–32
Washington and Jefferson College Test Optional (Permanent) Washington and Jefferson College has a test-optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. 3414 88.08% 1020–1250 19–18
Ohio University Test Optional (Permanent) Ohio University has a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. 21733 88.55% 1070–1290 22–27
Texas State University Test Optional* (Permanent) Texas State offers a test optional policy for students in the top 75% of their graduating class. All students ranked in the fourth quartile of their class must submit scores that meet assured admission standards for admission. 28453 88.60% 990–1170 19–26
Miami University—Oxford Test Optional (Temporary) Miami Ohio has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admission cycle. 29990 88.60% 1180–1350 24–30
Wheaton College (IL) Test Optional* (Permanent) Wheaton offers a test optional policy. However, students applying from non-accredited schools are required to submit scores. 1872 88.68% 1260–1420 28–33
Georgia Southern University Test Optional* (Temporary) The University System of Georgia has announced that all institutions will resume test score admission requirements beginning with the Spring semester of 2022. Any student applying to a University System of Georgia school in 2022 and beyond will have to submit an SAT or ACT test score. However, students applying to Georgia Southern with a 3.2+ GPA may be considered without scores. 14680 88.89% 990–1140 18–23
University of Utah Test Optional (Permanent) The University of Utah offers a test optional admission policy, which allows students to apply without SAT or ACT scores. 21072 89.13% 1200–1380 22–29
University of California—Merced Test Free (Permanent) The UC system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT/ACT scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. 28895 89.50% 1030–1350 20–31
Arizona State University Test Optional* (Permanent) ASU requires either the SAT or ACT, however, it will waive this requirement for students with a 3.0+ GPA or who rank in the top 25% of their class. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 68789 89.75%
Humboldt State University Test Free (Permanent) The Cal State system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process. 9236 89.89% 1040–1270 21–24
George Mason University Test Optional (Permanent) George Mason University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, students who major in computer science and engineering majors, home-schooled applicants, and students seeking to become a member of one of George Mason's NCAA intercollegiate athletics teams are not eligible for test optional admission. The Volgenau School of Engineering entering classes of 2020 and 2021 are exempt from the 550 SAT Math/24 ACT Math requirement. 20001 90.00% 1160–1340 25–31
California State University—Northridge Test Free (Permanent) The Cal State system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process. 26276 90.15%
Iowa State University Test Optional (Permanent) Iowa State is test optional, which means eligible students can apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 21919 90.22% 1100–1350 21–28
California State University—San Bernardino Test Free (Permanent) The Cal State system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process. 15581 90.62% 860–1070 18–23
Transylvania University Test Optional (Permanent) Transylvania University has a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, test optional applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the Transylvania campus for an in-depth interview. 1781 90.68% 1120–1360 23–29
Virginia Commonwealth University Test Optional (Permanent) Virginia Commonwealth University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply without SAT or ACT scores. However, submission of test scores remains a requirement for all Guaranteed Admission Programs in the Honors College. All first-year applicants will be considered for scholarships as long as other scholarship consideration requirements are met. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 18402 90.73% 1040–1290 22–30
Colorado State University Test Optional (Permanent) Colorado State University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 33122 90.77% 1080–1280 23–29
Utah State Test Optional (Permanent) USU offers a test optional policy. While SAT or ACT scores are not required for application, they are recommended for scholarship consideration. 15276 90.95% 1050–1310 21–28
Montclair State Test Optional (Permanent) Montclair State offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 21393 91.31% 970–1200
California State University—Chico Test Free (Permanent) The Cal State system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process. 22137 91.81% 930–1200 20–28
Duquesne University Test Optional (Permanent) Duquesne offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 9634 91.93% 1160–1290 24–29
University of North Carolina—Greensboro Test Optional (Temporary) The UNC System has reinstated their temporary test optional policy through Fall 2024. 11515 91.94% 1110–1280 22–27
California State University—Sacramento Test Free (Permanent) The Cal State system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process. 25443 92.25%
University of Toledo Test Optional (Permanent) University of Toledo offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, homeschooled students and students whose high schools do not provide grades are not eligible for test optional admission. 12564 92.26% 1060–1280 21–28
California State University—Monterey Bay Test Free (Permanent) The Cal State system offers a test free policy, meaning they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process. 12582 92.28% 1020–1260 20–28
Goshen College Test Optional (Permanent) Goshen offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT/AC scores. 991 92.33% 1010–1220 26–30
Hope College Test Optional (Permanent) Hope College offers a test optional policy. 4172 92.38% 1120–1330 25–32
East Carolina Test Optional (Temporary) The UNC System has reinstated their temporary test optional policy through Fall 2024. 21383 92.40% 1070–1230 18–24
University of Portland Test Optional (Temporary) University of Portland has extended their temporary test optional policy to Fall 2025. 10122 92.51% 1220–1410 27–31
University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley Test Optional (Temporary) UTRGV has extended their temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admission cycle. 10970 92.57% 930–1120 16–21
Portland State Test Optional* (Permanent) Portland State offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, students who attended homeschool, or a non-accredited, non-standard high school are required to submit test scores. 7926 93.09% 1080–1290 18–27
University of the Pacific Test Optional (Permanent) University of the Pacific offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 5891 93.23% 1130–1420 25–33
Stetson University Test Optional (Permanent) Stetson University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 7344 93.80% 1060–1260 20–27
University of Kentucky Test Optional (Temporary) UK has extended their temporary test optional policy to students entering in the 2028–29 academic year. 21695 94.01% 1080–1310 22–29
Valparaiso University Test Optional (Permanent) Valparaiso offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scors. 6842 94.15%
University of Maine Test Optional (Permanent) University of Maine offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores. 14447 94.16% 1080–1320 24–30
Kansas State University Test Optional* (Permanent) Kansas State requires either the SAT or ACT. However, they will waive the requirement for students with a 3.25+ GPA. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 9703 95.14% 1130–1300 20–27
Old Dominion University Test Optional* (Permanent) ODU offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, not all applicants may be eligible for test optional admission. Please check with the university. 14435 95.14% 1100–1240 22–27
University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee Test Optional (Temporary) The University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee has extended its temporary test optional policy to the 2024–25 admission cycle. 15355 95.20%
University of Montana Test Optional (Permanent) University of Montana offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT/ACT scores. 8943 95.38% 1100–1280 19–26
University of Wyoming Test Optional* (Temporary) Test scores are not currently required for undergraduate admission decisions to the University of Wyoming. Though not required, scores are recommended for financial assistance. Students who have earned their GED and are under 21 years old must submit SAT or ACT scores. 5797 95.98% 1030–1230 20–27
Western Kentucky Test Optional* (Permanent) WKU requires either the SAT or ACT. However, it will waive this requirement for students who have a 2.5+ GPA. 7505 96.95% 990–1160 18–25
University of Mississippi Test Optional* (Temporary) Ole Miss has extended their temporary test optional policy for students with a 2.0+ GPA. Although they are not requiring a standardized test score for admission for the 2024–25 academic year, ACT/SAT scores are still very important for scholarships, some aid programs and for academic placement. 22311 97.38%
The Citadel Test Optional (Permanent) The Citadel is a test optional institution. 2253 98.58% 1100–1250 23–27
University of South Dakota Test Optional* (Permanent) University of South Dakota requires either the SAT or ACT. However, they will waive this requirement for students who have a 2.6+ GPA, rank in the top 50% of their class, or achieve a 3 or higher on the English Language Arts and Mathematics Smarter Balanced Assessments. It does not require the optional ACT Writing Test. 4480 99.46% 1050–1260 19–25
University of Texas—El Paso Test Optional* (Permanent) UTEP requires either the SAT or ACT. However, it will waive this requirement for students who rank in the top 10% of their class. 10493 99.92% 870–990 16–22
Weber State Test Optional (Permanent) Weber State University offers a test optional policy, which allows first-year applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, scores are recommended to help determine scholarship eligibility and Math & English placement. 7357 100.00% 18–25

About 95% of schools have reported for the classes entering in fall 2022 or 2021, which were the first admission cycles with widespread temporary test optional policies in response to students’ inability to test during the early months of the pandemic. This is evident in the absence of score data at some schools. Scores for enrolled students entering in the fall of 2023 should become generally available by late spring or summer of 2024.

Art Sawyer

Art graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, where he was the top-ranked liberal arts student in his class. Art pioneered the one-on-one approach to test prep in California in 1989 and co-founded Compass Education Group in 2004 in order to bring the best ideas and tutors into students' homes and computers. Although he has attained perfect scores on all flavors of the SAT and ACT, he is routinely beaten in backgammon.

165 Comments

  • Willy says:

    Hi Mr. Sawyer

    Thank you for this site! Great resource! I would be grateful if you can share your thoughts on my question below –

    I am a junior and took the paper SAT for the first time in August 2023. Scored 1550(750E, 800M). I took the digital PSAT in October. Scored 1510(750E, 760M). I have very strong academics (high course rigor, high GPA, etc.) and also very strong extracurriculars related to my major (nationally ranked). I want to study computer science and the SAT 25-75% range for my top choice schools are 1500-1580. I prefer the digital SAT to the paper option as it plays to my strenghts. I scored (1550, 1600, 1560, 1570) in the 4 practice digital SATs.

    Do I keep my 1550 paper SAT score or should I try the digital SAT in March/May/June/August 2024 to target 1570/1580?

    Thank you!

    • Art Sawyer says:

      Willy,
      You’ll get different answers from different folks on this one. I would say to go for it (unless you mean in March + May + June + Aug). If you were talking about needing to do massive amounts of prep, I’d dissuade you. But it sounds like you’ve already done the prep. You got a perfect score on Math SAT and PSAT, you’ve done great on RW, and you’ve been doing practice tests. As long as you can superscore, you know that the Math is taken care of. I’d pick a date that works for you and take the digital SAT. Good luck!

      • Willy says:

        LOL no, I did not mean 4 more times, just 1 more 🙂 . Thank you so much! Yes – will give it one more try so I don’t regret later. Will not spend too much time on it, just review/refresh/practice for 2-3 weeks before the test. Thanks again!

  • Disputatious Dad says:

    Hi Mr. Sawyer,
    Now that Dartmouth has made SATs/ACTs mandatory, what do you think the other 7 Ivies and other prestigious universities will do? I doubt Harvard will make tests mandatory as that would open themselves up to more lawsuits since standardized test scores are more objective than ECs and HS GPAs. Also, there is a lot of buzz in the higher-ed world that standardized test scores are a better predictor of college success than HS GPAs even though past studies stated the opposite. It would be great to hear your thoughts on these matters. Thanks for all the hard work you and the other people at COMPASS provide!

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