Over the past few years, efforts have been made to encourage more colleges to accept self-reported SAT and ACT scores from students during the application process and only require official reports when a student actually enrolls. Leaders of this push have included Gabrielle McColgan, James Murphy, Marie Bigham, and many other contributors.
Why the growing movement?
Among the many expenses that add up in the college admission process are application fees, test registration fees, and official score report fees. Many students are eligible to have these fees waived, but other students who don’t qualify for waivers may still find the costs to be a burden. A typical scenario might involve a student taking both the SAT and ACT once or twice, applying to 8–10 colleges, and spending a few hundred dollars simply to have official score reports sent to each college.
Colleges in the list below have stipulated that students may self-report their test scores in their applications. Click on the name of the college to visit the page on the school’s website where the policy is explained. Note that colleges may still require official scores for international and home-schooled students.
Our goal is to see this list grow and make it as comprehensive as possible. Please add a comment and provide the policy page link if you come across a school not listed. Note that only colleges that have written policies on their websites or in application materials are included here.
Please note: This is not an exhaustive list. There are nearly 4,000 colleges and universities in the country, and we have not examined the self-reporting policies at each one. The completeness of this list relies heavily on crowdsourced data.
Please note: All colleges require official test scores upon enrollment; these are application policies only. Some schools may have different requirements to be eligible for merit-based scholarships. Students should check directly with each college to confirm they have the most recent and accurate policy information.
I noticed that UNC chapel hill currently allows self-reported test scores. That information is here: https://admissions.unc.edu/faqs/how-does-unc-look-at-act-or-sat-test-scores/
Thanks, Pam! UNC Chapel Hill is already on our list.
Hi! I am fairly sure that Wesleyan University does not allow self-reporting. I don’t have a link but they wouldn’t take my self-reported scores when I applied.
Hi Ella,
Sorry to hear that you had difficulty with your application! Wesleyan does say on their website “For students who elect to have their scores considered, Wesleyan will accept the self-reported scores documented on the application.” so maybe check with the admissions office to make sure they review your self-reported scores!
Please add Rhodes College to the list.
Rhodes College accepts self-reported test scores. https://www.rhodes.edu/admission-aid/apply-rhodes/first-year-application-checklist
Thanks for adding Rhodes to the list! ~ Lauren Sefton, Rhodes College Admission Office
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for reaching out! Rhodes is on the list.
Looks like Villanova should come off your list– the link here is broken and when you search their website, it says scores must be sent from test company or on transcript. https://www1.villanova.edu/content/university/undergraduate-admission/applying-to-villanova/first-year-applicants.html
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for letting us know the link is broken. I’ve updated it to the one you shared. In the test scores section there, it says scores are only considered official if sent from the testing agency or on a high school transcript. But just above that, it mentions self-reported scores are allowed: “Applicants who choose to submit SAT or ACT scores may share either official or self-reported scores. Scores can be self-reported via a form on the student’s Applicant Status Page. Students sharing self-reported scores will not be required to submit official scores unless they are admitted and choose to enroll.”
https://oglethorpe.edu/admission/undergraduate-admission/how-to-apply/firstyear/#:~:text=SAT/ACT%20Scores%20(Optional)
Thanks, Ann!
When I click on the link to Northeastern University in Boston, it does not sound like they allow one to self-report SAT/ACT scores. It is test optional, so they do not require these scores, but it says that if you choose to submit your scores then you can use their SAT/ACT school codes to have the scores sent.
HI Laura,
We just updated the table with this link, which mentions self-report as an option: https://catalog.northeastern.edu/undergraduate/admission/admission-policy-entrance-requirements/
“If you have test scores to report, please either self-report your scores through the Common Application, upload them via your Applicant Portal or have official test scores sent directly to us.”
When we see this as their self-reporting policy, is there any benefit in sending the official test scores directly to the school vs just self-report??
Thanks,
Fernando
Hi Fernando,
Great question! Even the schools that allow self-reporting require students to submit official scores upon enrollment. So the benefit of sending official scores at the beginning would be not needing to take care of it later. But the benefit of self-reporting scores is cost saving at the beginning. For example, the scenario mentioned in the post: “…a student taking both the SAT and ACT once or twice, applying to 8–10 colleges, and spending a few hundred dollars simply to have official score reports sent to each college.”
Thanks!
Should I worry that if I self-report my scores, those scores would not be taken as seriously as the official scores received from the testing company.
You should not worry about that! But do know that if you misrepresent your scores when you self-report, your admission may be rescinded when the school receives your official scores.
Hey, you can add Skidmore to your list
Hi Nilabh,
Thanks for letting us know about Skidmore! We have added them to the list.
From the University of Michigan. We will allow for self reported test scores for the 2021-22 season; the scores do not need to come from the testing agency. https://admissions.umich.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/requirements-deadlines
Hi Diana,
Thanks for sharing this update! We updated UM’s listing in the table.
From UM’s website – ***We will allow for self reported test scores for the 2022-23 season; the scores do not need to come from the testing agency.
So they’re still allowing self-report for Fall 2023 applicants.
Thanks for letting us know, Alexis! I’ve updated the table.
Hello, does this apply to TOEFL scores as well? If so, does this mean that I don’t have to officially send my TOEFL scores?
Mukhriz,
Score reporting policies can vary for international students. I would contact the admissions offices to verify their policies.
University of Colorado allows self reporting of test scores
https://www.colorado.edu/admissions/first-year/selection
Thank you for letting us know! We’ve added it to the list.
This has been very helpful. When will you be updating this list? Thanks!
Hi Jennifer,
We update the list as we hear about new schools that allow self-reporting. We haven’t been made aware of one for a while, as the popular topic lately has been test optional policies.
Hi,
Thank you for providing this link on schools that allow self-reporting of test scores.
https://www.compassprep.com/self-reporting-test-scores/
I have a question …
A number of schools didn’t appear to allow self report. However, when I search on Google, they might say that Test scores are not needed to be sent. So does that mean, we still need to go into the college board website and send the official score even though we already self-reported it in the common app and coalition app? For example, University of Washinton didn’t show up in the search link you provided yet here’s a link from University of Washington that says we don’t have to send test scores:
https://admit.washington.edu/apply/freshman/how-to-apply/#:~:text=7.-,Send%20test%20scores%3F,more%20about%20SAT%2FACT%20scores.
”
7. Send test scores?
The UW no longer requires SAT or ACT scores (read the June 11, 2020 announcement for more information). Students who have taken the exams are welcome to send their scores, however, there is absolutely no advantage or disadvantage in doing so. Learn more about SAT/ACT scores.”
Here’s another example. University of Oregon didn’t show up in search for the link you provided as allowing self reporting. However, when I search on Google for their test policy this year, it says they are “test blind”:
https://admissions.uoregon.edu/testoptional
University of Texas, NYU, Georgetown, Boston U and a number of schools don’t appear in your link’s search results so it seems like they don’t accept just self reporting test scores in the common app / coalition app?
So, just trying to figure out if we self-report test scores on common app and coalition app … but the school doesn’t show up on the link you provided as allowing “self-report”, does that mean we always have to go into college board site and send the SAT scores? And also go to college board site to send the the SAT subject and AP Test scores?
Thanks!
Hi My,
First, it’s important to note that our list is not exhaustive. There are likely many schools out there that DO allow self-reporting that we haven’t heard from yet. If you run across any, please send us a link so we can add them!
Second, many schools are test-optional this year, which means neither official nor self-reported scores are required. Some schools who have gone test optional are allowing students who choose to submit scores to self-report them. However, some are still requiring official scores. Be sure to check with the schools you are interested in to see if they accept self-report or require official scores.
Third, according to the link you included in this comment, University of Oregon’s “test-blind” policy is for scholarship consideration only. For admissions purposes, Oregon is a test optional school.
I hope this clears a few things up! As you can see, there is no “one size fits all” policy in college admissions. Our recommendation to students who have questions about an individual school’s policies is to always follow-up with that school directly. You will get the best and most accurate information from the admissions office.
Will you be updating this for fall 2022 applicants?
Hi Hayley,
This list is continually updated to include new schools. However, it should not be viewed as exhaustive. Be sure to check with all the schools you’re interested in to see if they allow self-reporting. If you come across one not included here, please let us know and we’ll add it!
Hi. Thanks for this list. Does Dartmouth accept self-reported scores?
Hi Noah,
I can’t find any definitive language on Dartmouth’s website about whether or not they accept self-reported scores. But that doesn’t mean they don’t! You should try contacting the admissions office to see what their policy is. It’s also worth noting that Dartmouth is test optional for students applying to the class of 2025.
Standardized Testing
SLU accepts self-reported exam scores, too!
https://www.slu.edu/admission/freshman/requirements.php
Saint Louis University will move to a standardized test optional admission process for all undergraduate programs beginning with students applying for admission to the 2021-2022 academic year. Applicants may submit standardized test scores, but those who choose not to will not be disadvantaged in any way in the admission process.
Applicants who choose to submit ACT and/or SAT scores can have them sent electronically from the testing company or include them on official high school transcripts. Self-reported scores will also be considered. If multiple test results are sent, SLU does not superscore.
Hi Monica,
Thank you for letting us know! We’ve added SLU.
I think Stevens Institute of Technology also allows self-reported scores
You’re right! We’ve added Stevens.
College of the Holy Cross is reporting on their website that they will accept self-reported SAT and ACT scores on the application.
Thanks for letting us know, Lara! College of the Holy Cross is now on our list.
Denison is test optional, but allows students to self report if they choose to submit scores:
https://denison.edu/campus/admission/apply-for-admission
Hi Christy,
Thanks for letting us know about Denison! They are now on our list.
Michigan State allows self reporting in the application! https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/freshman/before-you-apply/test-optional.aspx
Hi Andrea,
Thank you for letting us know about MSU – we’ve added them to the list!
Doesn’t wesleyan unviersity let you self-report?
Hi Eliza,
Wesleyan is a test-optional school, however, we couldn’t find any official words on their site indicating whether or not they accept self-reported scores from students who choose to submit. If you see a policy on their site, please send us a link!
Here is a link from Wesleyan’s site that says they will accept self-reported scores: https://www.wesleyan.edu/admission/apply/testing.html
Morning! I’m on a webinar with Claremont McKenna, Colorado College, Connecticut College, Grinnell, Haverford, Kenyon, Macalester, and Sarah Lawrence.
FYI: all 8 confirmed they will accept self-reported scores. CMC, Grinnell, and Sarah Lawrence aren’t on your list yet.
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for the info! We added CMC and SLC, however, Grinell has listed on their website that they only accept official scores from the testing agency, scores listed on an official transcript, or scores sent from a counselor. We consider that a separate category from self-report.
https://www.grinnell.edu/admission/apply/first-year/requirements
College of Wooster is test-optional, and also allows self-reporting.
https://www.wooster.edu/admissions/apply/first-year/policy/
Hi Miranda,
Wooster is already on our list!
Butler University is test optional and self report. https://www.butler.edu/admission/first-year-application-process and https://www.butler.edu/admission/test-optional
Thank you for letting us know! We’ve added Butler to the list.
UMass Lowell has started accepting self-reported scores https://www.uml.edu/admissions/apply/self-reported-test-score-faq.aspx
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for this info! UMass Lowell is on the list.
Hi!
Thanks so much for compiling this list — so helpful to students/families.
Fairfield allows self-reporting on the Common App (a question within their general questions).
Thanks!
Hi Ann,
Thank you for letting us know — we’ve added Fairfield.
Brandeis University should be on this list as well. “Brandeis accepts self-reported exam scores for admissions review.” https://www.brandeis.edu/admissions/apply/testing.html
Hi Susie,
Thanks for the info! We’ve added Brandeis.
University of Wisconsin Madison allows self reporting https://admissions.wisc.edu/application-materials/
Thank you for letting us know – UW-Madison is on the list!
UNC Chapel Hill is self-report this year – https://admissions.unc.edu/apply/how-we-review-test-scores/#:~:text=Please%20self%2Dreport%20scores%20even,directly%20from%20the%20testing%20service.
Hi Kara,
Thanks for letting us know! We’ve added UNC Chapel Hill.
Hi, Elon allows students to self-report. Per their website: Yes, Elon will accept self-reported scores. Applicants may self-report SAT/ACT scores on the application for admission. If an applicant is offered admission and enrolls, an official copy of the SAT/ACT score will be required.
Thanks, Kathy!
My daughter filled out her University of California application and she self-reported her SAT and ACT scores.
Hi Angie,
Thank you for passing that info along! We have added the UC system to our list.
Vanderbilt allows self-reporting of scores:
https://admissions.vanderbilt.edu/quickguide/
Hi Judy,
Thanks for letting us know! We’ve added Vanderbilt to the list.
Hi there,
Thank you for the list. It helped me a lot. However, i was thinking if you could look into this link as well-https://www.collegetransitions.com/dataverse/self-reporting-ACT-and-SAT
there are some other collages too.
Hi Rezwana,
Thanks for sharing this list! I cross-referenced it with ours and only found a couple that we haven’t included because of slight variations in definitions. For example, University of Oregon accepts scores on official high school transcripts; we consider this a separate category from “self-report” because it relies on someone other than the student sending the scores to the university.
Please add Washington and Lee college to your list
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for letting us know about W&L – we’ve added it to the list!
Hello – please add Gettysburg College and Vassar College to the list!
Hi Jillian,
Thanks for reaching out! We have added Gettysburg College to the list. Vassar, however, appears to only accept scores that are included on official high school transcripts or scores that are validated by a counselor. We consider this to be a separate category from “self-report” because it relies on someone other than the student sending the scores to the college.
Here is a link from Vassar’s site that says they will accept self-reported scores: https://www.vassar.edu/admissions/apply/requirements/
Thank you for letting us know about Vassar and Wesleyan! We have added both to the list.
Please add Old Dominion University; they began taking self-reported testing in mid-October.
Thank you for letting us know, Erin! We have added ODU to the list.
This is a valuable resource that can save money for students – thank you for coordinating it. Please add Bentley.
Hi Veronica,
Thank you for the kind words! And thank you for letting us know about Bentley – we’ve added it to the list.
College of Wooster allows self reporting with official reports only if enrolled: https://www.wooster.edu/admissions/apply/first-year/policy/
Hi Robin,
Thanks for reaching out. The College of Wooster is already on our list!
Trinity College accepts self-reported scores starting this year.
Hi MJ,
Trinity College (in Connecticut) is a test optional school, but I don’t see on their website whether or not they take self-reported scores for students who choose to submit. Trinity University (in Texas) does accept self-reported scores beginning this year and is already on our list!
RPI in Troy NY allows self reporting scores
Hi Ashar,
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute does accept self-reported scores (unless you are applying to an accelerated program in law or medicine) and is already on our list!
Bennington College will accept self-reported scores:
https://www.bennington.edu/academics/graduate-postbac-programs/postbaccalaureate-premedical-program/frequently-asked-questions
Click into “Do you require ACT, SAT or GRE scores?”
Thank you!
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for reaching out! It looks like that section of Bennington’s website focuses on requirements for a few select graduate programs. On their regular admissions page, it doesn’t say whether or not they accept self-reported scores. However, Bennington is a test optional school, so students can always consider that when choosing to apply and/or send scores!
https://www.bennington.edu/admissions-aid/apply/common-application
Quinnipiac says that if you self report test scores you need to send official scores by June 1st if you plan to enroll. https://www.qu.edu/admissions/undergraduate.html
Thank you for letting us know, Andrea! We have added Quinnipiac.
Eckerd College accepts self-reported scores:
https://www.eckerd.edu/admissions/faq/
Thank you for letting us know, Stephanie! We’ve added Eckerd.
Oglethorpe University in Atlanta accepts self-reported scores as well 🙂
Hi Whitney,
Do you have a webpage or press release that says this? All I found on Oglethorpe’s website was that they still require official test scores: https://oglethorpe.edu/admission/undergraduate-admission/how-to-apply/firstyear/