Prior to the onset of the pandemic, a decades-long movement away from testing requirements already had momentum. There are many rationales for removing the requirement. Perhaps the most fundamental is the argument that the additional information provided by tests is murky and not worth the effort and expense borne by students to produce scores. Colleges also generally find that test-optional policies help them reach broader and more diverse student populations. Competitive considerations vis-a-vis their peer institutions’ policies may play a role.
The pandemic has significantly altered the testing policy landscape at all levels of selectivity and type of institution and greatly accelerated the adoption of test optional policies. As of February 2020, 58 of the “US News Top 100” liberal arts colleges were test flexible, along with 19 of the “Top 100” national research universities. Six months later, nearly all of these liberal arts colleges and a great majority of these national universities were test optional (at least for the class of 2021). And as test site cancellations continue through fall 2020, the remaining holdouts will likely relax their requirements. Class of 2021 students will not find their options much constrained by not submitting test scores.
Unconstrained, though, does not mean one’s application is as competitive as it would be if it included strong test scores. Therein lies a dilemma for the class of 2021, and one that may confront the class of 2022 as well.
For the class of 2021, at least, the absence of test scores is unlikely to be viewed as a red flag. The only reasonable assumption is that the applicant did not have safe, readily available opportunities to test. Whereas in prior years some colleges might have assumed uncompetitive scores were being withheld, we expect the class of 2021 will get the benefit of the doubt.
However, strong test scores can still help at competitive schools that are not test free (this label is preferred over “test-blind”). The most prudent path is to err on the side of attaining strong scores, if feasible. For many students the operative question is not which application components are optional, but rather what are the other applicants of similar backgrounds likely to present as strengths. We have not found that test-optional policies reduce interest in testing by students applying to competitive colleges.
Deciding how much to pursue testing opportunities requires risk calculations that were unfamiliar before spring 2020. Families must first determine whether any local test centers are open and available and then whether those test sites satisfy the family’s safety concerns.
Students should try to ascertain how essential scores will be at their target colleges. It is too early to know which colleges will remain test optional after this year. And there is the uncertainty of whether a college is enthusiastically test optional or still likely to afford favor to applications that include strong scores.
To assist with these questions and others, Compass closely tracks the testing policies and competitive profiles of 400+ popular colleges. These institutions attract a national applicant pool and are all moderately to highly selective. Their testing policies for the class of 2021 break down as follows:
A temporary test optional stance is most common. Within this group are schools that still prefer to receive scores and have granted a test optional concession only due to the pandemic. Also included are schools whose admissions leaders are fully committed to the ethos of test optional and are urging their stakeholders to make the policy permanent (resistance often comes from faculty, trustees, or politically-appointed regents of state institutions). How these trial periods will evolve for the class of 2022 and beyond remains to be seen. Compass expects many test optional policies to become permanent and that the test free movement will gain traction as well. Students who are disadvantaged or discouraged by testing will have more options than ever before, even as scores remain relevant in most competitive contexts.
A complete reckoning of the impact of the test optional surge of 2020 will take several years. In the near term, we will learn how many students were unable to sit for tests at all and also how many test takers chose to submit scores to test optional colleges. Over the next few years, we will see if applicant and admission profiles at competitive colleges alter and what role testing policies may have in that change. Other factors will surely affect college admissions in the coming years, too: the number of students taking gap years, the attractiveness and accessibility of US colleges among international students, the affordability and safety of the residential college model, and more.
The following is a sampling of admission statistics and testing requirements at 400+ well-known colleges with competitive admissions. Class year refers to the fall term of the entering first-year class. The test scores represent the middle 50% range of the incoming class. These scores should not be viewed as cutoffs or qualifying scores.
Many colleges have recently enacted temporary or permanent test-optional policies as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Test optional policies may not have been in place during the application cycle for the entering class whose data is listed. We have included historical requirements with the aim of aiding students in their expectation of future requirements.
| School | TO? | Applies to Class Year(s) | Policy Details | Number of Applicants | Accept Rate | SAT Total 25th-75th Percentile | ACT Total 25th-75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States Air Force Academy | No | USAFA requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 10354 | 11.1% | 1230-1440 | 28-33 | |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | No | USCGA requires either the SAT or ACT, completed without accommodations. However, candidates that have submitted all other required application items, but have not been able to complete an SAT or ACT exam by February 15, will be reviewed after Regular Admission. It does not require the optional SAT essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 1930 | 20.3% | 1212-1400 | 25-30 | |
| United States Merchant Maritime Academy | No | USMMA requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional SAT essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 1693 | 24.8% | 1200-1340 | 25-31 | |
| Florida State University | No | Florida State University requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 58936 | 36.0% | 1200-1340 | 26-30 | |
| University of Florida | No | The University of Florida requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 38069 | 36.6% | 1320-1450 | 28-33 | |
| University of Central Florida | No | University of Central Florida requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 35240 | 38.2% | 1160-1340 | 25-29 | |
| University of South Florida | No | University of South Florida requries either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not considered. | 36986 | 47.7% | 1170-1330 | 25-29 | |
| Florida International | No | Florida International University requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. It does not consider SAT Subject Test scores. | 18492 | 57.5% | 1240-1300 | 23-28 | |
| Gallaudet University | No | Gallaudet University requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 477 | 61.2% | 785-985 | 14-19 | |
| Florida Institute of Technology | No | Florida Institute of Technology requires either the SAT or ACT. It generally does not require the optional SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test, but it may be required for some applicants. Subject Tests are not required, however, the Math II, Chemistry, Physics and Literature Subject Tests are recommended for homeschooled applicants. | 9743 | 65.7% | 1150-1360 | 24-30 | |
| New College of Florida | No | The New College of Florida requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 1226 | 73.1% | 1170-1335 | 25-31 | |
| Louisiana State University—Baton Rouge | No | Louisiana State University requires either the SAT or the ACT. It does not require the optional SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 24501 | 74.6% | 1080-1310 | 23-29 | |
| Thomas Aquinas College | No | Thomas Aquinas College requires requires that applicants take the SAT, the ACT, or the Classic Learning Test. It does not require the optional SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. Thomas Aquinas College does not offer merit-based aid. | 204 | 78.9% | 1150-1390 | 26-31 | |
| University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley | No | University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 10680 | 79.8% | 950-1130 | 17-22 | |
| University of South Dakota | No | University of South Dakota requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 4434 | 86.4% | 990-1180 | 19-25 | |
| Stanford University | Yes | 2021 | Stanford has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Stanford does not offer merit-based aid. | 47452 | 4.3% | 1440-1570 | 32-35 |
| Harvard College | Yes | 2021 | Harvard has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Harvard does not offer merit-based aid. | 43330 | 4.6% | 1460-1570 | 33-35 |
| Columbia University | Yes | 2021 | Columbia has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Columbia does not offer merit-based aid. | 42569 | 5.3% | 1480-1560 | 33-35 |
| Princeton University | Yes | 2021 | Princeton has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year and transfer applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle.. Princeton does not offer merit-based aid. | 35370 | 5.5% | 1440-1570 | 32-35 |
| Yale University | Yes | 2021 | Yale has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for the 2020-21 admission cycle. Yale does not offer merit-based aid. | 36844 | 6.1% | 1460-1570 | 33-35 |
| University of Chicago | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | UChicago offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 34648 | 6.2% | 1500-1600 | 33-35 |
| California Institute of Technology | Yes (TF) | 2021, 2022 | CalTech has adopted a two-year Test Free policy, meaning it will not consider standardized test scores, beginning with the 2020-21 admissions cycle. It will not consider the optional SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test, or SAT Subject Test scores. CalTech does not offer merit-based aid. | 8367 | 6.4% | 1530-1560 | 35-36 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Yes | 2021 | MIT has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. MIT will not consider SAT Subject Test scores. MIT does not offer merit-based aid. | 21706 | 6.7% | 1500-1570 | 34-36 |
| Brown University | Yes | 2021 | Brown has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for the 2020-21 admission cycle. Brown does not offer merit-based aid. | 38674 | 7.1% | 1440-1570 | 33-35 |
| Pomona College | Yes | 2021 | Pomona College has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year and transfer applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Pomona College does not offer merit-based aid. | 10401 | 7.4% | 1390-1540 | 32-35 |
| University of Pennsylvania | Yes | 2021 | UPenn has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. UPenn does not offer merit-based aid. | 44961 | 7.7% | 1450-1560 | 33-35 |
| Dartmouth College | Yes | 2021 | Dartmouth has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Dartmouth does not offer merit-based aid. | 23650 | 7.9% | 1440-1560 | 32-35 |
| United States Naval Academy | Yes | 2021 | USNA has adopted a one year test flexible policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Students seeking consideration for admission without college entrance examinations, will be asked to provide supporting information concerning test availability, cancellation, etc. | 16332 | 8.3% | 1240-1520 | 27-32 |
| Rice University | Yes | 2021 | Rice has adopted a one-year test optional policy for all first-year and transfer students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 27087 | 8.7% | 1470-1570 | 33-35 |
| Bowdoin College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 9332 | 8.8% | 1330-1520 | 31-34 |
| Duke University | Yes | 2021 | Duke has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 35767 | 8.9% | 1450-1570 | 33-35 |
| Swarthmore College | Yes | 2021, 2022 | Swarthmore has adopted a two-year, test optional policy for all first-year and transfer applicants, beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. After a two-year period, Swarthmore will re-evaluate whether to continue the test optional policy indefinitely or reinstate a testing requirement for admission. | 11442 | 8.9% | 1380-1540 | 31-35 |
| Northwestern University | Yes | 2021 | Northwestern has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 40585 | 9.1% | 1440-1550 | 33-35 |
| Vanderbilt University | Yes | 2021 | Vanderbilthas adopted a one-year, test optional policy for all first-year and transfer applicants, both domestic and international, for Fall 2021 matriculation. | 37310 | 9.1% | 1460-1560 | 33-35 |
| Colby College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 13584 | 9.7% | 1380-1520 | 31-34 |
| Johns Hopkins University | Yes | 2021 | Johns Hopkins has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 30164 | 9.7% | 1470-1570 | 33-35 |
| United States Military Academy | Yes | 2021 | West Point has adopted a one-year test-flexible policy, which allows students who are unable to submit SAT or ACT scores to apply without them. However, these students are required to submit PSAT scores and must also provide information supporting inability to test. | 11675 | 10.3% | 1160-1380 | 25-30 |
| Claremont McKenna College | Yes | 2021 | Claremont McKenna College has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for all first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 6066 | 10.3% | 1360-1510 | 31-34 |
| Cornell University | Yes | 2021 | Cornell has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. 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. | 49114 | 10.9% | 1400-1560 | 32-35 |
| Amherst College | Yes | 2021 | Amherst College has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for all first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Amherst College does not offer merit-based aid. | 10569 | 11.3% | 1410-1550 | 31-34 |
| University of Southern California | Yes | 2021 | USC has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 66198 | 11.4% | 1370-1520 | 31-34 |
| Barnard College | Yes | 2021 | Barnard College has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for all first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Barnard College does not offer merit-based aid. | 9320 | 11.8% | 1340-1520 | 31-34 |
| Bates College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 8222 | 12.1% | 1270-1480 | 29-33 |
| University of California—Los Angeles | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 | The UC system has adopted a two-year test optional policy, which will be followed by a two-year test free policy beginning in the 2020-21 admission cycle. At the end of the four year period, they will consider whether to reinstate the testing requirement. | 111322 | 12.3% | 1290-1510 | 27-34 |
| Williams College | Yes | 2021 | Williams College has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-time, international, and transfer applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Williams college does not offer merit-based aid. | 9715 | 12.6% | 1410-1550 | 32-35 |
| Tulane University | Yes | 2021 | Tulane has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 42185 | 12.9% | 1360-1520 | 31-33 |
| Pitzer College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Pitzer offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. However, applicants to the joint medical program, homeschooled students, and students who attend secondary schools at which grades are not provided are not eligible for test optional admission. | 4358 | 13.3% | 1340-1490 | 30-33 |
| Colorado College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 9456 | 13.5% | 1300-1480 | 29-33 |
| Harvey Mudd College | Yes | 2021 | Harvey Mudd has adopted a one-year test optional policy for all first-year and transfer students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 4045 | 13.7% | 1490-1570 | 33-35 |
| Washington University in St. Louis | Yes | 2021 | Washington University in St. Louis has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 25426 | 13.9% | 1470-1570 | 32-35 |
| Georgetown University | Yes | 2021 | Georgetown has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Georgetown does not offer merit-based aid. | 22764 | 14.4% | 1370-1530 | 31-35 |
| Tufts University | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023 | Tufts has adopted a three-year, test optional policy for first-time, international, and homeschooled students beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. After a three-year pilot period, Tufts will reevaluate whether to continue the test optional policy indefinitely or reinstate a testing requirement for admission. Tufts does not offer merit-based aid. | 22766 | 15.0% | 1390-1540 | 32-34 |
| Middlebury College | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023 | Middlebury has adopted a three-year, test optional policy for first-year and transfer students, beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. After a three-year pilot period, Middlebury will re-evaluate whether to continue the test optional policy indefinitely or return to its previous test flexible policy. Middlebury does not offer merit-based aid. | 9754 | 15.4% | 1360-1530 | 32-34 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Yes | 2021 | Carnegie Mellon has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Carnegie Mellon does not offer merit-based aid. | 27634 | 15.4% | 1460-1560 | 33-35 |
| Emory University | Yes | 2021 | Emory has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 30017 | 15.6% | 1350-1520 | 31-34 |
| University of Notre Dame | Yes | 2021 | Notre Dame has adopted a one-year test optional policy for all first year and transfer students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 22200 | 15.8% | 1400-1550 | 32-35 |
| The Cooper Union | Yes | 2021, 2022 | Cooper Union has adopted a two-year, test optional policy for first-year and transfer applicants, beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. After a two-year period, Cooper Union will re-evaluate whether to continue the test optional policy indefinitely or reinstate a testing requirement for admission. | 2326 | 15.9% | 1305-1530 | 30-35 |
| New York University | Yes | 2021 | NYU has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 79462 | 16.2% | 1370-1510 | 30-34 |
| Haverford College | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023 | Haverford has adopted a three-year, test optional policy for all first-year and transfer applicants, beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. After a three-year period, Haverford will re-evaluate whether to continue the test optional policy indefinitely or reinstate a testing requirement for admission. Haverford does not offer merit-based aid. | 4963 | 16.3% | 1380-1540 | 32-34 |
| Wesleyan University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 13264 | 16.5% | 1320-1510 | 31-34 |
| Hamilton College | Yes | 2021 | Hamilton College has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for all first-year and transfer applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Hamilton does not offer merit-based aid. | 8279 | 16.5% | 1370-1520 | 32-34 |
| University of California—Berkeley | Yes (TF) | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 | Cal has adopted a four-year test free policy beginning in the 2020-21 admission cycle. At the end of the four year period, they will consider whether to reinstate the testing requirement. | 87398 | 16.8% | 1330-1520 | 28-34 |
| Northeastern University | Yes | 2021 | Northeastern University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 62263 | 18.1% | 1390-1540 | 32-35 |
| Davidson College | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023 | Davidson has adopted a three-year, test optional policy for first-time students beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. However, homeschooled students and students who attend non-traditional schools are not eligible for test optional admission. After a three-year pilot period, Davidson will re-evaluate whether to continue the test optional policy indefinitely or reinstate a testing requirement for admission. | 5982 | 18.1% | 1310-1485 | 30-33 |
| Washington and Lee University | Yes | 2021 | Washington and Lee has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 6178 | 18.6% | 1460-1500 | 32-34 |
| Boston University | Yes | 2021 | Boston University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for all first year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 62224 | 18.9% | 1360-1480 | 30-34 |
| Carleton College | Yes | 2021 | Carleton College has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for all first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Carleton College does not offer merit-based aid. | 7382 | 19.0% | 1360-1540 | 31-34 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Yes | 2021 | The University System of Georgia has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first year applicants, both domestic and international, applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 36856 | 20.6% | 1300-1510 | 29-34 |
| Wellesley College | Yes | 2021 | Wellesley College has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for all first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Wellesley College does not offer merit-based aid. | 6395 | 21.6% | 1360-1530 | 31-34 |
| Colgate University | Yes | 2021 | Colgate University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for all first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Colgate does not offer merit-based aid. | 9951 | 22.6% | 1330-1500 | 31-34 |
| University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill | Yes | 2021 | The UNC System has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 42466 | 22.6% | 1300-1490 | 27-33 |
| University of Michigan—Ann Arbor | Yes | 2021 | The University of Michigan has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 64972 | 22.9% | 1340-1530 | 31-34 |
| Grinnell College | Yes | 2021 | Grinnell has adopted a one-year test optional policy for all first-year students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 8004 | 23.1% | 1370-1530 | 31-34 |
| Vassar College | Yes | 2021 | Vassar College has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Vassar College does not offer merit-based aid. | 8961 | 23.7% | 1370-1530 | 31-34 |
| University of Virginia | Yes | 2021 | UVA has adopted a a one-year, test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 40839 | 23.9% | 1340-1500 | 30-34 |
| Rhode Island School of Design | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 3832 | 25.8% | 1230-1470 | 26-32 |
| Babson College | Yes | 2021 | Babson has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 6362 | 26.4% | 1270-1450 | 27-32 |
| University of California—Irvine | Yes (TF) | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 | UCI has adopted a four-year test free policy beginning in the 2020-21 admission cycle. At the end of the four year period, they will consider whether to reinstate the testing requirement. | 95568 | 26.5% | 1180-1440 | -- |
| University of Miami | Yes | 2021 | University of Miami has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 38919 | 27.1% | 1280-1420 | 29-32 |
| Boston College | Yes | 2021 | Boston College has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 35552 | 27.2% | 1370-1490 | 31-34 |
| Case Western Reserve University | Yes | 2021 | Case Western Reserve has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Case Western Reserve will determine policies for future classes in winter 2020-21. | 28786 | 27.4% | 1350-1520 | 30-34 |
| Villanova University | Yes | 2021 | Villanova has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 22909 | 28.2% | 1320-1470 | 31-34 |
| University of Richmond | Yes | 2021 | University of Richmond has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 12356 | 28.3% | 1290-1460 | 30-33 |
| California State Polytechnic University—San Luis Obispo | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The Cal State system has adopted a one-year, test free policy, meaning they will not consider standardized test scores, for applicants to the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 54072 | 28.4% | 1250-1420 | 26-32 |
| Trinity University | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023 | Trinity University has adopted a three-year, test optional policy for first-time, international, and homeschooled students beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. After a three-year pilot period, Trinity will re-evaluate whether to continue the test optional policy indefinitely or reinstate a testing requirement for admission. | 9864 | 28.8% | 1290-1450 | 29-32 |
| Denison University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Denison offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. | 8812 | 29.4% | 1200-1410 | 27-31 |
| University of Rochester | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | The University of Rochester offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 20216 | 29.5% | 1300-1500 | 29-33 |
| University of California—Santa Barbara | Yes (TF) | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 | UCSB has adopted a four-year test free policy beginning in the 2020-21 admission cycle. At the end of the four year period, they will consider whether to reinstate the testing requirement. | 93457 | 29.6% | 1260-1460 | 25-33 |
| Wake Forest University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Wake Forest offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 12559 | 29.6% | 1320-1490 | 30-33 |
| Skidmore College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 11102 | 30.0% | 1220-1400 | 28-32 |
| Berea College | Yes | 2021 | Berea College has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying for the Fall 2021 semester. | 1966 | 30.32% | 1090-1298 | 23-27 |
| Franklin and Marshall College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 9502 | 30.4% | 1250-1460 | 28-32 |
| Brandeis University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 11798 | 31.1% | 1280-1500 | 29-33 |
| Lafayette College | Yes | 2021 | Lafayette College has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 8521 | 31.5% | 1250-1440 | 28-33 |
| Pepperdine University | Yes | 2021 | Pepperdine University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 12764 | 31.7% | 1250-1430 | 27-32 |
| University of Texas—Austin | Yes | 2021 | The University of Texas--Austin has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 53525 | 31.8% | 1240-1470 | 27-33 |
| Scripps College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Scripps offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 3022 | 32.0% | 1333-1490 | 30-33 |
| Lehigh University | Yes | 2021 | Lehigh has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 15649 | 32.1% | 1280-1450 | 29-33 |
| Macalester College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 6598 | 32.3% | 1320-1510 | 29-33 |
| University of California—San Diego | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 | The UC system has adopted a two-year test optional policy, which will be followed by a two-year test free policy, beginning in the 2020-21 admission cycle. At the end of the four year period, they will consider whether to reinstate the testing requirement. | 99133 | 32.3% | 1250-1470 | 24-33 |
| Smith College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 5597 | 32.5% | 1340-1520 | 30-33 |
| Bryn Mawr College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 3332 | 33.1% | 1290-1510 | 29-33 |
| Emerson College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 15353 | 33.3% | 1200-1390 | 27-31 |
| Trinity College (Hartford) | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Trinity offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 6080 | 33.5% | 1300-1460 | 29-32 |
| San Diego State University | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The Cal State system has adopted a one-year, test free policy, meaning they will not consider standardized test scores, for applicants to the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 69842 | 34.0% | 1110-1320 | 22-29 |
| Kenyon College | Yes | 2021 | Kenyon has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 6662 | 34.1% | 1270-1460 | 29-33 |
| College of the Holy Cross | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | The College of the Holy Cross offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 7200 | 34.2% | 1260-1430 | 28-32 |
| Bucknell University | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 | 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. | 9845 | 34.2% | 1255-1430 | 28-32 |
| CUNY--Hunter | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The CUNY system has adopted a one-year Test Free policy for students applying to the Spring 2021, Fall 2021, and Spring 2022 semesters. | 33750 | 35.2% | 1150-1350 | -- |
| University of Tulsa | Yes | 2021 | University of Tulsa has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants entering in the Spring and Fall of 2021. | 9793 | 35.8% | 1090-1360 | 24-31 |
| Hampton University | Yes* | All / Permanent Policy | 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 SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 9551 | 36.0% | 1030-1160 | 20-25 |
| Hillsdale College | Yes | 2021 | Hillsdale College has adopted a one year test-optional policy for students applying to enter in Spring and Fall 2021. | 2208 | 36.0% | 1275-1465 | 29-32 |
| Howard University | Yes | 2021 | Howard University has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admissions cycle. | 21006 | 36.1% | 1150-1260 | 22-27 |
| American University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | American University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. Homeschooled students are highly encouraged to submit 2 SAT Subject test scores. | 18545 | 36.1% | 1220-1380 | 27-31 |
| Oberlin College | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023 | Oberlin College has adopted a three-year, test optional policy for first-time, international, and homeschooled students beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. After a three-year pilot period, Oberlin will re-evaluate whether to continue the test optional policy indefinitely or reinstate a testing requirement for admission. | 7708 | 36.4% | 1280-1480 | 29-33 |
| Occidental College | Yes | 2021 | Occidental has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year and transfer applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 7501 | 36.7% | 1300-1480 | 28-32 |
| Connecticut College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Connecticut College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 6784 | 37.4% | 1310-1450 | 30-33 |
| College of William and Mary | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023 | William and Mary has adopted a three-year, test optional policy for all applicants, beginning in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 14680 | 37.7% | 1320-1510 | 30-34 |
| Mount Holyoke College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 3908 | 38.2% | 1270-1490 | 27-32 |
| California State University--Long Beach | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The Cal State system has adopted a one-year, test free policy, meaning they will not consider standardized test scores, for applicants to the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 71297 | 39.3% | 1040-1250 | 20-26 |
| Reed College | Yes (TF) | 2021, 2022 | Reed has adopted a two-year test free admission policy, which means students' SAT and ACT scores will not be considered as part of their application review. | 5815 | 39.5% | 1325-1520 | 30-34 |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | Yes | 2021 | Stevens Institute of Technology has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. However, homeschooled students and students applying to the Pre-Med and Pre-Law programs are not eligible for test optional admissions. | 10475 | 40.0% | 1340-1500 | 31-34 |
| Dickinson College | Yes (TF) | 2021 | Dickinson has adopted a one-year test free admissions policy for students applying in the 2020-21 cycle. After this year, they will decide whether to continue with test free admissions or revert to their test optional policy. | 6426 | 40.1% | 1240-1410 | 28-32 |
| Soka University of America | Yes | 2021 | Soka University has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying for the Fall 2021 semester. | 502 | 40.2% | 1240-1430 | 26-32 |
| Binghamton University—SUNY | Yes | 2021 | Binghamton University (SUNY) has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 37516 | 40.5% | 1280-1440 | 29-32 |
| George Washington University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 26968 | 40.9% | 1280-1470 | 29-33 |
| University of California—Davis | Yes (TF) | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 | UC Davis has adopted a four-year test free policy beginning in the 2020-21 admission cycle. At the end of the four year period, they will consider whether to reinstate the testing requirement. | 76647 | 41.2% | 1150-1410 | 25-31 |
| St. Lawrence University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 6998 | 42.4% | 1160-1350 | 24-30 |
| Union College (Schenectady, NY) | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 6086 | 42.9% | 1220-1420 | 27-32 |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Yes | 2021 | Rensselaer has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year and transfer applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 20402 | 43.0% | 1330-1500 | 29-33 |
| CUNY--Baruch College | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The CUNY system has adopted a one-year Test Free policy for students applying to the Spring 2021, Fall 2021, and Spring 2022 semesters. | 20303 | 43.4% | 1130-1330 | -- |
| Spelman College | Yes | 2021 | Spelman has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 9106 | 43.4% | 1080-1230 | 22-26 |
| Loyola Marymount University | Yes | 2021 | Loyola Marymount University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 18592 | 43.8% | 1230-1410 | 27-31 |
| University of Maryland—College Park | Yes | 2021 | University of Maryland--College Park has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying for the Spring and Fall 2021 semesters. | 32987 | 44.1% | 1280-1480 | 29-33 |
| Stony Brook University—SUNY | Yes | 2021 | Stony Brook University (SUNY) has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 37079 | 44.1% | 1230-1440 | 26-32 |
| Syracuse University | Yes | 2021 | Syracuse has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 35299 | 44.4% | 1180-1380 | 26-30 |
| Rhodes College | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023 | Rhodes College has adopted a three-year, test optional policy for all first-year applicants beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. After a three-year pilot period, Rhodes will re-evaluate whether to continue the test optional policy indefinitely or reinstate a testing requirement for admission. | 5207 | 44.7% | 1220-1430 | 27-32 |
| North Carolina State University—Raleigh | Yes | 2021 | NC State has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying to the Spring and Fall 2021 semesters. | 30995 | 44.9% | 1250-1390 | 27-31 |
| Baylor University | Yes | 2021 | Baylor University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 34582 | 45.3% | 1200-1380 | 26-32 |
| University of Dallas | Yes | 2021 | University of Dallas has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 4676 | 45.3% | 1150-1360 | 24-30 |
| Gettysburg College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 6269 | 45.4% | 1270-1420 | 26-30 |
| University of Georgia | Yes | 2021 | The University System of Georgia has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first year applicants, both domestic and international, applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 29065 | 45.6% | 1240-1400 | 27-32 |
| Fordham University | Yes | 2021, 2022 | Fordham University has adopted a two-year, test optional policy for first-year and transfer applicants, beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. After a two-year period, Fordham will re-evaluate whether to continue the test optional policy indefinitely or reinstate a testing requirement for admission. | 46308 | 46.0% | 1250-1430 | 28-32 |
| Bentley University | Yes | 2021 | Bentley University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 9017 | 46.7% | 1230-1410 | 27-31 |
| Texas Christian University | Yes | 2021 | Texas Christian University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 19028 | 47.1% | 1150-1350 | 25-31 |
| Southern Methodist University | Yes | 2021 | Southern Methodist University has adopted a one-year test optional policy for the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 13959 | 47.3% | 1300-1480 | 29-33 |
| Providence College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Providence College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 11478 | 47.5% | 1210-1350 | 27-31 |
| St. Olaf College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | St. Olaf College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 5694 | 47.5% | 1190-1430 | 26-32 |
| California State University--Los Angeles | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The Cal State system has adopted a one-year, test free policy, meaning they will not consider standardized test scores, for applicants to the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 33641 | 47.8% | 900-1070 | 15-20 |
| University of San Francisco | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | University of San Francisco offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 21867 | 47.9% | 1130-1330 | 23-29 |
| University of New Mexico | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 12281 | 48.6% | 1040-1270 | 19-25 |
| University of San Diego | Yes (TF) | 2021 | University of San Diego has adopted a one-year test free admissions policy, which means they will not consider a student's SAT/ACT scores for admission. | 13755 | 48.7% | 1200-1350 | 26-31 |
| Pratt Institute | Yes | 2021 | The Pratt Institute has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying for the Fall 2021 semester. | 7090 | 48.7% | 1190-1410 | 25-30 |
| Santa Clara University | Yes | 2021, 2022 | Santa Clara University has adopted a two-year, test optional policy for first-year and transfer applicants, beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. After a two-year period, Santa Clara will re-evaluate whether to continue the test optional policy indefinitely or reinstate a testing requirement for admission. | 16300 | 48.8% | 1280-1440 | 28-32 |
| Southwestern University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 4766 | 49.0% | 1140-1320 | 23-29 |
| Pennsylvania State University—University Park | Yes | 2021 | Pennsylvania State University--College Park has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students entering in the Summer and Fall of 2021. | 71903 | 49.1% | 1160-1370 | 25-30 |
| Marist College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 11260 | 49.2% | 1210-1360 | 26-31 |
| The College of New Jersey | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023 | The College of New Jersey has adopted a three-year, test optional policy for all applicants, beginning in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 13824 | 49.3% | 1160-1360 | 25-30 |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 10645 | 49.4% | 1310-1470 | 29-33 |
| University of Connecticut | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023 | Unversity of Connecticut has adopted a three-year test optional policy for all students beginning with the 2020-2021 admission cycle. | 35096 | 49.4% | 1190-1390 | 26-32 |
| Clemson University | Yes | 2021 | Clemson has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 29070 | 51.3% | 1230-1400 | 27-32 |
| Austin College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Austin College 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. | 4360 | 51.3% | 1110-1290 | 24-29 |
| University of California—Santa Cruz | Yes (TF) | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 | UCSC has adopted a four-year test free policy beginning in the 2020-21 admission cycle. At the end of the four year period, they will consider whether to reinstate the testing requirement. | 55906 | 51.5% | 1200-1360 | 24-30 |
| Ursinus College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 3530 | 51.6% | 1150-1350 | 24-30 |
| University of Washington--Seattle | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | The University of Washington--Seattle offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. | 45579 | 51.8% | 1240-1440 | 27-33 |
| California State University--Fullerton | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The Cal State system has adopted a one-year, test free policy, meaning they will not consider standardized test scores, for applicants to the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 50105 | 52.7% | 1030-1200 | 19-24 |
| University of Wisconsin—Madison | Yes | 2021, 2022 | The University of Wisiconsin--Madison has adopted temporary test optional policy for students applying through Summer 2023. | 43921 | 53.0% | 1330-1450 | 27-32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Yes | 2021 | Colorado School of Mines has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 11756 | 53.1% | 1260-1460 | 27-33 |
| Sarah Lawrence College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Sarah Lawrence College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. | 4035 | 53.3% | 1240-1420 | 28-31 |
| Ohio State University—Columbus | Yes | 2021 | OSU has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. However, home-schooled students and students who attend a non-chartered high school are not eligible for test optional admission. | 47703 | 53.7% | 1250-1460 | 28-32 |
| Clark University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 7639 | 52.8% | 1190-1340 | 27-31 |
| Birmingham-Southern College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 3384 | 53.8% | 1110-1310 | 22-29 |
| University at Albany—SUNY | Yes | 2021 | The University at Albany-SUNY has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 27529 | 54.3% | 1090-1250 | 22-28 |
| Georgia Southern | Yes | 2021 | The University System of Georgia has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first year applicants, both domestic and international, applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 13858 | 54.5% | 1050-1200 | 20-25 |
| College of Wooster | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | The College of Wooster offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. | 6352 | 54.7% | 1150-1380 | 24-31 |
| University of La Verne | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | University of La Verne offers a test optional policy, which allows first-year applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 6864 | 54.8% | 1040-1190 | 19-24 |
| Lake Forest College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 4739 | 55.2% | 1110-1310 | 23-29 |
| Yeshiva University | Yes | 2021 | Yeshiva has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 1660 | 55.4% | 1160-1400 | 24-30 |
| California State Polytechnic University--Pomona | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The Cal State system has adopted a one-year, test free policy, meaning they will not consider standardized test scores, for applicants to the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 36660 | 55.5% | 1030-1250 | 19-27 |
| Chapman University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 14273 | 55.7% | 1190-1370 | 25-30 |
| Texas Lutheran University | Yes | 2021 | Texas Lutheran University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for domestic first-year applicants, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 3000 | 55.7% | 990-1160 | 20-24 |
| Whitman College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 4832 | 55.8% | 1240-1450 | 28-33 |
| Augustana College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 6757 | 56.6% | 1100-1300 | 23-29 |
| University of Pittsburgh | Yes | 2021 | University of Pittsburgh has adopted a one-year test optional policy for Fall 2021 applicants to the Dietrich School, however, students applying to the Business, Computing & Information, Engineering, and Nursing schools are still required to submit scores. | 32091 | 56.7% | 1260-1440 | 28-33 |
| University of California—Riverside | Yes (TF) | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 | UC Riverside has adopted a four-year test free policy beginning in the 2020-21 admission cycle. At the end of the four year period, they will consider whether to reinstate the testing requirement. | 49788 | 56.7% | 1130-1340 | 24-30 |
| University of Minnesota—Twin Cities | Yes | 2021 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 40673 | 56.7% | 1260-1480 | 26-31 |
| Fairfield University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Fairfield University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 12315 | 57.1% | 1210-1350 | 26-30 |
| New School | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | The New School offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 9413 | 57.4% | 1150-1380 | 25-30 |
| Georgia State | Yes | 2021 | The University System of Georgia has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first year applicants, both domestic and international, applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 20949 | 57.4% | 970-1150 | 20-26 |
| Hampden-Sydney College | Yes | 2021 | Hampden-Sydney College has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 3056 | 57.4% | 1060-1320 | 20-27 |
| Texas A&M University—College Station | Yes | 2021, 2022 | Texas A&M has adopted a two-year, test optional policy for applicants beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 42899 | 57.5% | 1160-1390 | 26-31 |
| Morehouse College | Yes | 2021 | Morehouse has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 3554 | 57.9% | 1010-1210 | 20-25 |
| California State University--Fresno | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The Cal State system has adopted a one-year, test free policy, meaning they will not consider standardized test scores, for applicants to the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 18122 | 57.9% | 950-1130 | 16-22 |
| Rollins College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 6167 | 58.3% | 1160-1340 | 24-30 |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | Yes | 2021 | University of Hawaii has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 16244 | 58.4% | 1070-1270 | 21-26 |
| Saint Louis University | Yes | 2021 | Saint Louis University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 15573 | 58.5% | 1170-1380 | 25-30 |
| University of Denver | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 21028 | 58.7% | 1170-1350 | 26-31 |
| University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign | Yes | 2021 | University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 43509 | 59.0% | 1220-1480 | 27-33 |
| California State University--Northridge | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The Cal State system has adopted a one-year, test free policy, meaning they will not consider standardized test scores, for applicants to the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 30637 | 59.3% | 910-1130 | 16-22 |
| Lipscomb University | Yes | 2021 | Lipscomb University has adopted a one-year test optional policy for first-year applicants entering in Spring and Fall 2021. | 3638 | 59.5% | 1060-1320 | 22-29 |
| Virginia Military Institute | Yes | 2021 | The Virginia Military Institute has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 1515 | 59.5% | 1090-1270 | 21-28 |
| Purdue University—West Lafayette | Yes | 2021 | Purdue University has adopted a one-year Test Flexible policy, which means that while they prefer students submit SAT or ACT scores, applications will still be evaluated without them for students who couldn't test. This policy applies to the Spring, Summer, and Fall 2021 terms. | 54912 | 59.8% | 1190-1440 | 25-32 |
| Wofford College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 3787 | 59.8% | 1190-1350 | 26-30 |
| St. John's College Annapolis | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 909 | 59.8% | 1200-1420 | 26-32 |
| Temple University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 35599 | 60.0% | 1120-1320 | 24-30 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Yes | 2021 | Illinois Institute of Technology has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying to the Spring and Fall 2021 semesters. | 5049 | 60.2% | 1190-1400 | 26-32 |
| Bennington College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Bennington has a test-optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. | 1344 | 60.8% | 1250-1440 | 29-32 |
| Illinois Wesleyan University | Yes | 2021 | Illinois Wesleyan has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Test optional applicants must have an interview with their admissions counselor and submit an essay. | 3719 | 60.8% | 1120-1320 | 24-29 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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 SAT Subject Tests and/or AP Exams. | 8551 | 60.9% | 1120-1360 | 23-29 |
| Furman University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Furman University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 5469 | 61.1% | 1230-1410 | 28-32 |
| University at Buffalo—SUNY | Yes | 2021 | University at Buffalo-SUNY has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 29900 | 61.1% | 1160-1340 | 24-29 |
| Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey—New Brunswick | Yes | 2021 | Rutgers has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 41286 | 61.2% | 1210-1430 | 25-32 |
| SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry | Yes | 2021 | SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 2018 | 61.4% | 1120-1310 | 23-29 |
| Abilene Christian University | Yes | 2021 | Abilene Christian University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 11379 | 61.5% | 1015-1230 | 21-28 |
| University of Portland | Yes | 2021 | University of Portland has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 14505 | 61.5% | 1160-1330 | 23-29 |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering | Yes | 2021 | MSOE has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 3552 | 61.7% | -- | 25-30 |
| Cornell College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 3118 | 61.8% | 1100-1345 | 23-29 |
| Muhlenberg College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Muhlenberg College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. | 4146 | 61.8% | 1170-1360 | 26-30 |
| Gonzaga University | Yes | 2021 | Gonzaga University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 9279 | 61.9% | 1210-1358 | 25-30 |
| Beloit College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Beloit offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. | 3657 | 62.0% | 1080-1380 | 24-30 |
| Lawrence University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Lawrence University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. | 3463 | 62.1% | 1200-1430 | 25-32 |
| University of Utah | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023 | The University of Utah has adopted a test optional policy for students applying through Fall 2023. However, students who have GEDs, who attend a non-accredited high school, or who are applying for direct admission into select programs are not eligible for TO. Test scores are also required for merit scholarships. | 24404 | 62.1% | 1142.5-1380 | 22-29 |
| Allegheny College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 5208 | 62.2% | 1170-1360 | 24-30 |
| Luther College | Yes | 2021 | Luther College has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for Fall 2021 applicants. | 4108 | 62.3% | 1040-1270 | 22-28 |
| Westmont College | Yes | 2021 | Westmont College has adopted a one-year test optional policy for student applying to the Spring and Fall 2021 semesters. | 2937 | 62.4% | 1110-1370 | 23-30 |
| Truman State University | Yes | 2021 | Truman State University has adopted a one-year Test Flexible policy, which means that while they prefer students submit SAT or ACT scores, applications will still be evaluated without them for students who couldn't test. Students applying without test scores must submit an essay and may be asked to provide additional information. Test scores are required to be eligible for some scholarships or programs. | 4595 | 62.6% | 1150-1350 | 24-31 |
| Coe College | Yes* | All / Permanent Policy | 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 SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 7431 | 63.3% | 1050-1255 | 21-27 |
| Earlham College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 2070 | 63.4% | 1100-1370 | 23-30 |
| San Jose State University | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The Cal State system has adopted a one-year, test free policy, meaning they will not consider standardized test scores, for applicants to the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 35287 | 63.6% | 1030-1260 | 18-26.5 |
| University of Massachusetts—Amherst | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023 | UMass Amherst has adopted a three-year test optional policy beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. They will reevaluate their policy after the three-year period. | 42157 | 63.8% | 1190-1390 | 26-32 |
| Wabash College | Yes | 2021 | Wabash has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 1307 | 64.2% | 1120-1320 | 23-29 |
| DePauw University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 4935 | 64.4% | 1130-1360 | 23-30 |
| Drury University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Drury University offers a test optional policy, which allows domestic students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 1664 | 64.4% | 1045-1225 | 22-28 |
| St. John Fisher College | Yes | 2021, 2022 | St. John Fisher College has adopted a two-year test optional policy beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. They will reevaluate their policy after two years. | 4720 | 64.5% | 1070-1260 | 21-26 |
| Goshen College | Yes | 2021 | Goshen has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying to enroll in Fall 2021. | 1278 | 64.7% | 1010-1210 | 21-29 |
| Bard College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Bard College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 4912 | 64.8% | 1234-1413 | 27-31 |
| Agnes Scott College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 1751 | 64.8% | 1130-1340 | 24-30 |
| Hanover College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Hanover College offers a test optional policy, which allows applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 3127 | 64.8% | 1030-1240 | 21-26 |
| University of Houston | Yes | 2021 | University of Houston has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for all first-year applicants applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Applicants electing TO must submit 2 letters of support, a personal statement, and a resumé. | 25393 | 65.0% | 1140-1310 | 22-27 |
| University of North Carolina—Charlotte | Yes | 2021 | The UNC System has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 21867 | 65.0% | 1120-1290 | 22-26 |
| University of North Carolina—Wilmington | Yes | 2021 | The UNC System has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 13287 | 65.5% | 1170-1320 | 22-27 |
| SUNY—Geneseo | Yes | 2021 | SUNY-Geneseo has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 10433 | 65.5% | 1120-1310 | 23-28 |
| University of the Pacific | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | University of the Pacific offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 13096 | 65.6% | 1130-1360 | 23-31 |
| Hobart and William Smith Colleges | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 3439 | 65.9% | 1190-1350 | 26-30 |
| Mississippi State University | Yes | 2021 | Mississippi State has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 18269 | 66.3% | 1070-1280 | 22-30 |
| Sewanee—University of the South | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 3545 | 66.7% | 1150-1340 | 25-30 |
| Loyola University Chicago | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 25583 | 67.2% | 1140-1320 | 25-30 |
| Ohio Wesleyan University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Ohio Wesleyan University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 4281 | 67.3.0% | 1080-1330 | 22-28 |
| University of Vermont | Yes | 2021 | University of Vermont has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 19233 | 67.3% | 1180-1360 | 26-31 |
| San Francisco State University | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The Cal State system has adopted a one-year, test free policy, meaning they will not consider standardized test scores, for applicants to the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 34629 | 67.3% | 940-1150 | 17-23 |
| Brigham Young University—Provo | Yes | 2021 | BYU has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 10500 | 67.5% | 1210-1420 | 26-31 |
| Drake University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 6944 | 67.6% | 1100-1370 | 24-31 |
| Stonehill College | Yes (TF) | 2021 | Stonehill College has adopted a one-year test free admissions policy. After this year, they will determine whether to continue with test free admissions or return to test optional admissions. | 6961 | 67.7% | 1120-1290 | 24-28.5 |
| Elmhurst College | Yes | 2021 | Elmhurst has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Students who choose to apply TO will be required to submit an essay. | 4175 | 67.8% | 990-1210 | 20-26 |
| Taylor University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 2341 | 68.1% | 1080-1310 | 22-28 |
| DePaul University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | DePaul University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. Subject Tests are not required. However, homeschooled students and international students are not eligible for test optional admission. | 26895 | 68.2% | 1070-1290 | -- |
| University of Delaware | Yes | 2021 | University of Delaware has adopted a one-year test optional policy for all students applying to the Spring and Fall 2021 terms. | 26500 | 68.3% | 1170-1360 | 24-30 |
| Knox College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 3397 | 68.3% | 1090-1350 | 24-31 |
| Concordia College—Moorhead | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Concordia College offers a test optional policy, which allows applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 3395 | 68.3% | 956-1343 | 21-27 |
| Hofstra University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 24425 | 68.5% | 1160-1340 | 25-30 |
| California State University--San Bernardino | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The Cal State system has adopted a one-year, test free policy, meaning they will not consider standardized test scores, for applicants to the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 16307 | 68.6% | 910-1090 | 15-19 |
| University of South Carolina | Yes | 2021 | The University of South Carolina has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying for 2021 admission. | 31268 | 68.6% | 1180-1370 | 25-31 |
| Albion College | Yes | 2021 | Albion College has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 4043 | 68.8% | 990-1200 | 21-27 |
| Millsaps College | Yes | 2021 | Millsaps College has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 5223 | 68.8% | 1080-1290 | 21-26 |
| Texas Tech University | Yes | 2021 | Texas Tech University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for both domestic and international first-year applicants ientering in the Fall of 2021. It is highly encouraged to submit an SAT/ACT score if an applicant is able to do so in order to qualify for scholarships. It does not require the SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. | 25384 | 68.9% | 1070-1260 | 22-27 |
| Drew University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Drew University offers a test optional policy, which allows applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 3788 | 69.2% | 1110-1310 | 25-30 |
| Gustavus Adolphus College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Gustavus Adolphus College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. | 4957 | 69.2% | -- | 25-30 |
| Central Michigan | Yes | 2021 | Central Michigan University has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students entering in 2021. However, homeschooled students or students whose high schools do not provide grades are not eligible for TO admission. | 16411 | 69.5% | 990-1200 | 20-26 |
| Ripon College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 2900 | 69.5% | 990-1220 | 19-25 |
| Hendrix College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 1628 | 70.0% | 1150-1370 | 25-31 |
| Oklahoma State University | Yes | 2021 | Oklahoma State University has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Students applying without test scores must submit essays and other supplemental documents. Test scores are required for most university scholarships. | 15277 | 70.0% | 1040-1265 | 21-28 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Yes | 2021 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 31974 | 70.0% | 1180-1390 | 25-31 |
| Bradley University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Bradley University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 10708 | 70.2% | 1070-1270 | 22-28 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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 | 19494 | 70.4% | 1220-1410 | 27-32 |
| Biola University | Yes | 2021 | Biola University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 4149 | 70.5% | 1080-1310 | 21-28 |
| Berry College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Berry College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to apply without standardized test scores. | 4328 | 70.6% | 1090-1320 | 24-30 |
| Randolph-Macon College | Yes | 2021 | Randolph-Macon College has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying to the Fall 2021 semester. However, students applying to direct entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing program must submit scores. | 2460 | 70.9% | 1050-1240 | 21-27 |
| Michigan State University | Yes | 2021 | Michigan State has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. However, homeschooled students are not eligible for test optional admission. | 44322 | 71.1% | 1100-1320 | 23-29 |
| Hollins University | Yes | 2021 | Hollins University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 3244 | 71.2% | 1070-1300 | 22-30 |
| Creighton University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 10112 | 71.4% | 1150-1350 | 24-30 |
| California Lutheran University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 5752 | 71.5% | 1070-1250 | 21-26 |
| Christopher Newport University | Yes* | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 7204 | 71.9% | 1110-1280 | 22-27 |
| Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey—Newark | Yes | 2021 | Rutgers has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 13732 | 71.9% | 1020-1200 | 19-25 |
| University of California—Merced | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 | The UC system has adopted a two-year test optional policy, which will be followed by a two-year test free policy, beginning in the 2020-21 admission cycle. At the end of the four year period, they will consider whether to reinstate the testing requirement. | 25368 | 72.0% | 980-1180 | 17-22 |
| University of Dayton | Yes | 2021 | The University of Dayton has adopted a test-flexible policy for high school juniors applying for its fall 2021 entering class. It does not require the optional SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 17462 | 72.0% | 1120-1320 | 23-29 |
| Lewis & Clark College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 5863 | 72.2% | 1220-1400 | 27-31 |
| University of Rhode Island | Yes | 2021 | University of Rhode Island has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants to the Spring and Fall 2021 semesters. | 21259 | 72.3% | 1012-1345 | 20-29 |
| California State University--Chico | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The Cal State system has adopted a one-year, test free policy, meaning they will not consider standardized test scores, for applicants to the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 25908 | 72.3% | 990-1180 | 18-24 |
| St. John's University (NY) | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 29059 | 72.3% | 1080-1300 | 23-29 |
| Stetson University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Stetson University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 13005 | 72.4% | 1110-1300 | 22-29 |
| Quinnipiac University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 22753 | 72.5% | 1090-1260 | 23-28 |
| Duquesne University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Duquesne offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 7411 | 72.5% | 1130-1300 | 23-28 |
| University of Illinois—Chicago | Yes | 2021 | The University of Illinois-Chicago has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 22696 | 72.7% | 1030-1260 | 21-28 |
| Ithaca College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 14194 | 72.7% | 1170-1340 | 26-30 |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | Yes | 2021 | The New Jersey Institute of Technology has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants applying in the 2020-21 admissions cycle. | 8201 | 72.87% | 1200-1370 | 24-31 |
| University of Akron | Yes | 2021 | The University of Akron has adopted a test optional policy for first year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 14553 | 73.0% | 990-1230 | 19-25 |
| Simmons University | Yes | 2021 | Simmons University State has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year and transfer applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 2933 | 73.1% | 1110-1290 | 23-29 |
| Wayne State University | Yes | 2021 | WSU has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 15716 | 73.1% | 1010-1230 | 21-27 |
| Butler University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 14891 | 73.2% | 1150-1330 | 24-30 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | Yes | 2021 | PLNU has adopted a one-year test optional policy for Fall 2021 applicants. | 3277 | 73.7% | 1140-1310 | 24-29 |
| University of North Texas | Yes* | 2021 | 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 SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 21540 | 73.7% | 1060-1250 | 20-26 |
| High Point University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 11298 | 73.8% | 1090-1260 | 22-28 |
| Seton Hall University | Yes | 2021 | Seton Hall University has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 19757 | 73.8% | 1150-1330 | 24-29 |
| Wheaton College (MA) | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 3460 | 73.9% | 1150-1340 | 27-32 |
| Eastern Michigan | Yes* | 2021 | Eastern Michigan University has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students with a 2.5+ GPA applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 14323 | 74.1% | 970-1190 | 19-25 |
| University of Washington--Bothell | Yes | 2021 | The University of Washington--Bothell has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for firstyear applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 4242 | 74.1% | 1038-1250 | 19-28 |
| Adelphi University | Yes | 2021 | Adelphi University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 13006 | 74.2% | 1080-1270 | 22-27 |
| Mercer University | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023 | Mercer University has adopted a three-year test optional policy. After Fall 2023, they will reevaluate. | 5034 | 74.2% | 1170-1340 | 25-30 |
| Baldwin Wallace University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 3926 | 74.2% | 1030-1250 | 21-27 |
| Michigan Technological University | Yes | 2021 | Michigan Technological University has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. However, homeschooled students and students applying for merit scholarships must submit test scores. | 5978 | 74.3% | 1170-1370 | 25-30 |
| Clarkson University | Yes | 2021 | Clarkson University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 6673 | 74.6% | 1160-1350 | 23-30 |
| Drexel University | Yes | 2021 | Drexel University has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 31824 | 74.7% | 1190-1390 | 25-31 |
| University of Mary Washington | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 5939 | 74.7% | 1090-1260 | 23-29 |
| The Citadel | Yes | 2021 | The Citadel has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. However, students educated in a non-traditional setting and those seeking to participate in sports (unless waived by the NCAA) are required to submit scores. | 2742 | 74.7% | 1050-1230 | 20-25 |
| University of Redlands | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | University of Redlands offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 4713 | 75.0% | 1100-1250 | 23-28 |
| Loyola University New Orleans | Yes (TF) | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 5857 | 75.0% | 1050-1260 | 22-28 |
| Kennesaw State University | Yes | 2021 | The University System of Georgia has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first year applicants, both domestic and international, applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 15691 | 75.2% | 1050-1220 | 20-26 |
| California State University--Monterey Bay | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The Cal State system has adopted a one-year, test free policy, meaning they will not consider standardized test scores, for applicants to the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 12327 | 75.3% | 960-1170 | 17-23 |
| Presbyterian College (SC) | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 2141 | 75.5% | 1000-1230 | 19-26 |
| John Brown University | Yes | 2021 | John Brown University has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students entering in Fall 2021. | 1176 | 75.8% | 1060-1260 | 23-29 |
| Washington State University | Yes (TF) | 2021 | Washington State has adopted a one-year test free policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 21434 | 75.8% | 1020-1230 | 20-26 |
| Whittier College | Yes* | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 6220 | 75.9% | 1030-1213 | 20-25 |
| Kalamazoo College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Kalamazoo College offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. | 3576 | 76.0% | 1170-1370 | 25-31 |
| University of North Georgia | Yes | 2021 | The University System of Georgia has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first year applicants, both domestic and international, applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 6224 | 76.0% | 1080-1220 | 23-27 |
| Towson University | Yes | 2021 | Towson has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants for Fall 2021 admission. | 12678 | 76.3% | 1060-1220 | 20-25 |
| Montclair State | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Montclair State offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 12728 | 76.3% | 1000-1060 | -- |
| Xavier University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 14758 | 76.4% | 1070-1280 | 22-28 |
| Centre College | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023 | Centre College has adopted a three-year, test optional policy for first year students beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. After a three-year pilot period, Centre will re-evaluate whether to continue the test optional policy indefinitely or reinstate a testing requirement for admission. | 2212 | 76.4% | 1130-1380 | 26-32 |
| Mills College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Mills College 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. | 1057 | 76.5% | -- | -- |
| University of Texas, San Antonio | Yes | 2021 | University of Texas, San Antonio has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants entering through Spring 2022. However, it still recommends submitting test scores, as this can affect scholarship eligibility and admission into certain colleges or majors that require the SAT/ACT. | 17122 | 76.6% | 1030-1220 | 19-25 |
| University of Cincinnati | Yes | 2021, 2022 | The University of Cincinnati has adopted a two-year test optional policy beginning with the 2020-2021 admission cycle. However, standardized test scores are still required for admission into some programs. | 23609 | 76.7% | 1140-1330 | 23-29 |
| Ball State | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 23305 | 76.7% | -- | -- |
| James Madison University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | James Madison University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 23578 | 76.8% | 1120-1290 | 23-28 |
| Appalachian State University | Yes | 2021 | Appalachian State has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 16664 | 76.8% | 1100-1270 | 22-28 |
| Indiana University—Bloomington | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 44169 | 76.9% | 1150-1360 | 24-31 |
| University of Arkansas—Fayetteville | Yes* | 2021 | The University of Arkansas requires either the SAT or the ACT. Fall 2021 applicants may apply test-optional with a 3.2+ GPA. It does not require the optional SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 17913 | 77.1% | 1120-1300 | 23-30 |
| University of Idaho | Yes | 2021 | University of Idaho has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 8071 | 77.8% | 1010-1240 | 20-27 |
| University of Missouri | Yes | 2021 | Mizzou has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying to the Fall 2021 term. | 18948 | 77.8% | 1090-1290 | 23-29 |
| Willamette University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Willamette University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admissions without SAT or ACT scores. | 3972 | 77.9% | 1140-1340 | 31-35 |
| University of Nebraska—Lincoln | Yes* | All / Permanent Policy | 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 SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 16829 | 78.2% | 1120-1360 | 22-28 |
| Carroll College | Yes* | All / Permanent Policy | 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 SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 2709 | 78.3% | 1070-1270 | 22-28 |
| College of Charleston | Yes | 2021 | The College of Charleston has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admissions cycle. However, home-schooled students are required to submit scores. | 11783 | 78.3% | 1080-1260 | 22-28 |
| University of Colorado—Boulder | Yes | 2021 | University of Colorado--Boulder has adopted a one-year test optional policy for first-year students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 40740 | 78.4% | 1140-1350 | 25-31 |
| Elon University | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023 | Elon has adopted a three-year, test optional policy for all first-year and transfer applicants, beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. After a three-year period, Elon will re-evaluate whether to continue the test optional policy indefinitely or reinstate a testing requirement for admission. | 10500 | 78.4% | 1160-1320 | 25-30 |
| Seattle University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 7968 | 78.5% | 1160-1330 | 24-30 |
| University of Texas—Dallas | Yes | 2021 | University of Texas-Dallas has adopted a test optional policy for students applying for the Summer and Fall 2021 terms. | 14327 | 78.6% | 1240-1460 | 26-33 |
| East Carolina | Yes | 2021 | ECU has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying to the Spring and Fall 2021 semesters. | 19234 | 78.7% | 1030-1190 | 19-24 |
| University of Tennessee | Yes | 2021 | The University of Tennessee has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. However, home-schooled students, students attending a school not using alpha or numerical grades, and student-athletes are not eligible for TO admission. | 21764 | 78.8% | 1150-1330 | 24-30 |
| Missouri University of Science & Technology | Yes | 2021 | Missouri S&T has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying to the Fall 2021 term. Students who apply without test scores will be required to submit additional information. | 5107 | 79.2% | 1190-1430 | 26-32 |
| Western Michigan | Yes | 2021 | WMU has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 17698 | 79.9% | 1000-1210 | 19-26 |
| Loyola University Maryland | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 10077 | 80.2% | 1143-1320 | 25-30 |
| Miami University—Oxford | Yes | 2021 | Miami University-Oxford has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 28920 | 80.4% | 1210-1410 | 26-31 |
| University of Oklahoma | Yes | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 | University of Oklahoma has adopted a fice-year test optional policy beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. Test scores are encouraged for scholarship consideration. | 15673 | 80.4% | 1130-1310 | 23-29 |
| College of St. Benedict | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 2052 | 80.5% | 1040-1255 | 22-28 |
| Auburn University | Yes | 2021 | Auburn University has adopted a one-year test optional policy, however, students who choose not to submit ACT/SAT scores must submit a graded writing assignment, an expanded resume, or an AP/IB score report. | 20205 | 80.7% | 1150-1320 | 25-31 |
| University of Nevada—Las Vegas | Yes* | All / Permanent Policy | 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 SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 12720 | 80.7% | 1030-1250 | 19-25 |
| Boise State | Yes (TF) | 2021 | Boise State has adopted a one-year test free policy for students applying to the Spring and Fall 2021 semesters. However, test scores are required for scholarship eligibility. | 10788 | 80.8% | 960-1180 | 21-26 |
| St. Mary's College of California | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 6069 | 81.0% | 1070-1240 | 22-28 |
| Siena College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 7728 | 81.1% | 1070-1280 | 22-28 |
| University of North Dakota | Yes | 2021 | University of North Dakota has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, entering through Fall 2022. | 4964 | 81.1% | 1010-1250 | 20-26 |
| Texas State University | Yes | 2021 | Texas State University has adopted a one-year "holistic review" policy for applicants whose test dates have been affected by COVID-19 cancellations. | 23583 | 81.1% | 1010-1180 | 19.3-25.3 |
| St. Mary's College (IN) | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 2033 | 81.2% | 1070-1243 | 24-28 |
| Goucher College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Goucher College offers a test optional policy, which allows applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 2610 | 81.3% | 1030-1260 | 21-30 |
| Colorado State University | Yes | 2021 | Colorado State University has adopted a one-year test optional policy for first-year students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 28319 | 81.4% | 1070-1290 | 23-29 |
| University of Memphis | Yes | 2021 | UM has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 15381 | 81.4% | 1010-1230 | 19-26 |
| West Virginia University | Yes | 2021 | WVU has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 18639 | 81.6% | 1050-1240 | 21-27 |
| University of Oregon | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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, and must submit two Subject Tests: Math I or II, and a second one. | 27358 | 81.6% | 1100-1310 | 22-28 |
| Illinois State | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Illinois State offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without standardized test scores. | 16151 | 81.9% | 1020-1220 | 20-26 |
| Ohio University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Ohio University has a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. | 24179 | 82.1% | 1050-1260 | 21-26 |
| California State University--Sacramento | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The Cal State system has adopted a one-year, test free policy, meaning they will not consider standardized test scores, for applicants to the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 27576 | 82.3% | 940-1140 | 16-22 |
| University of North Carolina—Greensboro | Yes | 2021 | The UNC System has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 9972 | 82.4% | 1000-1160 | 19-24 |
| University of Iowa | Yes | 2021 | University of Iowa has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 25928 | 82.6% | 1130-1340 | 22-29 |
| University of Texas, Arlington | Yes | 2021 | University of Texas, Arlington has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants entering in the Fall of 2021. | 12650 | 82.9% | 1040-1250 | 20-27 |
| University of Alaska, Anchorage | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | University of Alaska, Anchorage offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 3673 | 83.0% | 1020-1220 | 17-24 |
| Marquette University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 15078 | 83.0% | 1120-1320 | 24-29 |
| St. Michael's College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 3967 | 83.1% | 1150-1310 | 25-29 |
| University of St. Thomas (MN) | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | The University of St. Thomas offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 6718 | 83.2% | 1160-1350 | 24-29 |
| Oregon State University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Oregon State University offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 15786 | 83.6% | 1080-1320 | 21-28 |
| University of Puget Sound | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 5182 | 83.8% | 1150-1370 | 25-30 |
| University of New Hampshire | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 18040 | 84.0% | 1070-1270 | 22-28 |
| St. Mary's College of Maryland | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 1621 | 84.3% | 1060-1290 | 21-29 |
| University of Arizona | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 40854 | 84.6% | 1120-1350 | 21-29 |
| Susquehanna University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Susquehanna University offers a test optional policy, which allows applicants to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 4863 | 84.8% | 1100-1290 | 22-28 |
| Wheaton College (IL) | Yes | 2021 | Wheaton has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admissions cycle. | 1889 | 84.8% | 1220-1440 | 26-32 |
| Northern Arizona | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 36855 | 85.0% | 1030-1230 | 19-25 |
| Washington and Jefferson College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Washington and Jefferson College has a test-optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. | 2722 | 85.2% | 1090-1280 | 22-28 |
| The Catholic University of America | Yes (TF) | All / Permanent Policy | The Catholic University of America has adopted a test free policy, which means they will not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission. | 5668 | 85.4% | 1130-1330 | 24-29 |
| Kent State | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | Kent State requires either the SAT or ACT. It does not require the optional SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 16308 | 85.5% | 1040-1230 | 20-26 |
| Hope College | Yes | 2021 | Hope College has adopted a one-year test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. However students who wish to be considered for merit scholarships must submit test scores. | 3748 | 85.7% | 1130-1330 | 23-31 |
| Valparaiso University | Yes | 2021, 2022 | Valparaiso has adopted a two-year test optional policy. They will reevaluate their policy after the 2022 admission cycle. | 5491 | 85.8% | 1070-1290 | 22-29 |
| Pacific Lutheran University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 3663 | 86.0% | 1090-1280 | 24-29 |
| Arizona State University—Tempe | Yes* | All / Permanent Policy | 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 SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 34188 | 86.5% | 1130-1340 | 22-28 |
| George Mason University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 19554 | 86.7% | 1110-1320 | 24-30 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Yes* | All / Permanent Policy | Virginia Commonwealth University requires either the SAT or ACT. However, they will waive the requirement for students with a 3.3+ GPA. Applicants who wish to qualify for merit scholarships, homeschooled applicants, applicants to the VCU Honors College, College of Engineering, or School of Education, and non-native English speakers are not eligible for TO. It does not require the optional SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 17244 | 86.8% | 1080-1250 | 21-28 |
| Old Dominion | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | ODU offers a test optional policy, which allows students to be considered for admission without SAT or ACT scores. | 13335 | 87.0% | 990-1200 | 18-24 |
| Missouri State | Yes* | 2021 | 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 SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 7581 | 87.9% | 1040-1240 | 21-27 |
| University of Mississippi | Yes* | 2021 | Ole Miss has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students with a 2.0+ GPA applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. Although they are not requiring a standardized test score for admission for the 2021-2022 academic year, ACT/SAT scores are still very important for scholarships, some aid programs and for academic placement. | 16253 | 88.1% | 1020-1250 | 21-29 |
| Weber State | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 6853 | 89.1% | -- | 18-24 |
| Transylvania University | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 1782 | 89.7% | 1080-1350 | 23-30 |
| University of Maine | Yes | 2021, 2022 | University of Maine has adopted a two-year, test optional policy for first-year and transfer applicants, beginning with the 2020-21 admission cycle. After a two-year period, UM will re-evaluate whether to continue the test optional policy indefinitely or reinstate a testing requirement for admission. | 13118 | 90.2% | 1050-1260 | 21-27 |
| Humboldt State University | Yes (TF) | 2021 | The Cal State system has adopted a one-year, test free policy, meaning they will not consider standardized test scores, for applicants to the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 16335 | 90.9% | 980-1190 | 17-25 |
| Utah State | Yes | 2021 | Utah State has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying to enroll in the 2021 terms. | 15276 | 91.0% | 1050-1310 | 21-28 |
| Iowa State University | Yes | 2021 | Iowa State University has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 18246 | 92.1% | 1100-1340 | 22-28 |
| Washington College | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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 internantional applicants are not eligible for test optional admission. | 2225 | 92.4% | 1090-1300 | 20-29 |
| Samford University | Yes | 2021 | Samford University has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying to the Fall 2021 semester. | 3912 | 92.9% | 1070-1250 | 23-29 |
| University of Kansas | Yes* | All / Permanent Policy | 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 SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 15093 | 93.1% | -- | 23-29 |
| University of Montana | Yes | 2021 | University of Montana has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 4910 | 94.0% | 1055-1245 | 20-26 |
| University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee | Yes | 2021 | The University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for applicants in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 8946 | 94.8% | 1030-1240 | 19-24 |
| University of Toledo | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 10228 | 95.1% | 1000-1240 | 20-26 |
| Kansas State University | Yes* | All / Permanent Policy | 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 SAT Essay or ACT Writing Test. Subject Tests are not required. | 8140 | 95.7% | -- | 22-28 |
| Portland State | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 6861 | 95.8% | 990-1220 | 18-24 |
| University of Kentucky | Yes | 2021 | The University of Kentucky has adopted a one-year, test optional policy for first-year applicants, both domestic and international, in the 2020-21 admission cycle. | 18759 | 95.9% | 1070-1310 | 22-29 |
| University of Wyoming | Yes | 2021 | University of Wyoming has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying for admission to the 2021-22 academic year. Test scores are still required for Spring 2021 admission. | 5348 | 96.0% | 1060-1280 | 22-28 |
| Queens University of Charlotte | Yes | All / Permanent Policy | 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. | 2319 | 96.2% | 1040-1240 | 21-27 |
| Western Kentucky | Yes* | All / Permanent Policy | WKU requires either the SAT or ACT. However, it will waive this requirement for students who have a 2.5+ GPA. | 8245 | 97.3% | 990-1220 | 19-27 |
| University of Texas, El Paso | Yes* | All / Permanent Policy | UTEP requires either the SAT or ACT. However, it will waive this requirement for students who rank in the top 10% of their class. | 10972 | 100% | 900-1110 | 17-22 |
| University of Alabama | Yes | 2021 | Bama has adopted a one-year test optional policy for students applying to the Spring, Summer, and Fall 2021 semesters. | 38505 | 82.7% | 1080-1340 | 23-31 |
