Standardized test scores are a traditional requirement for college admissions, but there are now more test optional colleges than ever. For these schools, you may not have to submit your SAT or ACT scores.
Compared to regular colleges, there’s a strategic way to approach test optional colleges so you can increase your chances of getting admitted.
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Read on to learn more about test optional colleges as well as how to strengthen your college application.
Test Optional Colleges
Many colleges will ask you to submit standardized test scores from the SAT or ACT. There’s a growing number of schools, though, that are making test scores optional. Some schools won’t even consider these scores at all.
These are called test-optional colleges, and there are several types of them that you may encounter. Test scores are meant to be a more objective way of comparing applicants’ performances, but schools are starting to aim for a more well-rounded admissions process.
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Many admissions officers think that your high school GPA or performance is a better predictor of college performance than your scores on the SAT, which you only take once. As online learning becomes more popular, schools are becoming more flexible with their admission processes.
Test Optional Colleges
Test optional colleges are colleges that don’t require SAT or ACT scores. If you want to, though, you can still take the SAT or ACT and submit your score.
The number of test optional colleges has increased over the past few years. Some schools have gone permanently test optional, while others have made it only a temporary policy that they’ll lift within a few years. In any case, you’ll likely have more competition because test optional colleges attract more applicants.
For test optional colleges, it’s still worthwhile to submit your SAT or ACT score if you did well. This means scoring higher than the average of applicants accepted into the school.
Since a test optional college will still consider your score if you submit it, a high score will reflect positively on you. On the other hand, if you get a lower score, then you don’t have to include it at all.
Test Flexible Colleges
Test flexible colleges are rarer than test optional colleges. A test flexible college will still look for a test score, but you don’t have to take the SAT or ACT specifically. Each test flexible college will have its own list of possible tests. You can usually check a school’s admissions page for its specific list.
Advanced Placement (AP) exams and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams are most commonly accepted. AP exams test you on individual college-level subjects, such as humanities, math, science, and music theory. Most test flexible colleges accept three or more Advanced Placement exams across certain subject areas.
IB exams are based on an international program for college-level courses. These have a greater emphasis on critical thinking, and colleges will often ask you to take several of them.
The benefit of this process is that you can take multiple tests and choose which ones have the best results.
Test Blind Colleges
Unlike test optional colleges, test blind colleges don’t look at your SAT or ACT scores at all. Even if you try to submit your score, they won’t consider it because it’s not part of their college admissions criteria.
This means that you’ll have to rely on your other credentials to show why you’re a solid applicant. Test blind colleges will base much of their decision on your high school performance, personal statement, and references.
This could be convenient if you took the SAT or ACT and scored on the lower end. Still, it is advantageous to make sure that your other credentials are strong.
Since your high school GPA is the only numerical measure of your performance that admissions officers will see, it’ll carry more weight. You may also want to have extracurriculars and other experiences on your record to strengthen your application.
Class Rank/GPA Substitution
Some schools even have a class rank or GPA substitution policy for looking at test scores. With these colleges, you can only skip sending in your test scores if you have a certain class rank or GPA. These usually have a threshold of 3.0 or 3.5 for the GPA or a class rank in the top 10%.
In general, if you have a high class rank or GPA, then you have an increased chance of getting in. There are even schools that automatically accept applicants who meet their GPA or class rank requirements. If you don’t meet the specified class rank or GPA, then you’ll be required to send in your SAT or ACT scores.
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For special cases, such as being homeschooled or living out of state, you might have to submit your SAT scores anyway.
Common Test Optional Policies
Even among test optional universities, there are different types of admissions policies.
Test-Optional Admissions Policy for All Applicants
Colleges with a test-optional admissions policy for all applicants have the most straightforward process. Regardless of your GPA or the status of your other credentials, you can choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores.
If you have a high SAT or ACT score, it’s favorable to submit it since it can boost the rest of your application.
On the other hand, this type of admission policy offers more opportunities to students who got lower SAT or ACT scores. If your high school performance and GPA are satisfactory, you can skip submitting a low test score so the admissions officers can focus on your other credentials instead.
Test-Optional Admissions Policy for Certain Applicants
Some colleges are test optional for qualifying applicants. For colleges with this policy, you can only skip submitting your SAT or ACT scores if you meet certain requirements. Typically, these schools require a certain high school GPA or class rank.
For example, many schools have a cutoff GPA of 2.5 to 3.5. Otherwise, you’ll still be required to submit your SAT or ACT scores.
Some colleges have other conditions. For example, they may require SAT or ACT scores from applicants who are home-schooled, who live out-of-state, or who are citizens of another country.
This is usually required because the grading system a student used for school might be harder to compare to that of other applicants. In these cases, admissions officers will look at standardized test scores too.
Test-Optional Admissions Policy for Admission but Not for Enrollment or Scholarships
Sometimes, it’s still useful to have your SAT or ACT results on hand, even if schools consider test scores optional for admissions. You may get admitted without having to show your test scores, but some schools look for them when it comes to awarding merit scholarships.
There are colleges that will ask for test scores only during enrollment, maybe for research purposes or to determine your class placements.
At these types of schools, you might already be accepted, but you can only register for classes once you give your test scores. Whether your scores are low or high has no impact on your enrollment, though. It’s simply required that you submit them.
Typical College Admissions Requirements
Here are some application requirements that are common among colleges:
- High school transcripts. These show your overall high school GPA along with your individual grades for all of your high school classes.
- Personal essay. Schools often give question prompts for you to answer in a short essay.
- Recommendation letters. These come from two or three references who can speak well of your academic performance and personal qualities.
- Test scores. More schools are making standardized test scores optional, but high scores in the SAT or ACT may help boost your application.
In addition, you’ll also fill out an application form with your personal information, such as extracurriculars and awards.
What Does Test Optional Mean?
Test optional means that you can choose whether or not to submit your standardized test scores with your school application. If you don’t submit your scores, it will Instead, admission officers will simply focus on your other credentials, such as your high school transcripts and personal statements.
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There are varying policies, though, for being test optional. Some schools are only temporarily test optional, while other schools only offer it for some programs or for certain applicants. It’s beneficial to check the specific admissions policies of the test optional school you’re applying to.
What Colleges Are Test Optional?
Colleges that are test optional don’t require a standardized test score to be submitted with your application. While it’s still standard for most colleges to look for SAT or ACT scores, more colleges are going test optional.
Some colleges are only test optional for certain applicants. For example, they may allow you to skip submitting your test scores if you meet a certain GPA. Some schools that are test-optional when it comes to admission still require the submission of SAT scores for enrollment or merit scholarship opportunities.
What Do Test Optional Schools Look For?
If you choose not to submit your test scores, test optional schools will give more weight to your other credentials.
One of the main considerations would be your high school performance and GPA. College admissions officers will look at whether you’ve taken challenging courses too. Aside from your academic performance, it’s beneficial to show that you’re well-rounded by having achievements outside of classes.
Based on your references and essays, admission officers will assess your personal qualities, such as self-directedness, work ethic, and leadership skills.
Does Test Optional Hurt Your Chances?
If your standardized test score is lower than average, you may benefit from SAT optional colleges. You could then emphasize other parts of your application instead, such as your grades, references, or personal achievements.
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On the other hand, if you have a higher SAT score, then you can include it in your application to stand out more.
Even with test optional schools, applicants still send in their scores more often than not. A test optional policy may increase the number of applicants at a school, though, so you might have more competition for admissions, depending on the institution.
Best Online Colleges With Test-Optional Policy
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format with test-optional admissions policy.
Baylor University has a competitive but holistic admissions process in which GPA and test scores are considered to be only a part of an applicant’s story. All prospective students are automatically considered for scholarships when they apply, regardless of whether they choose to submit test scores.
Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
At Catawba College, applicants with GPA scores of at least 3.25 may apply test-optional. Students that are admitted to Catawba without test scores may be asked to provide test scores before their first semester for class placement purposes only.
All applicants are required to provide official high school transcripts and a writing sample.
Catawba College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Concordia University—St. Paul requires applicants to provide high school transcripts and an essay. Applicants may submit SAT or ACT scores if they believe they provide an accurate reflection of their academic abilities.
A small number of applicants, including those with narrative transcripts and those who were homeschooled, are still required to submit test scores.
Concordia University – St. Paul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Creighton University welcomes students to apply without test scores. If admitted, students are required to submit SAT or ACT scores for advising purposes. Creighton maintains a holistic admissions process in keeping with Jesuit values. Applicants are required to submit a counselor evaluation and an essay when applying.
Creighton University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
DePaul University believes that students are more than their test scores, so it has recently adopted a test-optional admissions policy. The DePaul admissions committee will look at applicants’ grades, the difficulty of their high school curriculum, letters of recommendation, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
DePaul University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Emerson College now allows prospective students to apply as test-optional candidates.
Applicants who choose this option are encouraged by the admissions department to submit creative samples or portfolios through the admissions portal after submitting their applications. Most applicants who do this choose to submit work related to their intended major.
Emerson College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Hofstra University does not consider test scores to be the most important predictor of academic success. Hofstra’s current policy is test-optional, with high school transcripts being the primary focus of the application review process. Since Hofstra adopted its test-optional policy, most applicants have still submitted test scores.
Hofstra University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Houston Baptist University is currently waiving its standardized test score requirement. Required application items include up-to-date transcripts and a response to a short-answer question. Optional items include recommendation letters, test scores, and a resume.
Applicants who have already submitted test scores can still apply test-optional, and scores will not be considered for the admissions process.
Houston Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
At Kean University, applicants can apply test-optional if they have a GPA of at least 3.0. Homeschooled students and international students are required to submit test scores. Required documents include official high school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a 1- to 2-page personal essay, and a list of high school activities.
Kean University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Kent State University no longer requires applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. Regardless of whether test scores are submitted, Kent State primarily focuses on high school grades and the rigor of the curriculum. Applicants without test scores are still eligible for merit scholarships.
Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
At Lake Erie College, the most important elements in the application process are grades, curriculum strength, applicant’s character, and the ability to write and communicate effectively. Lake Erie has made test scores optional to show its commitment to providing a personalized educational experience.
Lake Erie College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Lindenwood University is a test-optional school that provides a holistic review of all applications. Factors that are reviewed include high school records, academic rigor, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.
For those who do submit test scores, the average admitted student has an ACT score of 21 or an SAT score of 1058.
Lindenwood University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Michigan State University has always taken a holistic approach to reviewing applications. Test scores are currently optional. Factors that are considered include grades, the strength of the curriculum, class rank, and other talents and experiences. Students can still qualify for scholarships without test scores.
Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Our Lady of the Lake University has recently adopted a test-optional admissions policy. All admitted students can potentially qualify for scholarships regardless of whether they chose to submit test scores. The university may ask students who do not submit SAT or ACT scores to take a placement exam when they enroll.
Our Lady of the Lake University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Pace University reviews applications holistically. Considered factors include academic achievement, class rank, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. Demonstrated leadership and contributions to the applicant’s community are also important.
Test scores are optional, and applicants can qualify for general admission, admission to the honors college, and merit scholarships without them.
Pace University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Rosemont College no longer requires test scores if an applicant’s weighted, cumulative high school GPA is at least 3.0. Rosemont considers high school GPA to be the best predictor of academic success in college. Applicants are still eligible for scholarships without submitting test scores.
Rosemont College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Sacred Heart University has a test-optional policy that allows most prospective students to apply without test scores. It evaluates applicants on their academic performance, extracurricular activities, and recommendations. Sacred Heart also recommends that applicants have an interview with a member of the admissions team.
Sacred Heart University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Saint Leo University has adopted a test-optional policy on the grounds that true excellence cannot be tested. Admission to Saint Leo is competitive, and the school looks for students who maintained a strong academic performance throughout high school and took rigorous coursework.
An applicant’s contributions to their community are also considered.
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Spring Hill College is a Jesuit, Catholic institution that provides a holistic and test-optional admissions process.
Test-optional applicants are evaluated on their transcripts, letters of recommendation, and writing samples. Applicants are encouraged by the admissions department to submit a list of their extracurricular activities as well. Students are required to submit test scores before enrollment for advising purposes only.
Spring Hill College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The College of Saint Rose now offers a test-optional admissions policy. When evaluating applications, Saint Rose places the most weight on high school grades and academic rigor. Saint Rose also considers teacher recommendations and extracurricular activities.
Applicants may retract their test scores if desired after submitting them.
The College of Saint Rose is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of California—Berkeley is currently completely test-free, meaning it does not use test scores in any part of the admissions process. UC Berkeley provides a holistic review that includes grades, academic rigor, and each student’s individual academic context.
Applicants are invited but not required to submit letters of recommendation.
The University of California—Berkeley is accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges.
The University of Denver has recently moved to a test-optional policy. The university strives to provide a holistic review that includes life experiences, passions, and community involvement. Required application materials include an essay, official high school transcripts, and a counselor recommendation.
Test-optional applicants are still eligible for merit scholarships.
The University of Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of La Verne now has a test-optional policy in which SAT or ACT scores are only submitted if it is believed they will make an application stronger. Applicants without test scores can still be considered for scholarships and the honors program.
Required application materials include official transcripts, a personal statement, and a recommendation.
The University of La Verne is accredited by the Senior College Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The University of New Haven no longer requires SAT or ACT scores for admission to most of its academic programs. If test scores are submitted, they are only considered if they have a positive impact on the application. All applicants are considered for both need-based and merit-based scholarships.
The University of New Haven is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Saint Joseph is now test-optional. Applicants can choose not to send test scores, and the admissions decision and qualification for merit scholarships are not affected by this choice.
Applicants are required to submit official high school transcripts, a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor, and an essay of at least 250 words.
The University of Saint Joseph is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of San Francisco does not require undergraduate applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. If scores were sent automatically, applicants can request that they not be considered. Choosing to apply without test scores does not affect scholarship eligibility.
The admissions team focuses on academic achievement, talents, and leadership abilities.
The University of San Francisco is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
In an effort to be fair to every applicant, the University of St. Francis does not require SAT or ACT scores. St. Francis provides a holistic review process but puts a particular emphasis on the rigor of an applicant’s high school curriculum.
The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Walsh University currently has a test-optional admissions policy. Prospective students who apply under this policy are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. The admissions review process is focused on high school transcripts and information provided on the application.
Walsh uses a holistic approach with no one factor determining admission.
Walsh University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Western Governors University has an easy application process that does not require any standardized test scores. WGU bases admissions on prior school and work experience and the amount of time an applicant has to commit to their coursework.
Specific degree programs within the university may have their own unique admissions requirements.
Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Westfield State University’s test-optional admissions program allows applicants to apply without SAT or ACT scores. Westfield does encourage applicants to submit test scores if they have taken one of the tests, especially if their GPA is below 2.69.
Applicants can be considered for merit scholarships without submitting test scores.
Westfield State University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Getting Your Degree Online
Every school has its own unique set of admission policies and requirements. No matter how many programs you’re applying to, it’s strategic to get to know the policies of each program well so you can tailor your application to the school.
One option you can look into is an online degree. Many accredited schools offer college courses online that provide high-quality education and more flexible requirements and class schedules than traditional on-campus programs.
Applying to college can take a bit of effort, but it tends to pay off once you find a program that aligns with your interests and aspirations. Why not start exploring accredited, test-optional schools today?
