Test-Optional Colleges Not Requiring SAT or ACT Scores
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Although the ACT and SAT are the two most common college entrance exams, many schools do not require either of these tests. If you cannot access testing or you deal with test anxiety, you can explore one of the many on-campus or online colleges that don’t require SAT or ACT scores.
FairTest, a national center for open testing, lists colleges that do not require these entrance exams. This guide covers the pros and cons of withholding scores. Read on to learn more about test-out policies and tips for applicants who opt out.
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Types of Test Policies
Some colleges and universities waive SAT and ACT requirements. These institutions consider other factors to predict how well applicants will perform academically.
Note: The following policy types may or may not apply to all undergraduate applicants at a school. Entrance exam requirements can vary based on factors like state residency status, minimum GPA, and the specific program you’re applying to.
Test Optional
Test-optional schools do not require SAT or ACT scores for college admission. However, you may still benefit from taking entrance exams and submitting your scores.
For example, competitive schools may offer priority admission to applicants with high scores. Schools may also offer academic scholarships based on test scores.
You should consider taking these exams and submitting your scores if you perform well.
Test Free
Unlike test-optional colleges, test-free (or test-blind) ones do not accept standardized test scores. In other words, if you tried to submit your scores to the school, the admissions committee would not review them.
Rather than considering test scores, test-blind colleges emphasize examining high school transcripts, resumes, and recommendation letters. Additionally, these institutions usually require application essays, and some include an interview process.
Test Flexible
“Test-flexible” often refers to policies that require standardized test scores but give applicants the choice of which ones to submit. For example, some test-flexible schools may accept International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores in place of SAT or ACT scores.
There is no standardized definition of a test-flexible college, so be sure to contact any prospective schools directly or check their websites to learn about their admissions policies.
Colleges That Do Not Require SAT or ACT Scores
There are hundreds of test-optional and test-free colleges and universities in the U.S. Some of these test policies are permanent, while others are only temporary. For instance, the State University of New York (SUNY), Princeton University, and the University of Maryland will use a test-optional admissions process through the 2025-2026 academic year.
Below, we highlight over 30 accredited four-year institutions around the country that have test-optional or test-free policies. All of the schools in the table either have permanent policies or no current plans to suspend these policies.
Schools That Do Not Require SAT or ACT Scores
| Institution⇅ | Location⇅ | Test Policy⇅ | Accreditor⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Pacific University | Anchorage, AK | Test free | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ | Test optional | Higher Learning Commission |
| California State University | Multiple cities in CA | Test free | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Clemson University | Clemson, SC | Test optional | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO | Test optional | Higher Learning Commission |
| Columbia College Chicago | Chicago, IL | Test free | Higher Learning Commission |
| Columbia College | New York City, NY | Test optional | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Duke University | Durham, NC | Test optional (temporary) | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Lewis & Clark College | Portland, OR | Test free | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Louisiana State University | Baton Rouge, LA | Test optional | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
What Ivy League Schools Are Test Optional in 2025?
While a large number of Ivy League schools went test optional during the COVID-19 pandemic, only two of these schools are test optional for the 2025 admissions cycle. These schools are Princeton University and Columbia College.
Harvard, Yale, Brown, Dartmouth, and others currently require standardized test scores. Before preparing your applications, be sure to review the standardized test policies at each school.
Why Are More Colleges Adopting Test-Optional Policies?
In the past, community colleges represented most of the schools that did not require ACT or SAT scores. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors have led to a recent increase in test-optional schools. And some organizations advocate for more widespread test-optional admissions processes.
The following factors are driving this increase:
- Standardized tests don’t necessarily predict college success. Some data show that GPAs predict college success better than exam scores. For example, high school GPAs have been shown to be five times stronger than ACT scores in predicting college graduation rates.
- Test-optional policies may help increase racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity. Analysis by Inside Higher Ed shows that Asian American and white students have average SAT scores above 1100, while students from all other racial groups have average scores below 1000. Income may also influence student performance and learners’ ability to retake tests to improve their scores.
Should I Submit My Scores to a Test-Optional College?
Even if a school doesn’t require SAT or ACT scores, it may still be in your best interest to submit your exam scores, depending on your performance. Your scores could hinder your chances of acceptance.
You should submit your scores if …
The school is highly competitive.
If your dream school has a very low acceptance rate, a high SAT or ACT score could give you an edge when competing with other highly qualified applicants. For example, if your scores are above the median score of the school you’re applying to, you should strongly consider submitting them.
Test scores are required for financial aid.
If you rely on financial aid to help fund your education, an excellent score could also open up more opportunities for merit-based scholarships. However, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is required for federal student loans, grants, and work-study programs, doesn’t require SAT or ACT scores.
Your scores boost your application.
High SAT or ACT scores can make you more competitive, especially if other aspects of your application, like your GPA, are less than stellar. If it feels like your application is lacking in other areas, like extracurriculars and volunteer activities, a good SAT or ACT score could help.
You should not submit your scores if …
Your scores fall below the middle 50%.
If your ACT or SAT score falls below the college’s median, consider omitting it from your application — especially if you feel your test results don’t accurately reflect your academic abilities. You’re probably better off highlighting other aspects of your application, like a high GPA, extracurriculars, and/or strong letters of recommendation.
The rest of your application is strong.
If the rest of your application is a strong reflection of your academic achievements and ability to thrive in a college environment, then you may not even need to take an entrance exam. A high GPA, excellent reference letters, honors and awards, and extracurriculars can be just as impactful as good scores.
4 Tips if You’re Opting Out of Submitting Test Scores
Test-optional and test-free schools do not require standardized tests. If you’re applying to one of these schools, consider putting extra effort into your other application materials.
1. Write a compelling personal statement.
A personal statement can highlight your unique abilities, creativity, and worldview. A great personal statement should give colleges insight into your values while showcasing vulnerability. Unique or unusual topics, written logically, can help strengthen your overall application. Don’t be afraid to share yourself.
2. Submit strong recommendation letters.
A solid recommendation letter or two can speak volumes about your strengths and character, so you should carefully consider whom you ask. High school teachers and counselors often write recommendation letters for students with good grades or who have improved demonstrably. Consider asking a teacher, coach, or counselor with strong writing skills who knows you well.
3. Present your best self on social media.
Your social media activity can also impact your chances of being admitted to college. You should be mindful of what you post online and consider making your profiles private (or cleaning them up) during the application process. Also, consider creating a LinkedIn profile.
4. Participate in an alum interview.
Some test-optional schools, including Princeton, provide the opportunity to partake in interviews or conversations with alumni. Attending these interviews and making a good impression can help your application stand out. Interviews may be used for evaluation as a small part of your overall application, or they may be purely informational.
Frequently Asked Questions About Test-Optional Colleges
Depending on where you want to apply to college, you may or may not have to take the SAT. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many postsecondary institutions temporarily suspended both SAT and ACT requirements.
For a full list of schools that do not require SAT or ACT scores, you can visit FairTest, which has a comprehensive list of test-optional and test-free colleges and universities. Remember to read your prospective college’s test policies carefully to determine if scores are required.
