Standardized Testing Requirements
Test-optional: what does it mean?
Since students all across the country are stuck at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, colleges are beginning to modify their application requirements in order to ensure every student has a fair opportunity in the admissions process. The first step that many schools have implemented is dropping any requirements for the SAT and/or ACT, meaning they are now ‘test-optional’.
What exactly does this mean?
In general, there are four main policies that colleges follow regarding the ACT/SAT:
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TEST REQUIRED
Test-required
As the name implies, this means that in order to be considered for admissions, you must submit either an ACT or SAT score, as well as any required SAT Subject tests (depending on the school).
TEST OPTIONAL
Test-optional
This means that ACT/SAT scores are not required in order to apply to these colleges. However, if you do have a test score that you would like to submit, colleges will still take it into consideration when reviewing your application. NOTE: This does not mean that colleges do not care about your test scores! SAT/ACT scores are still very important in the admissions process, and colleges will appreciate the hard work and effort that goes into getting a high score! The reasoning behind this policy is simply to give equal opportunity to students who may not perform well in standardized testing environments, even though they may excel in other areas.
TEST FLEXIBLE
Test-flexible
Colleges that are test-flexible typically have a variety of different tests that you can choose to submit with your application, including the SAT, ACT, AP Exams, etc. For example, NYU has one of the most flexible test requirement policies in which they only require students to submit one of seven testing options.
TEST BLIND
Test-blind
Test-blind colleges do not consider any SAT or ACT exam scores. Policies may vary among colleges regarding other exam scores.
Below, we have compiled a list of the top test-optional, test-flexible, and test-blind universities, grouped by region. We're sure that like us, many of you are still trying to figure out how to navigate the admissions process during all these rapid changes, so we want to help!
Make sure to check your school's individual testing requirements on the admissions page (linked by clicking on the name), as some schools may have different policies for certain majors/programs or students who are under a specified GPA.
Last updated: 11/29/20
Northeast
(ME, MA, RI, CT, NH, VT, NY, PA, NJ, DE, MD, D.C.)
Southeast
(WV, VA, KY, TN, NC, SC, GA, AL, AR, LA, FL)
Midwest
(OH, IN, MI, IL, MO, MS, WI, MN, IA, KS, NE, SD, ND)
Southwest
(TX, OK, NM, AZ)
West
(CO, WY, MT, ID, WA, OR, UT, NV, CA, AK, HI)