The Admissions Strategist

Test-Optional Colleges: The Ultimate Guide

by Shayla Cherry| Updated October 27, 2022

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There’s so much new terminology that comes with applying to college! We’ve covered some of these terms — like rolling admission and early action — in previous posts.

But what about test-optional?

In this guide, we’ll tell you what it means when a school goes test-optional. We cover the benefits and drawbacks, discuss how you can decide whether or not to submit your test scores, and list the top 250 schools that no longer require ACT or SAT tests.

Test Optional Colleges: The Ultimate Guide

Click above to watch a video on test optional colleges.

What is test-optional?

Test-optional schools don’t require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Over one thousand schools have dropped testing requirements in favor of a more holistic approach to admissions. Some other schools (such as NYU) are now test-flexible, meaning that students can submit alternative exams (such as Advanced Placement tests) in place of the SAT.

If your test scores are high, you can still submit them to test-optional schools. They’ll take them into consideration. It simply means that if your scores are lower than average for that school, you can choose not to include them.

What are the benefits of test-optional?

You are more than just a test score.

Some people simply don’t test well. Whether it’s test anxiety or a type of intelligence that doesn’t translate to a high SAT score, there are many people whose scores don’t reflect their academic abilities. Going test-optional shifts the focus to other important factors, like extracurricular activities and overall academic performance.

Students with high GPAs and low test scores may benefit from not submitting the latter.

You want colleges to recognize your unique strengths and abilities. A low SAT score could distract from other areas in which you truly shine. Even if you write amazing essays or shine in your interview, some schools’ admissions processes are very formulaic; a low test score could move you down in their rankings and lose your spot.

Colleges and universities benefit from going test-optional too. Going test-optional attracts more applicants and results in a more diverse student body. It can even move them up in the rankings by inflating the school’s mean SAT scores.

What are the drawbacks of test-optional?

Many test-optional schools will require you to meet additional requirements in place of submitting test scores. This may include letters of recommendation, writing samples, or interviews. Depending on your perspective, this could be a benefit or a drawback!

Some schools also have minimum GPA requirements for test-optional applicants.

If you choose not to take the SAT test, your choice of schools becomes more limited. Many in-demand colleges still use test scores to help them sort through the tens of thousands of applications they receive each year.

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Why are colleges going test-optional post-COVID?

Over the past year, many planned sessions for the ACT and SAT tests were postponed… and then canceled altogether. Because so many students were unable to take these exams in time, many colleges and universities no longer require them.

Should I take the SAT/ACT?

Yes, take it if you can. Many schools do still require exam scores.

Even if all of the schools you plan to apply to are test-optional, it’s better to leave your options open. A high SAT score could give you an edge over the other applicants to test-optional schools.

We recommend at least giving it a try — you might surprise yourself!

If you need extra help, our private tutors are here for you.

While we’re on the subject, did you know that SAT subject tests have been cancelled?

Should I go test-optional?

Start by researching the range of scores for each school that you want to apply to. If your scores are below their average for accepted applicants, consider omitting yours.

Do you shine in a particular area? Make sure to emphasize that!

Research the admissions process for each school to see which areas carry the most weight for them, and tailor your application accordingly.

What’s the difference between test-optional vs test-blind?

While test-optional schools will still take high SAT and ACT scores into account, test-blind schools will not consider them at all.

Hampshire College has been test-blind since they opened their doors in 1970.

“Tests aren’t part of Hampshire’s pedagogy,” says the dean of admissions, “so why would we use a test to determine which students would thrive here? Students’ high school academic records, their history of civic engagement, their letters of recommendation from mentors, and their ability to represent themselves through their essays trump anything the SAT could tell us.”

The Top 250 Test-Optional Schools

We’ve included lists of the top test-optional universities and liberal arts colleges to give you an idea of just how many wonderful schools have dropped their testing requirements.

These lists are ordered according to the most recent U.S. News and World Report rankings for your convenience — but rankings aren’t everything! The best university for you might not make the top fifty. There are so many other factors to consider.

You can find the complete list (over 1,350 schools!) on the FairTest website.