25 Best Test-Optional Colleges

Test-Optional College Admissions – Introduction

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of schools across the U.S. adopted new testing policies and became test-optional colleges. This shift opened the door for more students to apply to top colleges without the barrier of standardized testing.

Plenty of schools have solidified their stance as test-optional colleges, confirming their policies will stay in place for future applicants. However, we’re also seeing schools swing back in the opposite direction. Some colleges and universities have reversed their temporary stance on test-optional college admissions and chosen to reinstate their testing requirements.

As you navigate the ever evolving landscape of test-optional colleges, you may wonder: what do these test-optional universities look for? How do test-optional schools evaluate students, and where should students looking for test-optional universities apply?

In this guide to test-optional colleges, we’ll give you all the details you need about test-optional schools. We’ll walk you through the top 25 best test-optional schools and discuss their policies around standardized testing. That way, you can know what to expect if you have any test-optional universities on your college list.

This Test-Optional Colleges Guide will answer questions like:

What are the best test-optional schools?
How do test-optional colleges use standardized testing in the admissions process?
For how long will schools remain test-optional?
What are the best test-blind colleges?
How do test scores relate to other college application requirements?
And more!

Now, let’s dig into some details about test-optional colleges.

What is a test-optional college?

Before we highlight some of the top test-optional universities, let’s discuss what test-optional colleges are.

Essentially, test-optional colleges are colleges that do not require students to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their college admissions requirements. Often, sending high SAT or ACT scores will strengthen a student’s application, even at test-optional colleges. However, if you choose to omit your SAT or ACT scores, your application will not face penalties.

Test-optional colleges allow all students to decide whether to submit ACT or SAT scores. Often, these fully test-optional colleges suggest that students only submit test scores if they believe that they are an accurate representation of their abilities. These test-optional universities understand that standardized testing does not always reflect students’ full potential. By instituting these policies, test-optional colleges hope to empower students to show their skills in the best light.

Variations in test-optional policies

Different test-optional colleges have varying approaches to standardized testing in their college admissions requirements. When in doubt, you should always check the college application requirements for any test-optional colleges on your list. Different test-optional colleges may have different college admissions requirements, which can vary based on program or major.

At some test-optional colleges, students must meet certain GPA thresholds in order to apply without ACT or SAT scores. In other cases, students from certain backgrounds — such as international students or homeschooled students — must still submit scores in order to apply and enroll.

Other admissions offices have “test-flexible” admissions policies. This means that students can submit other test scores (such as AP exam scores) in lieu of taking the SAT or ACT. You should always check to see whether AP tests or other exams are included on any list of college admissions requirements.

As you consider test-optional colleges, you should also think about the relationship between SAT requirements or ACT requirements and merit scholarships. At some test-optional universities, students must still submit SAT or ACT scores to be eligible for merit aid or scholarships.

So, even at test-optional colleges, there may be reasons why you choose to submit your test scores. As you apply to test-optional colleges, keep each school’s individual policies in mind.

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How do test-optional colleges evaluate students?

If you choose not to submit your test scores to test-optional universities, the other components of your application will carry more weight. This includes your GPA, extracurricular and summer activities, resume, recommendation letters, and essays.

So, if you’re hoping to secure a college acceptance letter, you should work hard to perfect every other aspect of your application. That way, you can be sure to impress any test-optional colleges on your list. Remember, test-optional colleges are not less selective than other schools — they simply don’t have any SAT requirements. In fact, many of the best test-optional colleges are some of the best universities nationwide.

The ACT website offers some useful tips for students as they consider applying to test-optional universities. As the ACT testing commission states, you should do your research on every school to ensure you fully understand their testing policies. This includes asking admissions officers at test-optional universities important clarifying questions.

Good questions to ask admissions officers at test-optional colleges:

Without test scores, how are the different components of my application weighted?
How will students be placed into the appropriate level for certain courses (math, foreign languages, etc.)?
Are test scores still used for any merit scholarship opportunities?
Does the acceptance rate differ for students who don’t submit test scores as opposed to those who do submit them?

Of course, not all test-optional colleges will be able to answer these questions. However, as you apply to test-optional universities, you should try to learn as much as possible. When in doubt, check each school’s website so you understand any SAT or ACT requirements.

Are all colleges test-optional?

The list of test-optional colleges is growing every day. However, not all schools are test-optional colleges.

Some schools still have SAT requirements or ACT requirements. While these schools do not require that students reach a certain score in order to apply, a weak SAT or ACT score could still hurt your application. Additionally, some test-optional schools have different college admissions requirements for different programs.

Testing policy at Carnegie Mellon University

For instance, the majority of Carnegie Mellon’s programs are test-flexible, meaning you can choose what type of test scores you submit. The College of Fine Arts remains test-optional, but the School of Computer Science is now test-required, meaning you have to submit SAT or ACT scores to apply. When in doubt, be sure to check the most up to date college application requirements for your specific major or program.

Among the best test-optional colleges, you’ll notice a lot of variation across standardized testing policies. So, if you’re wondering what schools are test-optional universities, make sure you do your research. The most up-to-date SAT requirements and ACT requirements can always be found on a school’s university admissions website.

Also, keep in mind that these standardized testing policies change quite often. Many schools have instituted test-optional policies for a trial period of two or three years. So, if you’re still far off from your own college admissions process, you should check the website for each admissions office before you apply. That way, you can ensure you have the most accurate information and can fulfill all college application requirements.

What are the best test-optional colleges?

If you’re asking about the best test-optional colleges and test-optional universities, you’re probably thinking about college rankings. In the next section, we’ll dig into a list of colleges waiving SAT and ACT scores by ranking. That way, you can find out what the best test-optional schools are.

However, before we list our top test-optional colleges, let’s look at a few test-optional universities in more detail.

1. Columbia University

Beyond being one of the best test-optional colleges, Columbia is now the only Ivy League school that has not reinstated their testing requirements (we’ll discuss this change in Ivy League admissions later on). As of this year, Columbia admissions has decided to remain test-optional, meaning the school will not require standardized tests as part of the Columbia admissions requirements.

2. UCLA

UCLA isn’t just one of the best test-optional colleges — this school takes it even further. The UCLA admissions requirements around standardized testing differ from those of many test-optional universities. Namely, the UCLA admissions office is test-blind rather than test-optional. This means that UCLA admissions will not look at your standardized test scores, even if you submit them.

3. Rice University

The best test-optional colleges are located all over the country, including in Houston, Texas. Students applying to Rice in the upcoming admissions cycle do not need to submit standardized test scores. Rice does recommend submitting scores if you have them, but choosing not to submit won’t hurt your chances.

4. Boston University

The Boston University admissions office has also chosen to adopt a test-optional policy. So, as you build a testing plan for the Boston University admissions process, note that you won’t need to include test scores on your application.

5. Tufts University

Finally, the Tufts admissions office has chosen to institute a test-optional admissions policy as well. This means that Tufts admissions will allow you to choose whether you submit test scores in your application.

These schools, among others, are some of the best test-optional colleges out there. Elite schools like Notre Dame, Duke, and Vanderbilt have also instituted test-optional admissions policies. Similar to Boston University admissions or Tufts admissions, these test-optional schools do not require students to submit scores as part of their college application requirements.

Top 25 Best Test-Optional Colleges

Now that we understand some key details about test-optional schools and their college admissions requirements, let’s run through the top 25 best test-optional colleges and test-optional universities. In this section, we’ll use college ranking data according to U.S. News.

Note that the U.S. News college rankings separate liberal arts colleges from universities. The following list includes the best test-optional colleges and test-optional universities.

Without further ado, let’s look at a list of colleges waiving SAT and ACT scores by ranking. Here are the best test-optional colleges:

The Ivy League’s return to testing

Previously, you might have seen plenty of Ivies on lists of the best test-optional colleges. As such, you might be wondering about the current relationship between Ivy League admissions and the new test-optional landscape.

In the years following the pandemic, all Ivy League admissions offices stopped requiring students to submit standardized test scores. However, in February of 2024, Dartmouth became the first to restore previous Ivy League admissions standards. Their decision to reimplement standardized testing requirements stems from the belief that standardized tests are in fact valuable predictors of student success. Furthermore, by eliminating standardized test scores from the application process, they were potentially overlooking applicants from under-resourced backgrounds.

Following Dartmouth’s decision, we’ve seen a massive shift in Ivy League admissions. All but one of the eight Ivy League schools have done away with their test-optional admissions policies, leaving Columbia the sole Ivy to not require testing. And it isn’t just Ivy League admissions; top schools across the country, including MIT, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, and UT Austin have since reversed their pandemic-era policies and have reimplemented standardized tests into their college application requirements.

Considering the rapid developments among test-required and test-optional schools you should always check each school’s individual college admissions requirements. Don’t get caught off-guard because you didn’t do your research. While you shouldn’t find SAT requirements in the college application requirements at the schools on our top 25 test-optional universities list, it’s best to double-check. After all, testing policies are continuously in flux at many top schools.

Test Optional Schools: Why some schools are ditching standardized testing

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, certain schools had already become test-optional colleges. This means that they had eliminated SAT requirements and ACT requirements from their overall college application requirements.

However, when the pandemic hit, many schools had to change their college application requirements because students couldn’t take the SAT or ACT. This meant that many colleges and universities altered their college admissions requirements, removing the need for SAT and ACT scores.

In the wake of the pandemic, many students could no longer safely take standardized tests. Testing centers were shut down, and the College Board could not support a testing model that would take place inside the home. This meant that many schools waived their SAT requirements and ACT requirements in order to ensure that their university admissions policies remained accessible during isolation.

While testing centers have since reopened, conversations around test-optional colleges have continued. Many admissions offices question the value of including SAT and ACT scores within their college application requirements.

Making college admissions more equitable

Studies have repeatedly shown that test scores often do not adequately reflect intelligence or achievement. Instead, they tend to be biased toward students who come from wealthier or more privileged backgrounds.

Test-optional schools recognize this. By altering their SAT and ACT requirements, test-optional schools hope to increase diversity within their student bodies. By removing SAT requirements, these schools hope to make their college application requirements more equitable.

Standardized testing is also a skill in itself — and not always one that belongs in any college application requirements. Mastering the SAT requires that students learn certain skills based around multiple-choice questions and timed assignments. Many high-achieving students might test poorly, even if they shine in other academic areas. Even when students receive accommodations, the SAT and ACT also disadvantage students with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities.

The students who score highest on the SAT are often those who have access to personalized tutoring and practice tests — not necessarily those who have the highest grades. Many proponents of test-optional college admissions believe that standardized test scores have little bearing on students’ ability to succeed in college. By removing the SAT from any college application requirements, these schools hope to create a fairer admissions process.

The problem with standardized testing

So, colleges across the nation are becoming test-optional schools, eliminating the SAT from their college admissions requirements. Let’s keep talking about why this shift is happening, as well as the problems with standardized testing as a whole.

As many experts have pointed out, standardized tests do not always assess the right things. A student with a low SAT or ACT score can still succeed in a college environment. Other college application requirements, some experts argue, will give admissions offices a better sense of students’ abilities.

Overall, data is mixed when it comes to the correlation between test scores and student achievement. In fact, one of the best indicators for how well a student will do on the SAT or ACT is parental education level. Students whose parents went to college — and, therefore, students from more privileged backgrounds — tend to do better on the SAT and ACT. So, SAT requirements tend to favor students from affluent families over those with fewer resources.

Additionally, SAT and ACT requirements can be a barrier for some students applying to top schools. Students who take the tests multiple times tend to increase their scores. However, the SAT is expensive, adding to the cost of other college application requirements (including fees). The SAT costs $68 in registration fees, so students who cannot pay to retake the test may have to submit lower or suboptimal scores to colleges.

As the conversation around test-optional colleges and their college admissions requirements has evolved, some have questioned the reasons why so many schools are becoming test-optional universities. Many test-optional colleges have stated that their reasons for no longer requiring scores is to increase the accessibility of higher education. And, of course, these schools’ decision to forego SAT requirements and ACT requirements often aims to do just that.

The complex impact of test-optional policies

Still, the data on the relationship between increased diversity and testing policies at test-optional colleges remains murky at best. One recent study of 180 liberal arts colleges (30 of them test-optional colleges) found that there was no increase in diversity among schools that removed SAT and ACT requirements. Other studies have been less clear, suggesting that there is a positive, if slightly unclear, link between test-optional policies and student diversity.

Moreover, as test-optional schools institute these policies, they also receive more applicants. This means that they can reject more students and lower their acceptance rates, which helps them increase their prestige (and, on some metrics, their college rankings).

Students who do submit their scores at test-optional universities also tend to score higher. This means that the best test-optional colleges will see a false inflation of their students’ SAT and ACT scores. Since SAT requirements influence U.S. News rankings, this inflation can, in turn, increase these schools’ rankings. However, it’s worth noting that U.S. News will not include test scores in their review of a given school if the school collects scores from less than 75% of applicants.

The benefits of requiring SAT and ACT scores for college admissions

The SAT is a fraught topic in many university admissions spaces. In recent decades, many college admissions offices have asked the question: do SAT scores really reflect student achievement? And, moreover, are SAT requirements a useful way for colleges to evaluate students?

There are still plenty of proponents of SAT requirements and ACT requirements nationwide. Studies do show some link between SAT scores and IQ, which leads some stakeholders to continue supporting SAT requirements. Still, both the SAT and IQ tests are widely debated in terms of their relationship with intelligence.

Other proponents of the SAT capitulate that yes, the SAT is biased toward white and wealthier students. However, this bias does not stem from the SAT alone. Instead, it is woven into the fabric of our education system. So, to increase student achievement for underrepresented groups, schools must do more than eliminate SAT requirements.

Finally, some defend the SAT based on practicality alone. Without the SAT, some admissions offices find it more challenging to compare students from different educational backgrounds. After all, a student who receives an A at one school might not actually have a stronger academic record than someone who receives a B at another. SAT requirements, some argue, allow university admissions offices to compare students from different environments in a more equitable manner.

Assessing the bigger picture of student potential

As test-optional schools make the decision to reinstate testing requirements, it’s worth asking what the SAT actually measures. Even if test-optional schools don’t necessarily see an increase in diversity among accepted students, that doesn’t mean the SAT is inherently valuable. It’s just one part of the college admissions puzzle, whether you’re looking at test-required, test-recommended, or test-optional schools. Test scores may or may not reflect a student’s full range of abilities, which is why they’re typically always evaluated within the context of a student’s overall application.

How do I know if a college is test-optional?

Test-optional colleges will always list their testing policies on their website. You can use our lists in this guide to learn about certain test-optional universities. However, the safest bet will always be to check a school’s admissions website.

You can also reach out directly to each test-optional schools’ admissions office and ask about their SAT requirements if it isn’t clear from the website. This can give you the chance to ask other questions about university admissions, including how the other components of your application will be weighted without test scores.

So, when in doubt, visit the website and get in touch with the admissions office for any of the test-optional schools we’ve discussed. Testing policies are widely in flux, and we’re seeing countless changes year after year. Some schools may currently be test-optional but return to their SAT requirements in future years. Others might see the wisdom of other test-optional schools and decide to make their policies permanent. Regardless, it’s always best to double-check.

Will schools stay test-optional forever?

In a word (or two): not necessarily.

More schools than ever have become test-optional colleges. Many test-optional colleges instituted their new testing policies in 2020. In large part, this shift originated from the COVID-19 pandemic, when few students could access testing centers. Since students could not gather to take the SAT, it made sense that universities would forego any SAT or ACT requirements.

However, testing centers have long since reopened, and the conversation around the merit of the SAT has continued. When test-optional policies first came into effect, many test-optional colleges agreed to forego SAT or ACT requirements for a few years, but not forever. These test-optional colleges may choose to eventually make these testing policies permanent, however, as we’ve seen, nothing is guaranteed. As more schools decide to reverse these pandemic-era policies, the only certainty is that the SAT, ACT, and test-optional policies are all here to stay.

So, as you plan your university admissions process, always check each school’s website. When it comes to test-optional colleges, it’s best to play it safe.

More Test-Optional Schools to Explore

As we’ve discussed, there are a lot of test-optional colleges out there, including both private schools and public universities. Here are a few more test-optional colleges worth exploring

Case Western Reserve University
Texas A&M University
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest University
William & Mary
Villanova University
George Washington University
University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
Michigan State University

When you start making your college list, it’s easy to be drawn to test-optional schools. Not having to submit SAT or ACT scores can feel like a relief, but being test-optional alone isn’t enough reason to apply. Even at schools where tests aren’t required, admissions can be competitive — especially at those with lower acceptance rates — so every part of your application still counts. Think beyond stats: look at the programs, campus vibe, and opportunities that matter to you. And, of course, location and size!

Test-Optional Liberal Arts Colleges

Schools big and small have taken the leap and become test-optional schools. If you’re interested in a liberal arts education, check out this list of colleges waiving SAT and ACT scores:

Williams College
Amherst College
Swarthmore College
Pomona College
Wellesley College
Bowdoin College
Claremont McKenna College
Carleton College
Middlebury College

Since these schools pride themselves on delivering a well-rounded education, it’s no surprise that so many of them have chosen to adopt test-optional policies in pursuit of supporting a well-rounded student body. That being said, these small liberal arts schools can only accept so many students, so consider the strength of your overall application before deciding against submitting test scores.

Test-Optional Colleges In New York

New York is home to many test-optional colleges that you might want to include in your college list. These universities have no SAT or ACT requirements. So, at these schools, students can choose whether to submit their SAT and ACT scores.

Best test-optional colleges in New York for your college list:

Columbia University
Stony Brook University
Barnard College
NYU
Colgate University
University of Rochester
Vassar College
Skidmore College
Syracuse University
Clarkson University

As test-optional universities, these schools will only review your SAT or ACT scores if you choose to submit them. If you don’t feel that your scores reflect your full ability, don’t send them — your application will face no penalties. However, if you have a strong score, go ahead and submit it.

Test Optional Schools In California

In this section, we’ll walk you through a list of colleges waiving SAT and ACT scores in California. However, before we discuss test-optional schools in California, let’s discuss one special case when it comes to test-optional colleges: the UC system.

The University of California System: a leader in test-blind admissions

The UC system has always played a major role in the nation’s shift toward test-optional colleges. This began in 2001, when then-UC President Richard Atkinson recommended that schools use other exams — rather than the SAT — to measure achievement.

Atkinson maintained that high school grades (rather than test scores) were the best marker for students’ skills. Following Atkinson’s recommendation, the SAT underwent a complete redesign, including the elimination of some key sections. In the wake of the pandemic, the UC system chose to dramatically shift its attitude toward standardized testing. The UC universities aren’t just test-optional schools — instead, they took it one step further.

The UC system is made up of test-blind colleges rather than simply test-optional colleges. At test-blind colleges, students’ test scores have no influence on the application process. Even if you submit your scores, test-blind colleges will not review them. Instead, these schools focus on other parts of your application, including your grades, extracurricular activities, and essays.

Let’s dig into the differences between test-optional colleges and test-blind colleges.

Test-optional colleges vs. test-blind colleges

At most test-optional colleges, university admissions officers will still review standardized test scores from any students who submit them. However, in the UC system, admissions officers will not review SAT or ACT scores at all.

For instance, if you apply to UCLA, the UCLA admissions requirements do not include SAT or ACT scores. In fact, unlike at test-optional schools, test scores have no bearing on the UCLA admissions process. So, as you complete the UCLA admissions requirements, you won’t need to worry about your SAT scores.

Now that we’ve discussed the UC’s test-blind admissions policy and how it differs from that of test-optional schools, let’s dig into test-optional (rather than test-blind) colleges in California. At these schools, you can choose whether or not to submit your standardized test scores.

Here’s our list of test-optional schools waiving SAT and ACT scores in California, not including the test-blind colleges in the UC system.

Best test-optional colleges in California for your college list:

Harvey Mudd College
Pomona College
University of Southern California
Claremont McKenna College
Scripps College
Santa Clara University
Pepperdine University

Unlike the test-blind colleges that make up the UC system, these California colleges are test-optional. That means they will only evaluate SAT or ACT scores if you choose to submit them. As some of the best test-optional colleges out there, these schools will look at every part of a student’s profile when determining admission.

So, yes, your SAT and ACT scores will matter if you submit them to these schools. However, the rest of your application will also play a major role in the university admissions process.

Test-Optional Colleges In Florida

Looking for test-optional universities in Florida? Here’s a list of colleges in the Sunshine State waiving SAT and ACT score requirements.

Test-optional colleges in Florida for your college list:

Rollins College
Keiser University–Fort Lauderdale
Stetson University
Jacksonville University
Florida Southern College
University of Tampa
Palm Beach Atlantic University

These schools are test-optional colleges rather than test-blind colleges. So, you can choose whether to submit your test scores as part of your application. If you have a high SAT or ACT score, you should always submit it. After all, it can only help your application — even if the school where you’re applying has no SAT requirements.

Test-Optional Colleges In PA

Finally, let’s look at test-optional colleges in one more state: Pennsylvania. Below is a list of colleges waiving SAT and ACT scores in Pennsylvania.

Test-optional colleges in Pennsylvania for your college list:

Swarthmore College
Haverford College
Lehigh University
Penn State
Villanova University
University of Pittsburgh
Lafayette College
Bucknell University

Once again, these are test-optional universities rather than test-blind colleges. At any of these schools, you can choose whether to submit your SAT or ACT scores.

Test-Optional Colleges – Final Thoughts

As we’ve discussed, there are a lot of test-optional colleges out there. However, testing policies are changing every day, so always make sure you double-check the testing policies for the schools on this list. That way, you’ll never be caught off guard by any surprise SAT requirements or ACT requirements. And, when in doubt, always try to take the SAT or ACT to avoid accidentally closing any doors. Good luck!

This article was written by Abbie Sage. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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