We recently informed you about changes in the SAT to a new digital testing format. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend for colleges to offer a test-optional admissions process. 75% of 4-year colleges will not require SAT or ACT scores for the 2021-22 admissions cycle. More than 1,800 colleges and universities in the US are extending their test-optional policies through the 2021-22 application cycle, with some making the move to test-optional even longer or permanent. Cornell University and Columbia University were the two first Ivy League schools to announce that they are extending their test-optional policies for the 2021-22 admissions cycle. In this article, we have aggregated the list of test blind and test optional colleges for 2022-2023.
Test Optional Colleges
Co-authored by Tanmoy Ray
List of SAT and ACT Test Optional Colleges for 2022-2023
- Amherst College
- Adelphi University
- Babson University
- Barnard College
- Baylor University
- Boston University
- Bucknell University
- Brown University
- Cal State System (Test Blind through Spring 2023 with 2.5)
- Case Western Reserve University
- Colgate University
- Columbia University
- College of Charleston
- College of William & Mary
- Cornell University (through high school class of 2024)
- Davidson College
- Drexel University
- Elon University
- Hamilton College
- Harvard University (through high school class of 2026)
- Haverford College
- Indiana University – Bloomington
- Oberlin College and Conservatory
- Oglethorpe University
- Middlebury College
- The University of Notre Dame
- Pepperdine University
- Penn State University
- Rhodes College
- Rhode Island School of Design
- St. Louis University
- Stanford University
- Trinity University
- Tufts University (3-year pilot)
- Tulane University
- Stanford
- All University of California System (all campuses test blind)
- University of Connecticut
- University of Maryland
- USC (University of Southern California)
- Vassar College
- UPenn (University of Pennsylvania)
- University of Vermont
- University of Virginia
- U-WM (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
- Williams College
Here is the complete list of 700+ schools along with their test requirements policies:
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Test Optional Colleges 2022-2023 for International Students | List of 500+ Schools
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How Does Test-Optional Policy Help?
Going test-optional helps with the following:
- Brings more diversity and inclusivity as those who are part of a minority population, come from low-income households, are first-generation applicants, female etc. aren’t deterred from applying
- Encourages more students to apply to their dream university.
- Allows high school performance to be the only available screening device for applicants.
What does Test-Optional Mean for International Applicants?
The test-optional policy doesn’t mean test-blind.
The majority of US universities are still test-optional, which means if you give them a data point that they understand (which is the SAT or ACT), they will use that when evaluating your application.
Secondly, a test score also increases your chance of financial aid and complements your overall academic potential.
The majority of college admission counselors are also encouraging taking the SAT/ACT test. Read Should You Take SAT/ACT by Ruchi Saran and Five Reasons Why You Should Take The SAT or ACT by Namita Mehta.
Featured Image Source: The College Curators