The concept of a test-optional college is continuing to grow in popularity. Back in 2023, over 1,900 colleges and universities gave candidates such an option and the number of academic institutions embracing the model has increased since then.

For many students, however, test-optional admission is still a fairly new concept as far as the application process goes.

So what exactly is test-optional admission? The term refers to applicants being allowed to decide if they’d submit test scores alongside their application. While test-optional policies have this in common, great variations exist between the terms of each.

It’s also important to understand that being given the opportunity doesn’t mean universities completely lack interest in SAT or ACT scores. The policy simply means that your decision not to provide such information isn’t going to be counted against you.

This test-optional college guide will take you through all important questions about colleges and universities that embrace the test-optional approach. You’ll learn essentials like:

· The benefits of being free from featuring standard scores

· The factors that matter the most when scores aren’t provided

· Applying to Ivy League schools if you’re interested in test-optional

· Things you can do to strengthen your application without providing test scores

What Does Test-Optional Admissions Mean for College Applicants?

If you’re applying to college in 2025, you’ve probably heard the term test-optional thrown around a lot. But what does it really mean for you as an applicant?

This shift in admission policy is part of a larger test-optional movement, which has gained momentum as more four-year colleges and even selective colleges recognize that standardized test scores don’t always tell the full story of a student’s abilities. Whether you’re aiming for a test-optional school, an Ivy League university, or one of the many colleges that have gone test-optional, it’s important to understand how these policies impact your college admissions process and whether you should still consider taking the SAT or the ACT.

Additional Reading: Getting ready to apply to the college of your dreams? You’ll want to read Step-by-Step Tips on How to Write a College Resume for Your College Application.

To give you a better idea about test-optional policies, we have to distinguish between three terms key terms.

Test-Optional

As already mentioned, in this instance, you can either provide your ACT or SAT scores or you can keep them out of your application. Deciding to withhold your results will not be counted against you when the application is reviewed. Because of this, test-optional policies are sometimes also called test flexible.

Test-Blind

Colleges that are test blind will not accept your SAT and ACT scores. An admissions committee will never see such information. Some studies suggest that standardized test scores are linked to socioeconomic factors, which harms applicants from underprivileged groups. The concept of test-blind admission gained a lot of traction since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and it’s been established as a reliable process ever since. CalTech, Berkeley, and UCLA are some prime examples of test-blind universities.

Test-Required

The list of colleges that still need test scores is becoming smaller but some academic institutions are still insistent on seeing test results before accepting new students. When colleges ask for test scores there will be no way to compromise and refrain from taking ACT or SAT.

Do All Colleges Require the SAT? Understanding Test Optional College Admission Policies

As you’ve gathered already from the introduction, the number of schools that free applicants from the obligation to submit their test scores is growing by the day. Colleges that require test scores still exist but many schools may embrace some degree of flexibility in their policies.

Some of the colleges that still require test scores for admission include:

· Massachusetts Institute of Technology

· Harvard University

· Brown University

· University of Georgia

· Purdue University

· Georgia Institute of Technology

· Dartmouth College

· University of Florida

· Georgetown University

A few prime examples of test-optional schools include:

· Princeton University

· Duke University

· University of Pennsylvania

· Johns Hopkins University

· Columbia University

· Cornell University

· University of Chicago

· University of Michigan

· University of Virginia

· University of California, Davies

· New York University

· Boston College

· Barnard College

And here are a few test-blind universities out of the top academic institutions in the US:

· The vast majority of universities in California

· Washington State University

· Worcester Polytechnic Institute

· Whittier College

Additional Reading: Too many tests not enough time? We can help you Crush Your Exams: Top Test-Taking Strategies for Students.

Keep in mind that some degree programs may have specific requirements that differ from general admission criteria (valid for many colleges). Doing some research to determine what will be required of you in advance is the key to strengthening your application and maximizing your admission chances.

Do You Have to Submit SAT Scores for College if You’re Going Test-Optional?

Applying to a test-optional college will have you making numerous important decisions. The biggest one will be whether to submit your test scores or not.

So, to send or not to send? To decide, you will have to go through the following considerations:

· Is the school you’re applying to very competitive?

· Look at test scores (averages) the school considers for admission (for example, Cornell University reported an average SAT score of 1480 for admitted students).

· How and if your SAT score complements your GPA (consider test scores in correlation with school grades, they form a single unit when featured alongside each other).

· Your desire to qualify for scholarships and special programs (you’ll need to get acquainted with their participation requirements on top of examining the test-optional admissions policy of the respective school).

Additional Reading: Ready for College? Start with This Junior Year of High School Checklist

If you have a good SAT score and you’re applying to a hyper-competitive school, featuring test results can strengthen your application. If your score falls below the 25^th percentile reported by the respective school, withholding that information may be the smart thing to do. It’s also a good idea to refrain from providing test scores if they don’t positively correspond to your GPA.

Are Ivy League Schools Really Test-Optional Schools? Why Don’t More Colleges in the U.S. Use Exam-Based Admission?

Some Ivy League schools have their standardized test requirements while others fully embrace the optional standard scores.

Columbia University, Duke University, Cornell, Brown, University of Pennsylvania, and UCLA are just a few of the top universities that no longer make the provision of ACT scores and SAT scores mandatory.

Standardized exam-based admission doesn’t paint a comprehensive picture. Colleges have started embracing many additional bits of information like extracurricular activities and athletics. Interviews and recommendations are also examined carefully, giving admission teams a better and more comprehensive understanding of a candidate’s biggest strengths and weaknesses.

Additional Reading: Find useful Interview Tips for High School Students: Stand Out from the Crowd.

Is the SAT Coming Back for Admissions? What You Need to Know

SAT has never gone away and it still gives you an opportunity to shine and outperform the competition. If you are considering a very competitive university, you can submit standardized test scores to strengthen your application.

Maintaining competitive advantage is all about keeping yourself informed about innovations. Digital SAT is one of the newest innovations in college admissions. The test has been computerized and it’s also been shortened to correspond to contemporary realities.

The digitalization of the test hasn’t had an impact on results so far but things may change in the future. Keep track of policies if you want to plan ahead of time and allow yourself to shine bright and get noticed when applying.

What Parts of Your Application Matter Most in the Absence of Standard Results?

If you don’t want to provide your test scores during test-optional admission, you will probably need to know more about the parts of the application that examiners will pay the most attention to. What happens when schools don’t consider the SAT during the college admissions process? What is the key requirement for admission in those instances?

Your school GPA matters, so work hard and ensure consistent academic progress.

Additional Reading: Learn The Truth About Your GPA: Does High School GPA Matter After High School.

Extracurricular activities, the rigor of coursework, your college essay, your volunteering background, your recommendation letters, and your college interview (if it’s a part of the admission process) all matter.

The most important factors tend to be your grades and your academic rigor. If you intend to withhold standardized test scores, these are the admission elements to focus your efforts on.

Make Your College Application Outstanding with Morzep College Coaching

Your future depends on the strategic decisions you make before submitting your college application. Having college admission guidance will give you more clarity, helping you focus your efforts on the things that matter the most.

Morzep’s team of experienced college coaches will answer your most pressing questions and guide you through the steps that will maximize your chances of admission to the college or program of your dreams. Contact us now and let us know what your academic future looks like – we will help you get there.