Test Optional Schools

I have had many questions regarding "test optional" schools.  YES! They do exist.  Each year, there is an increase in the  number of schools that go "test optional".  Test optional means that you can send your SAT/ACT scores, or you do not have to send the scores.  It is important that students and their families really look at each college/university before deciding not to take the SAT/ACT.  In some instances, the college is listed as test optional BUT with a caveat.  An example is Arizona State University.  It is test optional only if the applicant meets the minimum GPA and class rank required for admissions. 

 

 

Remember, those statistics change yearly, and for out of state students, those GPA and class rank admission requirements are different.  Also, remember to give yourself as many options as you can.  If you take the SAT/ACT you can still apply to schools that require them and schools that do not. 

Here are a few schools that are test optional (in no particular order): 

Pitzer (California)
Arizona State

Concordia (Oregon)

Connecticut College

Providence College (Rhode Island)

Bates (Maine)
Bowdoin (Maine)

Cal Maritime (California)

Wake Forest (North Carolina)

DePaul (Minnesota)

Mt. Holyoke  (Massachusetts)
Hampshire College (Massachusetts) 

Bennington (Vermont)

George Mason (Virginia)

Lewis & Clark (Oregon)

These are just a few examples, but you might want to check them out.