Colleges That Do Not Require SAT or ACT Scores
The National Center for Fair and Open Testing identified over 800 colleges and universities that deemphasize the use of standardized tests in their admissions decisions for applicants who graduated from U.S. high schools. Some of the schools totally exempt students from having to provide SAT or ACT scores, while others use the tests for placement purposes.
The admissions policies vary by institution with some schools waiving SAT/ACT scores for students graduating in the top 10 percent of their high school class, based on the student’s high school GPA, or have a “Text Flexible” policy. Review the schools on the list and contact the admissions office to learn about their particular admissions policy.
Some of the top ranked major universities and liberal arts colleges on the list include:
- Wake Forest University
- NYU
- University of Rochester
- University of Texas – Austin
- University of Arizona
- DePaul University
- George Mason University
- University of Mississippi
- Middlebury College
- Bowdoin College
- Smith College
- Bryn Mawr College
- College of the Holy Cross
- Mount Holyoke College
- Bard College
- Agnes Scott College
This should be welcomed news for students who have performed well in school, engaged in leadership and community service activities, and yet, have not performed well on standardized tests. Do your research and identify the colleges and admissions policies that are best for you.