Test Scores Aren’t Everything
Not all students are strong test-takers. The good news for these prospective undergraduates is that a number of colleges in the U.S. have embraced test-flexible admissions policies.
These schools are the 10 highest-ranked National Liberal Arts Colleges and top 10 National Universities that allow students to choose which alternatives to the SAT and ACT to submit, or in some cases, don’t require any test scores at all. The colleges and universities were identified based on self-reported data from an annual U.S. News survey. Due to ties in the rankings, more than 20 schools are featured.
Schools may have exceptions to their testing policies for certain types of applicants, such as international students and home-schooled students, as well as for specific programs. Be sure to consult each college’s website for more information. For a complete list of test-flexible schools, visit the National Center for Fair and Open Testing.
Arizona State University–Tempe
School rank and category: 115 (tie), National Universities
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores.
More about ASU.
Temple University (PA)
School rank and category: 115 (tie), National Universities
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores, with some exceptions.
More about Temple University.
Clark University (MA)
School rank and category: 81 (tie), National Universities
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores.
More about Clark University.
American University (DC)
School rank and category: 69 (tie), National Universities
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores.
More about American University.
Stevens Institute of Technology (NJ)
School rank and category: 69 (tie), National Universities
Test submission policy: Students applying to some programs don’t have to submit standardized test scores.
More about Stevens Institute of Technology.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (MA)
School rank and category: 61 (tie), National Universities
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores.
More about Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
George Washington University (DC)
School rank and category: 56 (tie), National Universities
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores, with some exceptions.
More about George Washington University.
Mount Holyoke College (MA)
School rank and category: 36 (tie), National Liberal Arts Colleges
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores.
More about Mount Holyoke College.
Union College (NY)
School rank and category: 36 (tie), National Liberal Arts Colleges
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores, with some exceptions.
More about Union College.
Brandeis University (MA)
School rank and category: 34 (tie), National Universities
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores, with some exceptions.
More about Brandeis University.
University of Rochester (NY)
School rank and category: 34 (tie), National Universities
Test submission policy: Students choose which standardized test score(s) to submit.
More about University of Rochester.
College of the Holy Cross (MA)
School rank and category: 33 (tie), National Liberal Arts Colleges
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores.
More about College of the Holy Cross.
Pitzer College (CA)
School rank and category: 33 (tie), National Liberal Arts Colleges
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores, with some exceptions.
More about Pitzer College.
Bryn Mawr College (PA)
School rank and category: 32, National Liberal Arts Colleges
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores, with some exceptions.
More about Bryn Mawr College.
New York University
School rank and category: 30 (tie), National Universities
Test submission policy: Students choose which standardized test score(s) to submit.
More about New York University.
Wake Forest University (NC)
School rank and category: 27, National Universities
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores.
More about Wake Forest University.
Bates College (ME)
School rank and category: 23 (tie), National Liberal Arts Colleges
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores.
More about Bates College.
Colorado College
School rank and category: 23 (tie), National Liberal Arts Colleges
Test submission policy: Students choose which standardized test score(s) to submit.
More about Colorado College.
Wesleyan University (CT)
School rank and category: 21 (tie), National Liberal Arts Colleges
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores.
More about Wesleyan University.
Colby College (ME)
School rank and category: 12 (tie), National Liberal Arts Colleges
Test submission policy: Students choose which standardized test score(s) to submit.
More about Colby College.
Smith College (MA)
School rank and category: 12 (tie), National Liberal Arts Colleges
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores, with some exceptions.
More about Smith College.
Bowdoin College (ME)
School rank and category: 3 (tie), National Liberal Arts Colleges
Test submission policy: School doesn’t require standardized test scores.
More about Bowdoin College.
Learn More About Test-Flexible Schools
Discover the types of students who might benefit from test-flexible admissions and read about how test-optional schools are trying to create more diverse campuses.
Also, connect with U.S. News Education on Facebook and Twitter for more education tips and news.
More from U.S. News
Consider Both Liberal Arts Colleges, National Universities
Understand What’s a Good SAT Score for College Admissions
3 Questions to Ask Before Taking SAT Subject Tests
20 Top-Ranked Colleges That Are Flexible With Test Scores originally appeared on usnews.com
