US Colleges and Universities Not Requiring SAT 2024

Last updated on December 14th, 2023 at 12:09 pm

Universities and colleges in the US have different admission requirements for undergraduate programs. Every university sets its own requirements as it seems appropriate. Some weight students GPA more, while other weigh test scores more. But there are many universities and colleges which do not require Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or ACT scores.

This might come surprising to you that over 1000 accredited colleges and universities offering undergraduate programs have moved away from the strict require of test score and now have reviewed their policies to as test-free, test optional and test-flexible policies. Some have even completed abolished the requirement of SAT or ACT scores. 

Before mentioning the names of the colleges and schools, it is better to understand the different test policies.

What Is Test Optional Admissions Policy?

A test-optional policy gives students more confident to present themselves to the colleges on the basis of what they should be assessed. According to the policy, the student decides whether or not he/she has to submit the SAT scores. If a student does not submit the SAT score than he/she will be assessed on his/her GPA and SOP and other parameters. But if a student has scored good marks then he/she is free to submit the score so that these good scores are reflected as a strength and can maximize his/her chances of admission.

Some highly ranked SAT-optional schools include the following:

• University of Chicago
• The George Washington University
• Hofstra University
• Bates College
• Bryn Mawr College
• Bowdoin College
• Wake Forest University
• Pitzer College
• Sarah Lawrence College
• Smith College (for US citizens/permanent residents)

What Is Test Flexible Admissions Policy?

According to Test-Flexible Admission Policy, student can submit the any of the required test score. A student can submit SAT Scores, or ACT score or Three AP scores or IB Scores. Many students appear for more than one tests, hence they can choose which test they performed the best and can choose to be assessed on the basis of the score they have performed better in.

But not all schools accept any of the all scores. Before submitting the admissions application and score, you need to confirm what scores are acceptable. Some may not consider IB score, some may require you to submit only SAT or ACT scores and some may require some others.

What Is Test Blind Admissions Policy (SAT Scores not required)?

According to Test Blind Admission Policy, test scores are not considered in merit determination. This means that school does not want to you submit the score, and even if you submitted the score it will weigh into the application assessment.

Other schools that are test blind include:

• Catholic University of America
• Northern Michigan University
• The University of California system of schools  

US Universities That Don’t Require SAT Scores / ACT Exams