When trying to get admission into a college, meeting the different criteria is very important and one of these requirements is the SAT or ACT scores. Most colleges in the United States need these scores before one can be granted admission into the institute. Let us know about the ‘Colleges That Don’t Require SAT or ACT’.
Although the SAT or ACT scores are important, there are still some colleges that do not make it compulsory for an applicant to submit their SAT or ACT score. Some of these colleges are Bard College (New York), George Washington University (Washington, D.C.), Bowdoin College, etc.
Meaning and Importance of SAT or ACT
SAT means Scholastic Aptitude Test. It is a test used by colleges and universities in the United States to test the readiness of undergraduate applicants for academic study. The SAT is a widely used college admissions criterion and is administered by the College Board. The SAT is often taken by high school juniors and seniors during the college application process.
The American College Testing (ACT) is a test used for college admissions in the United States. The ACT is provided by ACT, Inc. The ACT is taken by high school juniors and seniors during the college admissions process. Many colleges and universities in the United States use ACT scores, along with other factors like high school GPA and hobbies, to make admissions decisions. The ACT is Provided several times a year at testing centres across the United States and internationally.
Alternatives Testing System Apart from the SAT and ACT
There are several alternatives to the SAT and ACT, which are standardized tests that are commonly used for college admissions in the United States. These alternatives may be accepted by some colleges and universities in place of the SAT or ACT or may be used in addition to these tests. Here are some alternative tests:
- Advanced Placement (AP) exams: These exams are provided by the College Board and are based on college-level coursework that students may have completed in high school.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) exams: These exams are based on coursework completed in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
- College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams: These exams are provided by the College Board.
- DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs): These exams are provided by the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES).
It’s important to note that not all colleges and universities accept these alternative tests for credit or admissions purposes, so it’s important to check with the specific school to see what their policies are.
Colleges that don’t need SAT or ACT
Some several colleges and universities do not ask applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores during their admissions process. These schools have “test-optional” or “test-flexible” policies, which means that applicants have the option of submitting or not submitting scores from these standardized tests.
Here are some colleges and universities that do not need SAT or ACT scores for admission:
1. Bard College (New York): Bard College in New York is a liberal arts college that has a flexible testing policy for admissions. According to the college’s website, applicants are not asked to submit SAT or ACT scores during their application, and the college will not use test scores in its admissions decisions. However, applicants may choose to submit scores if they feel that their scores will be a strong representation of their academic skills or if they feel that their scores will help show their readiness for college-level coursework. In addition to the SAT or ACT, Bard College accepts several alternative tests for admissions purposes, including Advanced Placement (AP) exams, International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, and College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. The college has a test-optional policy for students who have completed college-level coursework at other institutions.
It’s important to note that Bard College’s testing policies may change from year to year, so it’s always a good idea to check with the college directly to confirm their current policies.
2. Bowdoin College (Maine): Bowdoin College is a selective liberal arts college located in Brunswick, Maine.
To apply to Bowdoin College, you will need to submit an application, transcripts, test scores, and other materials during the admissions process. The college does not have a minimum test score criteria for admission. However, strong test scores can be a major decider in the admissions process and can help show your academic preparedness for college-level work.
Bowdoin College is a test-optional school, which means that you are not expected to submit a standardized test during your application. However, if you choose to submit test scores, they will be regarded during your application. The college accepts scores from the SAT, ACT, and other standardized tests.
3. Bryn Mawr College (Pennsylvania): Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania is a highly selective liberal arts college. As such, the college has a variety of alternative admission options for applicants who may not meet the traditional admission requirements.
One alternative admission option at Bryn Mawr is the College’s Testing Optional policy, which allows applicants to apply for admission without submitting ACT or SAT scores. To be considered for this option, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A high school GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Submission of recommendation letters from a teacher or counsellor
- A personal essay
Bryn Mawr College reviews applicants for the Testing Optional option holistically and considers a variety of factors including academic performance, and personal characteristics.
It’s important to note that the Testing Optional option is not assured and is considered on a case-by-case basis.
4. George Washington University (Washington, D.C.): George Washington University (GWU) in Washington, D.C. has a variety of alternative admission options for applicants who may not meet the traditional admission requirements. These options include the GWU Test-Optional Admission option and the GWU Pathway Program.
For the Test-Optional Admission option, applicants are not expected to submit ACT or SAT scores during their application. Instead, they must meet the following requirements:
- A high school GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Submission of recommendation letters
- A personal essay
GWU reviews applicants for the Test-Optional Admission option holistically and considers a variety of factors including academic performance, and personal characteristics.
5. Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.): Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. has a variety of alternative admission options for applicants who may not meet the traditional admission requirements. These options include the Georgetown University Test-Optional Admission option and the Georgetown University QuestBridge Program.
For the Test-Optional Admission option, applicants are not expected to submit ACT or SAT scores during their application. Instead, they must meet the following requirements:
- A high school GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Submission of recommendation letters
- A personal essay
Georgetown University reviews applicants for the Test-Optional Admission option holistically and considers a variety of factors including academic performance, and personal characteristics.
For the Georgetown University QuestBridge Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A high school GPA of 3.7 or higher
- Demonstration of financial need determined by the QuestBridge National College Match process
- Strong academic performance and extracurricular involvement, transcripts, recommendations, and other application materials
The Georgetown University QuestBridge Program is a program in collaboration with QuestBridge, an NGO that connects high-achieving, low-income students with top colleges and universities. Students accepted into the program receive a full scholarship to Georgetown University.
It’s important to note that these alternative admission options are not assured and are considered on a case-by-case basis.
6. Hamilton College (New York): Hamilton College in Clinton, New York has a Test-Optional Admission policy, which allows applicants to apply for admission without submitting ACT or SAT scores. To be considered for this option, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A high school GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Submission of recommendation letter from a teacher or counsellor
- A personal essay
Hamilton College reviews applicants for the Test-Optional Admission option holistically and considers a variety of factors including academic performance, and personal characteristics.
It’s important to note that the Test-Optional Admission option is not assured and is considered on a case-by-case basis.
7. Loyola Marymount University (California): Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in California ask applicants to submit standardized test scores during the admissions process. However, the university does provide alternative ways for applicants to show their academic readiness for college, including the option to submit alternative test scores or to participate in the school’s “Test Optional Admissions” program.
Here is some information about alternative test score criteria at LMU:
- LMU’s Test-Optional Admissions program allows applicants to choose if they want or not to submit standardized test scores during their application. If an applicant chooses not to submit test scores, they will need to submit more writing samples and transcripts during their application.
- LMU will accommodate alternative test scores, like Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, instead of standardized test scores.
- LMU will accommodate grades and other academic indicators, like class rank and GPA, during the admissions process.
It is important to note that the specific criteria for admission to LMU may vary depending on the applicant’s academic background and the program they are applying to.
8. University of Chicago (Illinois): The University of Chicago in Illinois ask applicants to submit standardized test scores during the admissions process. However, the university does provide alternative ways for applicants to show their academic readiness for college, including the option to participate in the school’s “Test Optional Admissions” program.
Here is some information about alternative test score criteria at the University of Chicago:
- The University of Chicago’s Test-Optional Admissions program allows applicants to choose if they want to or not to submit standardized test scores during their application. If an applicant chooses not to submit test scores, they will need to submit more writing samples and transcripts during their application.
- The University of Chicago will accommodate alternative test scores, like Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, instead of standardized test scores.
- The University of Chicago will accommodate grades and other academic indicators, like class rank and GPA, during the admissions process.
It is important to note that the specific criteria for admission to the University of Chicago may vary depending on the applicant’s academic background and the program to which they are applying.
9. University of Portland (Oregon): The University of Portland in Oregon ask applicants to submit standardized test scores during the admissions process. However, the university does provide alternative ways for applicants to show their academic readiness for college, including the option to participate in the school’s “Test Optional Admissions” program.
Here is some information about alternative test score criteria at the University of Portland:
The University of Portland’s Test-Optional Admissions program allows applicants to choose if they want to or not to submit standardized test scores during their application. If an applicant chooses not to submit test scores, they will need to submit more writing samples and transcripts during their application.
The University of Portland will accommodate alternative test scores, like Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, instead of standardized test scores.
The University of Portland will accommodate grades and other academic indicators, like class rank and GPA, during the admissions process.
10. Wake Forest University (North Carolina): Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina has alternative admission options for applicants who may not meet the traditional admission criteria. These options include the Wake Forest University Pathways Program and the Wake Forest University Test-Optional Admission option. The Pathways Program is a conditional admission program, which means that students must meet certain academic criteria during their first semester at Wake Forest to continue their application.
For the Test-Optional Admission option, applicants are not asked to submit ACT or SAT scores during their application. Instead, they must meet the following criteria:
- A high school GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Submission of recommendation letter
- A personal essay
Wake Forest University reviews applicants for the Test-Optional Admission option holistically and considers a variety of factors including academic performance, and personal characteristics.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that test-optional or test-flexible policies may vary by program or major at a particular school, and some schools may ask for SAT or ACT scores for certain programs or for students who are applying for certain scholarships or financial aid. Additionally, some schools may still accept SAT or ACT scores during their admissions process, even if they are not asked. It’s always a good idea to check with the specific school you are interested in to find out their specific testing criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Minimum SAT Score that a College will Accept?
The minimum SAT score that a score will accept is 950-1050
2. Is 1200 a Good SAT Score?
Yes, it is a good score since it is above average.
