Popular US Universities Accepting Applications Without ACT/SAT Scores

US Universities that do not require ACT/SAT scores have made the headlines over the past two years and even before the pandemic. However, when the pandemic began, the test-optional trend started gaining momentum. Top universities like Harvard recently made ACT/SAT optional until 2026 while Yale and Princeton announced to remain test-optional until 2023-24.

While some might say that going SAT/ACT optional takes away a lot of scholarship opportunities from meritorious international students, some also believe that it will now give international students a chance to demonstrate their strengths or talents through extracurricular activities, community involvement, academic grades, and more.

In addition, recent figures released by The Washington Post show that universities have registered a surge in international applications in the past two years, primarily because of test-blind admissions. Now, let us look at what colleges do not require SAT or ACT for the class of 2023.

What is a Test-Optional College?

As a thumb rule, SAT/ACT scores have always been a requirement of US colleges and universities. However, in the past few years, several colleges have decided to go test-free and do not require students to mandatorily submit their test scores. In circumstances where the student willingly submits the standardised scores, they readily accept it for evaluation. 

Colleges and universities that are test-optional have done away with the narrative of the importance of SAT./ACT scores. They consider them as an unnecessary component in admission decisions. So students who do not wish to take the test or have not scored satisfactorily can opt for test-optional colleges. Otherwise, if they send their low test scores, it may affect the admission decision negatively.

Several colleges have gone test-blind or test-flexible since the pandemic. They use traditional means to review applications. It is important to note that several new universities have also joined the league of universities accepting applications without SAT/ACT scores.

What US Colleges Do Not Require SAT or ACT for 2023-2024?

Let us now find out which US university does not require SAT or ACT in USA for bachelor's admissions in 2023-2024:

Want to get enrolled in any of the aforementioned US universities? Learn SAT vs ACT: which one to take, here.

Or, register with us to take advantage of our study abroad packages and apply without an SAT or ACT Score to the top universities across the globe. We are here to help!

How are Test Optional Colleges Making Admission Decisions?

Contrary to popular belief, standardized test scores are the only criterion for admission to top universities in the US and other countries. There are several other factors that are considered while assessing an application for undergraduate admission.

For a test-optional college, ones application is looked at holistically and more emphasis is put on other criteria including high school transcripts, GPA, grade trend, curriculum and class rank (if applicable). Following that, an institution will consider a profile based on their personal statement, letters of recommendation, participation in extracurricular activities, demonstrated interest and more. Let us look at these in detail:

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Whether one has the highest SAT scores, GPA, or SOP may be a deciding factor in their admission to their university of choice. What a good SOP does is convince the reader(s) or admissions committee that the applicant has solid achievements that will add value to their college and show promise in success in their undergraduate study.

Letter(s) of Recommendation

Recommendation letters are nothing but brief, formal statements that attempt to highlight an applicant's positive qualities and reasons why they would be a great fit for the college. Usually, LORs are written by high school teachers, seniors or previous employers.

Extracurricular Activities

Be it any involvement or participation outside the classroom, extracurricular activities do help in glorifying one's application. To learn how to read the importance of extracurricular activities in an international application.

Admission Essays

In case it is applicable to the university or college one is applying to, the admission essays help the admissions committee find something interesting about the candidate. They may have a better understanding of the candidates quick and experimental thinking along with proficiency.

Projects/Internships

An internship certificate can do a lot more than one can imagine. Although not many get the opportunity to find an internship during high school, in case they do, they should definitely add it to their profile.

So, while it is not much different than a traditional application review which considers standardised test scores, applicants will now have to pay equal attention to all the other aspects of the application and try to make it stand out.

Other Popular US Universities That Do Not Require ACT/SAT in 2023-24

Listed below are some popular US Universities that do not require ACT/SAT in 2023-24:

Please note that universities, depending on the current updates, keep changing their requirements. To find out what colleges do not require SAT or ACT for the class of 2023, international students need to constantly check with the university.

Should I Send My ACT or SAT Scores to Test Optional Colleges?

It is totally up to the applicant. A lot of US universities have made a commitment that students submitting ACT/SAT scores will not have an edge over those with no SAT scores (one can find the same on the NACAC website). However, with MIT having reinstated ACT/SAT scores for 2022-23 admissions, other US colleges might follow suit. In addition, the Georgia Institute of Technology will also need to submit ACT/SAT scores.

It will entirely depend on one's academic profile and whether or not they think submitting standardised test scores would help them boost their US college application. In other words, sending standardised test scores may be a good idea if the applicant believes that the scores are good enough and will help them stand out from the crowd.

In case the application looks strong enough without the ACT/SAT scores, there is no need to send them. Also, the best way to go about it is to discuss it with ones college counsellor or the admissions staff and ask them what the ideal thing to do would be.

What Should Students do with Test-Optional List of Colleges?

As students are now aware of the list of US colleges that are test-optional, they can plan their strategies accordingly. They may feel confused about whether they should submit their test scores or not and whether it will massively admission decisions. We encourage submitting SAT/ACT test scores if students have received a good score. Alternatively, they should choose to submit their college applications without the test scores. Here are some tips that will guide you on how to go about with college applications in test-optional colleges in the US.

• Check out the College Policies: Every school is unique in its admission procedure, so it is important to understand deeply the admission policies of the school. Check out if it is test-optional, test-flexible or test-blind. Do not hesitate to connect with the admission officers in case you do not get many details on the website.

• Take the SAT/ACT Test for the Wider Options: The preference of colleges and courses keep changing from time to time. Therefore, it will not be wise to decide in advance whether you wish to take SAT/ACT test or not. To keep options open, take the test so that one can meet the requirements of the colleges which accept ACT/SAT scores. 

• Do not Limit Applying to Colleges: If one is avoiding taking SAT, then they must not limit their applications. As the student will be spending the next four years in the school, they must choose the best for them. It is also important to have a few options in hand. 

• Analyse the Application Carefully: As the college is ditching the standardised test requirement, one can expect that they will pay full attention to other aspects of the admission process. Therefore, consider making other parts of the application strong. 

If you wish to learn more about whether or not to send your scores to test-optional colleges, refer to the Pros and Cons of Standardised Testing, here.

Our experts can help you apply successfully to and study in various universities in the US, UK, Canada, and more. Write to them at abroad@collegedekho.com to get your queries resolved.