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Top 100 Colleges That Are Test-Optional In 2024/25

03/03/2024•9 minute read

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Colleges That Don't Require The SAT/ACT

For the 2024/25 application cycle, many great colleges still don't require the SAT/ACT! Test-optional and test-free colleges let you shine in other ways. Check out our top 100 list and tips on when to submit those scores (or not!).

Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT can be a significant source of stress for college-bound students. But what if there was a way to showcase your talents and get into a fantastic college without relying solely on those exams? That's where test-optional and test-free schools come in. These colleges empower you to put your best foot forward, with or without standardized test scores. While many schools embrace these policies, it's important to know that some colleges are reinstating test requirements.

In this guide, we'll cover:

The difference between test-optional and test-free colleges
How to decide whether submitting your SAT/ACT scores is the right move for you
A list of the top 100 colleges where your full potential shines through, not just a test score

Let's explore your options and unlock the door to your dream college!

The Changing Landscape of Testing Policies in 2024

While the trend towards test-optional and test-free admissions was strong in recent years, it's important to note that some colleges are reinstating SAT/ACT requirements. Notable examples include MIT, Yale, Dartmouth, and the entire public university systems of Georgia and Florida. This highlights the need to carefully research each college's current policy before applying.

Reasons for the Shift

Standardization: Some colleges find test scores provide a helpful way to compare students from diverse educational backgrounds.
Equity Concerns: With policies like Affirmative Action under review, some schools may want more standardized metrics for admissions.

What This Means for You

Stay Informed: Check the most up-to-date policies on each college's website. Admission websites change frequently!
Weigh Your Options: Even if a college is test-optional, submitting a strong score can bolster your application.
Be Strategic: Don't assume test-optional policies are permanent. This landscape is in flux.

What are Test-Optional & Test-Free Admission Policies?

Test-Optional

A college that allows students to choose whether or not to submit SAT/ACT scores with their application. These colleges recognize that a single test score doesn't define your potential, and they'll focus on your grades, essays, activities, and other factors that showcase your academic readiness.

Test-Free

A college that will NOT consider SAT/ACT scores, even if you send them. These schools believe standardized tests can be biased and focus on a more holistic evaluation of applicants.

Test-Optional vs Test-Free

Feature	Test-Optional	Test-Free
Student Choice	More control, BUT can cause decision anxiety	Removes the decision, but less flexibility
Score Emphasis	Highlight good scores, downplay weak ones if the college truly values other factors	Scores irrelevant, BUT strong testers lose a potential advantage
Availability	More widespread, BUT some top schools still aren't test-optional	Still a growing trend, but trailblazer colleges can be exciting

Should you submit your scores to Test-Optional Colleges?

While grades, essays, and activities all showcase your potential, remember that some colleges still value standardized tests to compare applicants across different backgrounds. Consider these factors before deciding whether to submit your scores:

Questions to ask yourself

Is your score above the college's average?
Do other parts of your application outshine your score?
Does the college have a history of favoring strong test performers?
Can you improve your score?
Do any programs or scholarships at the college require test scores? Always check for these before deciding not to submit.

Additional Considerations

Strategic Planning: Even if you're unsure you'll submit scores, consider taking the SAT/ACT anyway. This keeps your options open if you later encounter a dream school that requires them. Plus, having those scores in hand might encourage you to submit them even to test-optional schools if they are impressive.
Holistic Review: Stress that test-optional colleges look at the whole person, so even if your score is lower, a compelling story and strong essays could carry you far. Highlight that your unique experiences, passions, and talents matter just as much (if not more) than a single test score.
Self-Advocacy: If you don't submit scores, be prepared to explain why in an optional essay or interview. Show that it was a conscious choice based on a clear understanding of your strengths and the college's values, not due to a lack of effort.

Top 100 Colleges That Don’t Require The SAT/ACT

According to FairTest’s website, a staggering 2,022 colleges in the US offer test-optional or test-free policies! This means you have more options than ever to find amazing schools that don't rely solely on a single test score. Below, we present our top 100 picks for this admission cycle.

Important Note:* Testing policies change frequently. Always double-check the most up-to-date information on each college's official website before applying.*

American University
Amherst College
Arizona State University
Art Center College of Design
Babson College
Bard College
Bates College
Bennington College
Boston College
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Brandeis University
Brigham Young University
California State University
Carleton College
Case Western Reserve University
Claremont McKenna College
Clemson University
Colby College
Colgate University
Colorado College
Colorado School of Mines
Columbia University
Davidson College
Drexel University
Duke University
Eastern Washington University
Emory University
Grinnell College
Hamilton College
Hampshire College
Harvey Mudd College
Haverford College
Kenyon College
Lehigh University
Lewis & Clark College
Macalester College
Miami University (Ohio)
Middlebury College
Michigan State University
New York University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Oberlin College
Ohio State University
Pepperdine University
Pitzer College
Pomona College
Princeton University
Reed College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rice University
Rochester Institue of Technology
Rhode Island School of Design
Rutgers University
Santa Clara University
Scripps College
Seattle University
Skidmore College
Smith College
State University of New York (SUNY)
Swarthmore College
Texas A&M University
The College of Wooster
The Cooper Union
Trinity University
Tulane University
Tufts University
University of California
University of Chicago
University of Colorado
University of Connecticut
University of Illinois
University of Maine
University of Maryland
University of Massachusetts
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of North Carolina
University of Notre Dame
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Richmond
University of San Francisco
University of Southern California
University of the Pacific
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin
Vanderbilt University
Vassar College
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest University
Wellesley College
Wesleyan University
Williams College
William & Mary
Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Final Thoughts

As the landscape of college admissions continues to evolve, test-optional and test-free policies offer students more flexibility and a more holistic approach to showcasing their unique strengths and potential. Remember, your academic journey is more than a single test score. It's about your passions, your perseverance, and the impact you want to make on the world.

Take Charge of Your Future

If you're considering test-optional colleges, don't let uncertainty hold you back. Embrace the opportunity to tell your full story – through your essays, activities, and recommendations. Highlight what truly makes you stand out.

Need a Helping Hand?

Navigating college admissions can be overwhelming. If you want personalized advice on whether to submit test scores or need help crafting a compelling application, our team of experienced college counselors is here to help. Book a free consultation with one of our college counselors today, and let us support you on this exciting journey. Your dream college awaits!