U.S. Universities That Don’t Require SAT/ACT Scores for Admission: The landscape of college admissions in the United States has evolved significantly in recent years, with many institutions moving away from requiring standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT. This shift, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, reflects a growing recognition that a single test score may not fully capture a student’s academic potential or readiness for college. Test-optional and test-free policies have become increasingly popular, offering students greater flexibility to showcase their strengths through other aspects of their applications, such as GPA, essays, extracurricular activities, and recommendation letters.
This guide explores the top U.S. universities that do not require SAT or ACT scores for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, explains the difference between test-optional and test-free policies, and provides guidance on navigating the admissions process for these schools.
U.S. Universities That Don’t Require SAT/ACT Scores for Admission
The following universities are among the highest-ranking institutions in the U.S. that do not require SAT/ACT scores for admission in the 2025-2026 cycle. These schools are either test-optional, meaning students can choose whether to submit scores, or test-free, meaning scores are not considered at all. Each institution is listed with its acceptance rate, average GPA of admitted students, and the duration of its test-optional or test-free policy, where applicable.
1. Princeton University
Location: Princeton, New Jersey
Acceptance Rate: 5.55%
Average GPA: 3.95
Policy: Test-optional through 2025
Details: As an Ivy League institution, Princeton is renowned for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus community. Students can highlight their academic excellence through strong transcripts, essays, and extracurricular involvement.
2. Columbia University
Location: New York City, New York
Acceptance Rate: 3.85%
Average GPA: 4.15
Policy: Test-optional through 2025
Details: Columbia’s test-optional policy applies to its College and Engineering programs, offering flexibility for applicants to focus on its distinctive core curriculum and urban opportunities.
3. University of Chicago
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Average GPA: 4.0
Policy: Test-optional indefinitely
Details: Known for its intellectual rigor and commitment to academic freedom, UChicago encourages students to submit strong academic records and compelling essays.
4. Duke University
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Acceptance Rate: 5.1%
Average GPA: 4.13
Policy: Test-optional through 2026
Details: Duke’s competitive programs in engineering, medicine, and liberal arts attract students who can demonstrate excellence through coursework and extracurriculars.
5. Vanderbilt University
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Acceptance Rate: 3.7%
Average GPA: 3.91
Policy: Test-optional through 2027
Details: Vanderbilt emphasizes small class sizes and personalized education, making it ideal for students with strong academic profiles and diverse interests.
6. Northwestern University
Location: Evanston, Illinois
Acceptance Rate: 7.5%
Average GPA: 4.1
Policy: Test-optional through 2025
Details: With renowned programs in journalism, engineering, and business, Northwestern values interdisciplinary learning and holistic application reviews.
7. Rice University
Location: Houston, Texas
Acceptance Rate: 7.5%
Average GPA: 4.12
Policy: Test-optional through 2025
Details: Rice is known for its applied science and engineering programs, offering a collaborative environment for students with strong academic records.
8. University of Notre Dame
Location: Notre Dame, Indiana
Acceptance Rate: 11.9%
Average GPA: 4.06
Policy: Test-optional through 2026
Details: A prestigious Catholic university, Notre Dame values tradition and academic excellence, with a focus on holistic admissions criteria.
9. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Location: Los Angeles, California
Acceptance Rate: 9%
Average GPA: 4.0
Policy: Test-free since 2021
Details: As part of the UC system, UCLA does not consider SAT or ACT scores, focusing instead on academic performance and personal achievements.
10. Williams College
Location: Williamstown, Massachusetts
Acceptance Rate: 8%
Average GPA: 4.0
Policy: Test-optional through 2025
Details: A top liberal arts college, Williams emphasizes undergraduate education and encourages applicants to showcase their intellectual curiosity.
Applying to Test-Optional or Test-Free Universities
For test-optional schools, students can decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores based on how well those scores reflect their academic abilities. If your scores are at or above the middle 50% range of admitted students, submitting them may strengthen your application, especially if other components like GPA are weaker. For test-free schools, such as those in the University of California system, scores are not considered, so applicants should focus on strengthening their high school transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. Admissions officers at these institutions prioritize a holistic review, evaluating academic rigor, personal achievements, and unique contributions to the campus community.
READ ALSO: Top 15 Test-Optional Universities in the U.S. for 2025
FAQs
What is the difference between test-optional and test-free policies?
Test-optional policies allow students to choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores, which are considered if provided. Test-free (or test-blind) policies mean the school does not consider test scores at all, even if submitted, focusing entirely on other application components.
Should I take the SAT/ACT if applying to test-optional schools?
If you’re applying to a mix of test-optional and test-required schools, or if you believe you can achieve a competitive score (at or above the school’s middle 50% range), taking the test can be beneficial. High scores may enhance your application, but low scores can be withheld without penalty.
Will I be at a disadvantage if I don’t submit test scores?
At truly test-optional schools, not submitting scores should not harm your application, as admissions officers evaluate other criteria like GPA, essays, and extracurriculars. However, some schools may give preference to applicants with strong test scores, so research each institution’s admissions policies carefully.
How do test-optional colleges evaluate applications?
Test-optional colleges use a holistic approach, emphasizing high school GPA, course rigor, personal essays, recommendation letters, and extracurricular activities. Some may also consider class rank or demonstrated interest in the institution.
Are there scholarships that require SAT/ACT scores?
Some scholarships, particularly those offered by private organizations or specific institutions, may require standardized test scores. Check scholarship requirements carefully to ensure eligibility.