For decades, the SAT and ACT have been considered essential components of the college admissions process in the United States. These standardized tests were meant to measure a student’s readiness for higher education. However, many educators and researchers have questioned whether these tests truly reflect academic ability, citing concerns over cultural bias, test anxiety, and unequal access to test preparation resources.
In recent years, a growing number of U.S. colleges and universities have adopted test-optional or test-free admissions policies, meaning students can apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. This movement gained significant momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, when testing centers closed, but it has continued even after restrictions were lifted. Today, many respected institutions recognize that a student’s grades, extracurricular involvement, and personal achievements are more reliable indicators of potential success.
If you’re a student who prefers not to take standardized tests—or did not perform as well as you hoped—here are some of the best colleges that don’t require the SAT or ACT.
Why Some Colleges Are Test-Optional or Test-Free
Before diving into the list, it’s helpful to understand the difference between test-optional and test-free:
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Test-Optional: Students may choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores. If submitted, the scores will be considered, but if not, the application will still be reviewed fairly.
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Test-Free (Test-Blind): The school does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all, even if you submit them. Admissions decisions are based entirely on other factors.
Colleges adopt these policies to create more equitable opportunities, attract a diverse pool of applicants, and focus on holistic admissions.
Top Colleges That Don’t Require the SAT or ACT
1. University of Chicago
The University of Chicago was one of the first highly ranked universities to adopt a test-optional policy, doing so in 2018. The school emphasizes essays, extracurricular achievements, and academic rigor over standardized testing. This makes it a great choice for students with strong academic records and unique personal stories.
2. Bowdoin College (Maine)
Bowdoin has been test-optional since 1969, making it a pioneer in this movement. The college values intellectual curiosity, creativity, and leadership. Admissions officers place heavy emphasis on essays, recommendations, and extracurricular involvement rather than test scores.
3. Wake Forest University (North Carolina)
Wake Forest became test-optional in 2009, well before many other universities followed suit. The school highlights a holistic admissions process, focusing on academic performance, writing ability, and community engagement.
4. Smith College (Massachusetts)
As a leading women’s college, Smith has long supported test-optional admissions. The institution seeks well-rounded students with a strong academic background and leadership potential. SAT and ACT scores are not required and rarely considered.
5. Pitzer College (California)
Part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, Pitzer has a test-optional policy that prioritizes community engagement, social responsibility, and academic excellence. The school evaluates students based on coursework, essays, and recommendation letters.
6. Hampshire College (Massachusetts)
Hampshire College is one of the few institutions that is test-free. It does not consider standardized test scores at all, regardless of whether they are submitted. The college’s admissions process instead relies on writing samples, recommendations, and interviews.
7. George Washington University (Washington, D.C.)
GWU adopted a test-optional policy in 2015. While some special programs still require standardized scores, most applicants can choose not to submit them. The university focuses on GPA, rigor of coursework, and extracurricular accomplishments.
8. University of California System
One of the biggest changes in higher education came when the University of California system—which includes UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego—decided to adopt a test-free policy. This means none of its campuses consider SAT or ACT scores for admission, making UC schools an attractive option for students who excel outside of standardized testing.
9. Colorado College
Colorado College has a flexible admissions process that allows applicants to apply test-optional or through a portfolio review option. The school is known for its innovative block plan schedule, where students take one class at a time.
10. Brandeis University (Massachusetts)
Brandeis offers students several options for demonstrating academic potential, including submitting SAT/ACT scores, three subject test scores, or an academic portfolio. This flexibility makes the university appealing to students with different strengths.
Benefits of Applying to Test-Optional Colleges
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Reduced Stress – Students can focus on building strong applications without worrying about test scores.
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Greater Emphasis on Individual Strengths – Applications highlight essays, projects, and extracurricular activities.
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Opportunities for Diverse Students – Students from underrepresented backgrounds often benefit, as barriers related to standardized testing are reduced.
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Holistic Review – Admissions officers gain a fuller understanding of an applicant’s abilities and character.
Tips for Applying Without SAT or ACT Scores
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Strengthen Your GPA – Academic performance in high school remains the most important factor.
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Write a Compelling Personal Essay – Use your essay to showcase your personality, goals, and resilience.
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Highlight Extracurriculars – Demonstrate leadership, initiative, and impact through clubs, sports, volunteer work, or jobs.
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Request Strong Recommendations – Teacher and counselor recommendations can provide valuable insights into your strengths.
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Build a Portfolio (if applicable) – For arts, writing, or research-focused programs, a portfolio can significantly strengthen your application.
Conclusion
The growing movement toward test-optional and test-free admissions is reshaping higher education in the United States. Prestigious universities like the University of Chicago and the entire University of California system have embraced policies that place less weight on standardized tests and more emphasis on holistic evaluation.
For students who may not perform well on standardized exams—or who prefer to showcase their abilities in other ways—this trend opens doors to a wide range of opportunities at some of the best colleges in the country.
By focusing on GPA, essays, extracurricular activities, and recommendations, students can create strong applications that highlight their unique potential—without relying on SAT or ACT scores. The shift is a reminder that success in higher education depends on much more than a single test.