Test-optional policies

Colleges set their own rules for SAT® scores and ACT® scores. A college's testing policy tells you whether it needs scores, lets you choose, or ignores them. You decide about sending scores one college at a time.

The policy types

• Test-required: You must send scores to complete the application.
• Test-optional: You decide whether scores are part of your file. The guide to the admission process from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) says that leaving them out should not hurt you at these colleges.
• Test-flexible: The college accepts other tests in place of SAT or ACT scores, such as AP® Exam scores or IB results. Which tests count depends on the college.
• Test-free: The college does not use test scores in admission, even if you send them. You may also see this called test-blind.

Labels differ from place to place. The Common App requirements grid uses its own key, with codes for tests that are always required, sometimes required, flexible, never required or ignored. Read the key before you read the codes.

Exceptions to look for

A college can be test-optional for most applicants and still ask some applicants for scores. NACAC's guide names these cases as examples:

• Students applying for certain scholarships
• Home-schooled students
• Students seeking accelerated medical or dental programs
• International applicants

If any of these might describe you, look for the exact rule on the college's website. If you can't find it, ask the admissions office.

Deciding whether to send your scores

NACAC's general guidance starts with the middle range of scores a college publishes. If your scores sit toward the top of that range or above it, they may add to your application. If they sit near the bottom or below it, you may want to use the test-optional choice. NACAC also says to talk it through with your counselor, because every applicant's situation differs.

Use these steps for each test-optional college:

1. Find the college's published middle score range. Look on its admissions site or in its Common Data Set report.
2. Compare your scores with that range.
3. Think about what else shows your academic ability, such as your classes and grades.
4. Check for scholarship rules or program rules that use scores.
5. Talk to your counselor, then decide for that college alone.

Here is a made-up example. Kai has one set of scores. They sit near the top of the published range at one college and below the range at another. Kai sends scores to the first college and leaves them out at the second. Each choice is a separate decision.

What to do next

Tick testing off on your application checklist once your table is done. Then read How colleges evaluate applications to see how scores fit with the rest of your file.

Reviewed October 2026.