Where SAT is Required: What Colleges ARE and AREN’T Test Optional for the Class of 2022

It’s another hectic year for college admissions as schools determine whether they’ll be test-blind, test-optional, test-flexible, or test-required, with some adopting permanent policy changes and others cautiously extending temporary ones. We here at SupertutorTV have come to help YOU sort through this test policy mess! Our team combed through the individual admissions websites of each of the Top 200 National Universities and Top 30 Liberal Arts Colleges, as ranked by US News. Only 5% of the Top 200 National Universities are requiring the SAT or ACT; granted, we haven’t yet heard back from another 5% about their testing policies for this year.

Below, you can find our nifty tables, complete with notes that provide helpful additional information to save you the time of going on a wild goose chase across the Internet.

SAT/ACT Policies of the Top 200 National Universities 2021

*If not otherwise marked in Notes, the testing policies of these universities are temporary ones, mostly due to COVID. Chart does not include information that was unavailable at time of publication from multiple universities: Howard University; University of Iowa; Auburn University; University of South Carolina; Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge; Virginia Commonwealth University; Pacific University; and California State University, Fresno.

SAT/ACT Policies of the Top 30 Liberal Arts Colleges 2021

*If not otherwise marked in Notes, the testing policies of these colleges are temporary ones, mostly due to COVID.

Schools that Require Tests

If you would rather not read through all 230 entries in the tables above (I don’t blame you; it’s a lot!), then we’ve got the most important information summarized here in list format!

Of the Top 200 National Universities, these ones require you to take the SAT or ACT:

• Georgetown University
• University of Florida
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• University of Georgia
• Florida State University
• University of South Florida
• Gallaudet University (Because of COVID-19, Gallaudet University is offering two free, online assessments you can take in place of the SAT or ACT.)
• Simmons University
• University of Central Florida
• Florida International University

Of the Top 30 Liberal Arts Colleges, these ones require you to take the SAT or ACT:

• United States Naval Academy (You must provide a valid reason why you were unable to test if you do not submit test scores.)
• United States Military Academy, a.k.a. West Point

Schools that Encourage Tests

The specific wording these schools use to phrase their encouragement can be found in the Notes section in the table above. Please do check them out!

Of the Top 200 National Universities, these ones encourage you to take the SAT or ACT:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
• Purdue University
• University of Washington (Fun Fact: UW is actually test-blind, but they use tests in certain situations as a tie-breaker! See details in Notes in the above table.)
• Yeshiva University
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Quinnipiac University
• University of Idaho
• University of New Mexico

Who Else Should Submit Test Scores?

Regardless of the school’s overall testing policy, certain groups of students should always strive to submit standardized test scores. If you fall into one of these categories below, be sure to get an SAT or ACT score under your belt!

Test-optional and test-blind policies almost never apply to homeschooled students. The reason is simple: it’s hard for admissions officers to know where you stand academically if your parents are the ones giving you your grades.

International students are also usually required to submit test scores even if the school overall is test-optional. American admissions officers don’t always know how foreign high schools compare to American ones, so they need that SAT or ACT score to better understand your academic capabilities.

If you come from a high school that doesn’t give traditional grades, such as one that has teachers write essay-style assessments instead of give you letter grades, it’s always a good idea to submit test scores. Again, it’s easier for admissions officer to know how you compare to other applicants with a standardized test score.

Finally, applicants to special programs should always check the program details for testing policy details. BS/MD dual-degree programs, nursing school, and some engineering programs often have different testing requirements from the school overall, so be sure to visit their websites for more details.

Does submitting standardized test scores benefit anyone else? Absolutely! State schools, especially in the south, often use students’ test scores to qualify them for honors programs and scholarships.

When Should You Submit Test Scores?

Even if a school is test-optional, it is almost always to your benefit to take the SAT or ACT. It can sometimes be harder, actually, to prove your worth to admissions officers without a test score, especially when you consider the vast pool of applicants with extracurriculars just as amazing as yours. If your ACT or SAT score falls into the 50th percentile range of admitted students, we highly recommend that you submit your test score anyway. If your score falls into the 25th percentile range of admitted students, it might still be worth it to submit, especially if you’re from an underrepresented group or from a low-income, first-generation college student background.

In the end, remember that everything you do can be used as a piece of leverage in your application, and that includes your test score!

Schools That are Test Blind

We’ll wrap up with this list of test-blind schools (i.e. even if you submit an SAT or ACT score, admissions officers won’t look at them). Again, please check the Notes column in the table for specific details about each school’s test-blind policy!

Of the Top 200 National Universities, these ones are test-blind:

• California Institute of Technology
• University of California (all campuses)
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute
• The Catholic University of America
• San Diego State University
• City College of New York
• Loyola University New Orleans

Remember, we’re just a guide, and while we aim to be as accurate as possible when reporting, these policies are subject to change. We recommend that you always double check the individual admissions website of each college you’re applying to for the most up-to-date and detailed information!