List of Colleges Extending Test-Optional Policies

UPDATED: List of Colleges Extending Test-Optional Policies

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on a number of changes within the standardized testing industry, including the introduction of a new, entirely digital testing format and many colleges shifting to a test-optional admissions process for the 2020-21 admissions cycle. In fact, 75% of four-year colleges and universities did not require SAT or ACT scores for the 2021-22 admissions cycle.

Limited testing availability for both the ACT and SAT in 2020, and the decision to not move forward with at-home testing, forced many colleges and universities across the U.S. to suspend the requirement for SAT or ACT scores as part of the admissions process. Now, more than 1,900 colleges and universities in the U.S. are extending their test-optional policies through the 2023-24 application cycle, with some making the move to test-optional even longer or permanent.

Columbia University and The College of William & Mary announced in 2023 that they were going test-optional indefinitely.

However, some schools still made it clear that they value these scores in some capacity, so they were encouraging students to submit them if they already have them. U.S. News and World Report announced in 2020 that it will rank test-blind colleges, giving more flexibility to schools that have decided not to accept test scores at all this year and in the next admissions cycle.

Curious if any of the colleges on your best-fit list are extending their test-optional policies? Keep reading to learn more about which institutions are putting a pause on requirements for SAT/ACT scores.

*Source: FairTest.org, Individual university websites

While there have been significant changes to the college search and application process due to COVID-19, it is possible to feel confident about your applications by doing your research and preparing accordingly. If you are in the midst of your own college search and looking for expert guidance, our team of college admissions counselors can offer personalized insight.

Also, check out our IvyWise Knowledgebase for the latest updates on the college admissions landscape, and download our free College Admissions Guide for information and insight on how to prepare for college admissions this fall.