{"as_of":"October 2026","labels":{"blind":"scores are not considered even if sent","none":"no statewide rule","optional":"scores are considered if sent, not required","required":"a score is required for most first-year applicants","unknown":"not confirmed from an official page","varies_by_campus":"campuses in the system differ"},"ok":true,"publisher":"Test Prep Gurus (High School Reach)","report":"Public University Test Policy Report","states":[{"abbr":"AL","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 10 Alabama public universities we checked, 1 requires a score (Auburn University); 9 are test-optional (University of Alabama, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (Alabama A&M), Alabama State University and 6 more).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Alabama","slug":"alabama","state_rule":{"applies_to":"","body":"","exists":false,"note":"No Alabama statute or statewide board mandates an SAT/ACT policy for public universities. Each university's own board of trustees sets its policy (e.g., the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved UA/UAB/UAH's phased return to required testing; Auburn's Board of Trustees approved its own test-preferred/required timeline). These are institutional/system decisions, not state law.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"Alabama has no statewide law requiring the SAT or ACT; each public university (or its governing board) sets its own policy. Most Alabama public universities are currently test-optional for applicants entering fall 2027, but the University of Alabama System and Auburn University are phasing testing back in: Auburn already requires scores starting fall 2027, and UA/UAB/UAH will require scores for all applicants by fall 2028.","systems":[{"applies_to":"fall 2027 and fall 2028 first-year applicants","name":"University of Alabama System (UA Tuscaloosa, UAB, UAH)","note":"All three System campuses are reinstating required testing on different timelines. UA: optional for GPA 3.0+, required below 3.0 for fall 2027; required for all fall 2028. UAB: optional for GPA 3.5+ through summer/fall 2027; required for all from fall 2028. UAH: fully optional through fall 2027; required for all from spring 2028.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"a standardized test score (ACT or SAT) will be required for students whose cumulative high school GPA is below 3.0","source_url":"https://admissions.ua.edu/testing-requirements/"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"fall 2027 first-year applicants","changed":"test-optional pathway (limited, 3.6+ GPA) ended after fall 2026; required for fall 2027 and beyond","city":"Auburn","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Required","name":"Auburn University","note":"Auburn describes itself as 'test-preferred' even during the optional window; fewer than 5% of admits in recent cycles had no test score. Auburn's own admissions landing page (auburn.edu/admissions/prospective-students/freshmen/test-optional/) returned a 404 on direct fetch; this quote is from Auburn's official admissions blog on the auburn.edu domain, which states the same timeline.","policy":"required","quote":"We are continuing a test-optional pathway for Fall 2026, but test scores will be required for Fall 2027 and beyond.","source_url":"https://onthelawn.auburn.edu/2025/10/17/fall-2026-freshmen-admissions-process-dates-deadlines-decision-types-and-next-steps/","unitid":100858},{"applies_to":"fall 2027 first-year applicants","changed":"required below a 3.0 GPA starting fall 2027; required for all applicants starting fall 2028","city":"Tuscaloosa","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Alabama","note":"Test-optional for applicants with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or above; a test score is required if GPA is below 3.0. UA states it will have no minimum test score for admission. Page frames this as an update to a previously fully test-optional policy.","policy":"optional","quote":"a standardized test score (ACT or SAT) will be required for students whose cumulative high school GPA is below 3.0","source_url":"https://admissions.ua.edu/testing-requirements/","unitid":100751},{"applies_to":"unknown - page does not state a specific entering term","changed":null,"city":"Normal","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (Alabama A&M)","note":"Page requires a minimum 2.25 high school GPA to be accepted without a test score, and states test scores are still required to receive a merit-based scholarship. The page's language ('in response to restrictions created by the COVID-19 pandemic') reads like an older announcement that may not have been updated with a current effective term; treat the dates with caution (see gaps).","policy":"optional","quote":"AAMU Announces Waiver of ACT/SAT Testing Requirements for Enrollment","source_url":"https://www.aamu.edu/admissions-aid/undergraduate-admissions/waiver-act-sat-testing-requirements.html","unitid":100751},{"applies_to":"current entering first-year applicants (undergraduate catalog, 2023-2025 edition)","changed":null,"city":"Montgomery","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Alabama State University","note":"Published sliding scale for applicants who submit scores (e.g. GPA 2.00-2.49 pairs with ACT 18/SAT 940-970 down to GPA 3.5+ pairs with ACT 15/SAT 810-850). A separate Tier II pathway admits with a 2.4+ GPA and no test score at all.","policy":"optional","quote":"Alabama State University is now test optional.","source_url":"https://alasu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2023-2025/undergraduate-catalog/undergraduate-admissions/admission-standards","unitid":100724},{"applies_to":"unknown - page does not state a specific entering term","changed":null,"city":"Jacksonville","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Jacksonville State University","note":"Admission for test-optional applicants is evaluated on high school GPA; JSU recommends submitting scores for scholarship consideration and some program placement.","policy":"optional","quote":"JSU is Test-Optional for freshman admission, meaning ACT/SAT scores are not required.","source_url":"https://www.jsu.edu/admissions/freshmen/index.html","unitid":101480},{"applies_to":"students beginning classes in 2027","changed":null,"city":"Troy","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Troy University","note":"Troy also publishes an unconditional/conditional admission index that uses ACT/RSAT scores (e.g. 20 ACT for unconditional, 17-19 for conditional) for applicants who do submit scores, and separately exempts applicants age 21+ from submitting scores. The page also has an older 'beginning classes in 2024' test-optional reference for a GED-related pathway; could not fully reconcile which pathway each date governs.","policy":"optional","quote":"Students beginning classes in 2027 can be admitted without submitting ACT or RSAT scores.","source_url":"https://www.troy.edu/applications-admissions/admissions-process-requirements/undergraduate/index.html","unitid":102368},{"applies_to":"summer/fall 2027 first-year applicants","changed":"test-optional ends after the summer/fall 2027 cycle; required for all starting fall 2028","city":"Birmingham","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)","note":"Optional only for applicants with a weighted high school GPA of 3.5 or higher; a test score is required for admission and scholarship review if GPA is 3.49 or below. Early Medical/Dental/Optometry programs require test scores regardless.","policy":"optional","quote":"UAB will not require an ACT or SAT score for admission or merit scholarship consideration for Summer or Fall 2027","source_url":"https://www.uab.edu/admissions/apply/test-optional","unitid":100751},{"applies_to":"fall 2026, spring 2027, summer 2027, and fall 2027 first-year applicants","changed":"required starting spring 2028","city":"Huntsville","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH)","note":"No hard GPA cutoff to go test-optional, though UAH advises a strong test-optional candidate has roughly a 3.5 GPA. Any score submitted is used for admission/scholarship review even for test-optional applicants.","policy":"optional","quote":"Any new freshman applying for the Spring 2028 term and forward will be required to submit a test score for admissions consideration.","source_url":"https://www.uah.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply-for-admission/test-optional","unitid":100751},{"applies_to":"unknown - page does not state a specific entering term","changed":null,"city":"Florence","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of North Alabama","note":"UNA's baseline freshman requirement is a 2.5 unweighted GPA regardless of test submission; ACT submission is encouraged for scholarship and course-placement purposes.","policy":"optional","quote":"UNA is test optional, meaning students can apply with or without ACT/SAT scores.","source_url":"https://www.una.edu/admissions/new-freshmen/index.html","unitid":101879},{"applies_to":"spring, summer, and fall 2027 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Mobile","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of South Alabama","note":"Applicants with a 3.4+ high school GPA are automatically admitted without scores; those below 3.4 go through a holistic review (page does not state scores become mandatory in that review, only that they are recommended if ACT 21+/SAT 1060+).","policy":"optional","quote":"USA will be offering spring, summer, and fall 2027 applicants a test-optional path for admission to USA.","source_url":"https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/admissions/freshmen.html","unitid":102094}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/alabama","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"AK","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 3 Alaska public universities we checked, 2 are test-optional (University of Alaska Fairbanks and University of Alaska Southeast); 1 does not consider scores (University of Alaska Anchorage).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Alaska","slug":"alaska","state_rule":{"applies_to":"n/a","body":"University of Alaska Board of Regents","exists":false,"note":"Board of Regents Policy/Regulation Chapter 10.05 (Admission and Graduation Requirements, last revised 08/16/2022) governs admission system-wide but does not mention SAT, ACT, or standardized test scores anywhere (confirmed by direct fetch 2026-10-08); each MAU (UAF, UAA, UAS) sets its own test-score policy through its own catalog.","policy":"none","quote":"the university's chief academic officer with input from faculty governance may establish minimum expectations for enrollment in courses","source_url":"https://www.alaska.edu/bor/policy-regulations/chapter-10-05-admission-graduation-requirements.php"},"summary":"Alaska's only public four-year universities are the three campuses of the University of Alaska System. None require SAT/ACT for first-year admission: UAF and UAS say scores are not required (useful only for scholarship eligibility or course placement), and UAA says scores are not used in the admissions decision for most programs. There is no statewide/Board of Regents regulation mandating a test-score policy \u2014 each campus sets its own via its own catalog.","systems":[{"applies_to":"2026-2027 catalog year (current for fall 2026 applicants)","name":"University of Alaska System","note":"No system-wide SAT/ACT rule exists in Board of Regents policy/regulation (confirmed by direct fetch 2026-10-08: the page does not mention SAT, ACT, or standardized tests at all). UAF and UAS do not require scores (not explicitly stated as test-blind); UAA explicitly states scores are not used in the admissions decision for most programs. Treated here as varies_by_campus because the exact wording differs by campus even though none require scores.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"the university's chief academic officer with input from faculty governance may establish minimum expectations for enrollment in courses","source_url":"https://www.alaska.edu/bor/policy-regulations/chapter-10-05-admission-graduation-requirements.php"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"2026-2027 catalog (current policy, no end date stated)","changed":"Began as a COVID-19 testing waiver instituted March 2020 and extended through fall 2021 (per a June 25, 2020 UAF news article, https://www.uaf.edu/news/archives/news-archives-2010-2021/uaf-extends-sat-act-test-waiver-through-2021.php); still in effect as of the 2026-2027 catalog, but the exact date it became a permanent policy was not confirmed on an official page.","city":"Fairbanks","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Alaska Fairbanks","note":"Baccalaureate admission requires a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and the 16-credit high school core curriculum; scores are not considered for UAF's own scholarships but a qualifying score is required for some non-UAF scholarships (e.g. the Alaska Performance Scholarship), and scores may substitute for placement testing. Same language confirmed on the official admissions page https://www.uaf.edu/admissions/apply/ug.php (\"As of December 6, 2023, UAF doesn't require ACT/SAT scores for admission to any undergraduate degree program.\").","policy":"optional","quote":"UAF does not require ACT/SAT test scores for admission to any undergraduate degree program.","source_url":"https://catalog.uaf.edu/getting-started/admission/","unitid":102614},{"applies_to":"2026-2027 catalog (current policy, no end date stated)","changed":null,"city":"Anchorage","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-blind","name":"University of Alaska Anchorage","note":"Baccalaureate admission is based on high school GPA of at least 2.00 (or cumulative college GPA of 1.75 with 24 earned credits); the catalog qualifies the test-score statement with \"for most programs,\" and which programs may differ was not identified on an official page. Placement exams, not SAT/ACT, are used for advising and course placement.","policy":"blind","quote":"Test scores are not used as part of the admissions decision for most programs.","source_url":"https://catalog.uaa.alaska.edu/academicpoliciesprocesses/admissions/undergraduate/","unitid":102553},{"applies_to":"2026-2027 catalog (current policy, no end date stated)","changed":null,"city":"Juneau","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Alaska Southeast","note":"Bachelor's admission requires a cumulative high school GPA of at least 2.50 (or 30+ college credits with a 2.00 GPA). The catalog ties test scores only to course placement after admission, not to the admission decision itself, but does not use explicit \"test-blind\" wording, so this is recorded as optional rather than blind. Scores may also substitute for certain English course placement.","policy":"optional","quote":"ACT/SAT scores, while not required for admission, may assist with General Education course placement after admission.","source_url":"https://catalog.uas.alaska.edu/admission/undergraduate-admission/","unitid":102632}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/alaska","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"AZ","answer":"No. All 3 Arizona public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Arizona, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Arizona","slug":"arizona","state_rule":{"applies_to":"first-year applicants, effective 2/19/2026 (Policy 2-105)","body":"Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR)","exists":true,"note":"ABOR Policy 2-105 (Admission Requirements, formerly 2-120/2-121, effective 2/19/2026) sets minimum GPA/core-competency standards and lets each university choose whether to require standardized test scores; it does not mandate them systemwide. Test scores also appear as one alternative way (alongside GPA sub-score or a college course) to demonstrate core-competency in English, Math, Science, Social Science, and Second Language. All three ABOR universities (ASU, UA, NAU) currently do not require ACT/SAT for general admission, so the practical effect statewide is test-optional.","policy":"optional","quote":"A university may require that, in order to complete an application for admission, applicants must submit scores from college admission standardized tests.","source_url":"https://public.powerdms.com/ABOR/documents/3043872"},"summary":"Arizona's public university governing board does not mandate SAT/ACT scores for admission; it only lets each university decide, and all three public universities (ASU, University of Arizona, NAU) are currently test-optional for first-year applicants.","systems":[{"applies_to":"first-year applicants, effective 2/19/2026","name":"Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) / Arizona's three public universities","note":"ABOR governs Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University. The board sets minimum GPA/core-competency admission standards and permits, but does not require, a university to mandate test scores. All three current member universities are test-optional for general first-year admission.","policy":"optional","quote":"A university may require that, in order to complete an application for admission, applicants must submit scores from college admission standardized tests.","source_url":"https://public.powerdms.com/ABOR/documents/3043872"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants (page did not state a specific entering term)","changed":null,"city":"Tucson","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Arizona","note":"Test scores are an optional alternative pathway to satisfy ABOR core-competency subject requirements (e.g., English, Math) and can affect course placement.","policy":"optional","quote":"SAT and ACT scores are not required for general admission to the university; however, if you choose to submit official scores, they may be used to assist with class placement at orientation or to help fulfill our Core Competency Requirements.","source_url":"https://www.arizona.edu/admissions/undergraduate/first-year","unitid":104179},{"applies_to":"fall 2027 first-year applicants (per admissions deadlines section of the page fetched)","changed":null,"city":"Tempe","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Arizona State University","note":"Scores may be submitted voluntarily for course placement or as supplemental information; not required for general admission.","policy":"optional","quote":"ACT or SAT scores are not required for admission, but may be submitted for ASU course placement or as supplemental information.","source_url":"https://admission.asu.edu/apply/first-year/admission","unitid":104151},{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants (page did not state a specific entering term)","changed":null,"city":"Flagstaff","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Northern Arizona University","note":"Test scores are optional for admission but used for scholarship consideration; also usable as an alternative way to satisfy ABOR core-competency course requirements.","policy":"optional","quote":"Send your official test scores for scholarship consideration (test scores are not required for admission).","source_url":"https://in.nau.edu/admissions/freshman-students/","unitid":105330}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/arizona","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"AR","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 5 Arkansas public universities we checked, 2 require a score (Arkansas State University and University of Arkansas at Little Rock); 3 are test-optional (University of Arkansas, Arkansas Tech University and University of Central Arkansas).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Arkansas","slug":"arkansas","state_rule":{"applies_to":"no statewide testing mandate found for 2026/2027 first-year applicants","body":"Arkansas Division of Higher Education","exists":false,"note":"No statewide Arkansas Division of Higher Education policy mandating or banning SAT/ACT use was found on an official state page; admission testing policy is set campus-by-campus (confirmed by each university's own page differing: some test-optional, some test-required).","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"Arkansas has no single statewide SAT/ACT mandate for public universities; each institution sets its own policy, so some (University of Arkansas, UCA, Arkansas Tech) are test-optional above a GPA threshold while others (Arkansas State, UA Little Rock) still require a test score.","systems":[{"applies_to":"first-year applicants, current cycle","name":"University of Arkansas System","note":"The System's flagship, University of Arkansas (Fayetteville), is test-optional at 3.2+ GPA; its sister campus University of Arkansas at Little Rock still requires an entrance exam score. Policy is set per campus, not systemwide.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"The University of Arkansas offers a test-optional application for admission for students with a 3.2 GPA or higher.","source_url":"https://admissions.uark.edu/apply/test-scores-and-applying.php"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants (no specific entering term stated on page)","changed":null,"city":"Fayetteville","clt_accepted":"yes","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Arkansas","note":"Test-optional only for applicants with 3.2+ GPA; admitted freshmen must still submit ACT, SAT, Next Generation Accuplacer, or CLT scores for placement/enrollment purposes (not for the admission decision itself).","policy":"optional","quote":"The University of Arkansas offers a test-optional application for admission for students with a 3.2 GPA or higher.","source_url":"https://admissions.uark.edu/apply/test-scores-and-applying.php","unitid":106397},{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants (automatic admission pathway)","changed":null,"city":"Jonesboro","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"Arkansas State University","note":"Automatic admission requires a 3.00 GPA plus a minimum ACT superscore of 19 or SAT superscore of 990. The page also references a 'holistic review' path tied to a Transition Studies Program for applicants who don't meet the automatic criteria; could not confirm from the page whether that holistic path waives the test score entirely.","policy":"required","quote":"minimum test scores still required","source_url":"https://www.astate.edu/admissions-and-aid/undergraduate-admissions/undergraduate-admissions-requirements.html","unitid":106458},{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants (no specific entering term stated on page)","changed":null,"city":"Little Rock","clt_accepted":"yes","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"University of Arkansas at Little Rock","note":"All freshman admission pathways listed on the page require an official college entrance exam score (ACT, SAT, CLT, or Accuplacer) taken within the last five years, alongside a high school transcript or GED.","policy":"required","quote":"The University will only accept the ACT, SAT, CLT, and ACCUPLACER for admissions decisions.","source_url":"https://ualr.edu/admissions/freshmen/","unitid":106245},{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants (no specific entering term stated on page)","changed":null,"city":"Russellville","clt_accepted":"yes","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Arkansas Tech University","note":"A 3.0+ GPA plus core curriculum completion allows unconditional admission without a test score for the admission decision; a placement test score is still required before registering for classes.","policy":"optional","quote":"Please note, first-time students admitted without test scores must submit either ACT, SAT, CLT, or ACCUPLACER scores for placement purposes prior to registration.","source_url":"https://www.atu.edu/admissions/requirements.php","unitid":106467},{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants (no specific entering term stated on page)","changed":null,"city":"Conway","clt_accepted":"yes","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Central Arkansas","note":"Test-optional only at 3.0+ GPA; students admitted without scores must still submit ACT/SAT/CLT or Accuplacer scores for placement purposes before registration.","policy":"optional","quote":"Although we are not requiring you to submit ACT/SAT/CLT scores for admission consideration if you have a 3.0 GPA, you may submit scores so we can get to know you better.","source_url":"https://uca.edu/admissions/apply/freshman/","unitid":106704}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/arkansas","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"CA","answer":"No. California's public universities do not consider SAT or ACT scores at all (University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO) and 2 more).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"California","slug":"california","state_rule":{"applies_to":"fall 2027 first-year applicants","body":"University of California Board of Regents and California State University Board of Trustees","domain":"universityofcalifornia.edu","exists":true,"note":"The UC Regents voted in May 2020 to suspend SAT/ACT use, conditioned on developing a replacement test; when that proved infeasible, UC eliminated test use entirely for freshman admissions beginning with fall 2021 applicants. CSU's Board of Trustees separately adopted a test-blind policy for the CSU system. Each system set its own policy; there is no single state law mandating this for both. ACTIVE REVIEW: on July 22, 2026 UC's Academic Council directed BOARS (the Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools) to conduct a faculty-led review of standardized testing in admissions, following a 2026 push by hundreds of UC faculty (including a large group at UC San Diego) to reinstate an SAT/ACT math requirement for STEM applicants, citing a sharp rise in students arriving under-prepared in math since test-blind admissions began. Per UC's own July 22, 2026 statement, BOARS must deliver its report to Academic Council by February 12, 2027, with the Board of Regents to receive a policy recommendation no later than June 2027; the same statement confirms no change has been made and fall 2027 applicants will not be required to submit scores.","policy":"blind","quote":"Students applying by November 30, 2026, for fall 2027 admission will not be required to submit SAT or ACT scores","source_url":"https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/press-room/statement-uc-academic-senate-chair-ahmet-palazoglu-boars-undergraduate-admissions-review"},"summary":"Both of California's public university systems, the University of California and California State University, are test-blind: SAT/ACT scores are not required and are not considered in admission decisions even if submitted. UC's Academic Senate is actively reviewing whether to bring testing back for STEM/math, under a charge due to Academic Council by February 2027, but no change applies to fall 2027 applicants.","systems":[{"applies_to":"fall 2027 first-year applicants","name":"University of California (UC)","note":"UC's official 'How applications are reviewed' page (admission.universityofcalifornia.edu) also enumerates roughly 14 comprehensive-review factors with no SAT/ACT among them. The elimination of test scores is further confirmed in the UC Academic Senate's own June 2026 report recounting the May 2020 Regents vote. UC's current test-blind policy is under active BOARS/Academic Council review as of fall 2026 (see state_rule note); no change has been adopted as of the 2026-10-08 check date, confirmed in UC's own July 22, 2026 press statement.","policy":"blind","quote":"Students applying by November 30, 2026, for fall 2027 admission will not be required to submit SAT or ACT scores","source_url":"https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/press-room/statement-uc-academic-senate-chair-ahmet-palazoglu-boars-undergraduate-admissions-review"},{"applies_to":"current first-year admission cycle (no specific entering term stated on the page fetched)","name":"California State University (CSU)","note":"Quote is from an official CSU campus (Cal State Long Beach) admissions page stating CSU systemwide policy; calstate.edu's own admissions pages could not be fetched directly (they returned an automated 'Human Check' bot-detection page to this tool), so the systemwide csulb.edu statement and the consistent absence of any test-score requirement on multiple other CSU campuses' admission-eligibility pages (San Jose State, Cal Poly SLO, San Francisco State, Sonoma State -- none of which mention SAT/ACT as an admission factor) were used as corroboration. Per the page, students may still submit scores voluntarily after being admitted, for other uses such as placement.","policy":"blind","quote":"The CSU does not use standardized testing (SAT and/or ACT) for purposes of admission.","source_url":"https://www.csulb.edu/admissions/first-time-first-year-student-csulb-index"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"same as UC systemwide policy","changed":"test scores eliminated systemwide beginning with fall 2021 applicants; became permanent after UC determined no replacement test was feasible","city":"Berkeley","clt_accepted":"no","domain":"admissions.berkeley.edu","flagship":true,"label":"Test-blind","name":"University of California, Berkeley","note":"Berkeley's own term for its policy is 'test-free' rather than 'test-optional' or 'test-blind'; follows the systemwide UC policy of not considering scores for admission, evaluation, or scholarships.","policy":"blind","quote":"we're not using SAT/ACT test scores for any part of our process, including evaluation/holistic review, selection, or scholarship processes","source_url":"https://admissions.berkeley.edu/application-faqs/","unitid":110635,"url":"/colleges/university-of-california-berkeley"},{"applies_to":"same as UC systemwide policy","changed":"test scores eliminated systemwide beginning with fall 2021 applicants","city":"Los Angeles","clt_accepted":"no","domain":"admission.ucla.edu","flagship":true,"label":"Test-blind","name":"University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)","note":"Follows the systemwide UC test-blind policy. Submitted scores may still be used to satisfy the Entry Level Writing Requirement or for course placement after enrollment.","policy":"blind","quote":"UCLA will not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes.","source_url":"https://admission.ucla.edu/apply/freshman/freshman-requirements","unitid":110662,"url":"/colleges/university-of-california-los-angeles"},{"applies_to":"current first-year admission cycle, following CSU systemwide policy","changed":null,"city":"San Luis Obispo","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"calpoly.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-blind","name":"California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO)","note":"Cal Poly's own selection-criteria page did not explicitly restate the CSU test-blind policy in the excerpt fetched (the phrase 'when applicable' is consistent with scores not being required); relying primarily on CSU's systemwide policy (see systems entry) for the 'blind' label here. Flagged as a gap for a fuller Cal Poly-specific confirmation.","policy":"blind","quote":"While GPA and test scores (when applicable) are important, it is impossible to predict a candidate's chances by looking at these statistics alone.","source_url":"https://calpoly.edu/admissions/first-year-student/selection-criteria","unitid":110422,"url":"/colleges/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo"},{"applies_to":"current first-year admission cycle","changed":null,"city":"Long Beach","clt_accepted":"no","domain":"csulb.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-blind","name":"California State University, Long Beach","note":"Admission decided using the CSULB Index (GPA-based); test scores not used even if submitted.","policy":"blind","quote":"The CSU does not use standardized testing (SAT and/or ACT) for purposes of admission.","source_url":"https://www.csulb.edu/admissions/first-time-first-year-student-csulb-index","unitid":110583,"url":"/colleges/california-state-university-long-beach"},{"applies_to":"current first-year admission cycle, following CSU systemwide policy","changed":null,"city":"San Diego","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"admissions.sdsu.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-blind","name":"San Diego State University","note":"Follows CSU's systemwide test-blind policy. If admitted, SAT/ACT scores may still be used for course placement.","policy":"blind","quote":"SDSU no longer uses SAT or ACT exam scores from first-year applicants for determining admission eligibility.","source_url":"https://admissions.sdsu.edu/first-years","unitid":122409,"url":"/colleges/san-diego-state-university"}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/california","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"CO","answer":"No. All 6 Colorado public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University, Metropolitan State University of Denver and 3 more).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Colorado","slug":"colorado","state_rule":{"applies_to":"admission cycles since fall 2021, including fall 2026 and fall 2027","body":"Colorado General Assembly / Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE)","exists":true,"note":"HB 21-1067 (signed by Gov. Polis May 25, 2021) removed any statewide requirement; it does not itself mandate test-optional, but CDHE reports all 13 public four-year institutions have chosen test-optional. CDHE's own pages (cdhe.colorado.gov/college-use-of-national-test-scores, highered.colorado.gov/admissions-eligibility) returned HTTP 403 to automated fetch, so this quote is sourced from MSU Denver's official policy page, which quotes the bill.","policy":"optional","quote":"this bill makes it optional for Colorado's public four-year colleges and universities to require or not require national test scores","source_url":"https://www.msudenver.edu/admissions/test-optional-policy/"},"summary":"Colorado law leaves it up to each public four-year college whether to require SAT/ACT scores, and every public four-year institution in the state has chosen to go test-optional. For fall 2026 and fall 2027 first-year applicants, no Colorado public university requires a test score.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"2027 first-year application cycle","changed":null,"city":"Boulder","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Colorado Boulder","note":"Applicants may self-report scores if they want them considered. ACT Writing/Science sections not used as of April 2025.","policy":"optional","quote":"SAT/ACT scores are not required and we take a holistic approach when reviewing your application","source_url":"https://www.colorado.edu/admissions/process/first-year/plan","unitid":126614},{"applies_to":"current freshman (first-year) admissions","changed":null,"city":"Fort Collins","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Colorado State University","note":"Applies to domestic and international first-year applicants; scores reviewed only if submitted and carry minimal weight.","policy":"optional","quote":"CSU does not require ACT or SAT scores.","source_url":"https://admissions.colostate.edu/apply/freshmen/","unitid":126818},{"applies_to":"current first-year admissions","changed":null,"city":"Denver","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Metropolitan State University of Denver","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"It is up to the applicant if they want their test score to be considered in the admission process.","source_url":"https://www.msudenver.edu/admissions/test-optional-policy/","unitid":127565},{"applies_to":"current first-year admissions","changed":null,"city":"Colorado Springs","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Colorado Colorado Springs","note":"Page lists alternate criteria for applicants with test scores who do not meet GPA requirements, i.e. scores can help an applicant below the normal GPA bar.","policy":"optional","quote":"Test-Optional Admission","source_url":"https://www.uccs.edu/admissionsenrollment/apply-uccs-today/criteria","unitid":126580},{"applies_to":"current first-year admissions","changed":null,"city":"Denver","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Colorado Denver","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"Submitting test scores is optional, and won't negatively impact your application.","source_url":"https://www.cudenver.edu/undergraduate-admissions/first-year/requirements","unitid":126562},{"applies_to":"current first-year admissions","changed":"optional since fall 2021 (Class of 2021 graduates)","city":"Greeley","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Northern Colorado","note":"Listed under 'Optional Application Materials' on UNC's first-year page. 2021 announcement: 'High school students who are graduating next spring will not be required to submit a college entrance exam when applying to the University of Northern Colorado' (unco.edu/news/articles/act-sat-2021/).","policy":"optional","quote":"Standardized Test Scores","source_url":"https://www.unco.edu/admissions-aid/undergraduate/first-year/","unitid":127741}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/colorado","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"CT","answer":"No. All 5 Connecticut public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University and 2 more).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Connecticut","slug":"connecticut","state_rule":{"applies_to":"","body":"none found; each institution (UConn independently, and each Connecticut State University campus under the CSCU system) sets its own testing policy","exists":false,"note":"CSCU's own site (ct.edu) could not be confirmed to carry a system-wide testing policy statement; it mentions an 'Auto Admission' GPA-based program but no SAT/ACT mandate. Checked each campus individually below -- all are test-optional.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":"https://www.ct.edu/"},"summary":"Connecticut has no state law or system-wide mandate on SAT/ACT; each public university sets its own policy. Every Connecticut public four-year university checked -- UConn and the four Connecticut State University campuses -- is currently test-optional for fall 2026 and fall 2027 first-year applicants.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"fall 2026 admitted students (Class of 2030)","changed":null,"city":"Storrs","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Connecticut","note":"Page gives middle-50% score ranges only for the subset of fall 2026 admits who chose to submit scores (Storrs: SAT 1320-1460 / ACT 29-34; regional campuses: SAT 970-1250 / ACT 19-28).","policy":"optional","quote":"UConn is a test-optional institution for the foreseeable future.","source_url":"https://admissions.uconn.edu/apply/first-year/","unitid":129020},{"applies_to":"all terms (fall and spring)","changed":null,"city":"New Britain","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Central Connecticut State University","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"(Optional) SAT I or ACT scores sent by high school/College Board or ACT","source_url":"https://www.ccsu.edu/first-year-admissions/admissions-requirements","unitid":128771},{"applies_to":"first-year applicants, current cycle","changed":null,"city":"Willimantic","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Eastern Connecticut State University","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"Eastern is test-optional. Submit scores if you feel they add to your application","source_url":"https://www.easternct.edu/admissions/apply/apply-first-year.html","unitid":129215},{"applies_to":"fall 2027 semester","changed":null,"city":"New Haven","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Southern Connecticut State University","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"Southern has a test optional admission policy. SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission.","source_url":"https://www.southernct.edu/admissions/first-year","unitid":130493},{"applies_to":"fall semester (test-optional pathway deadline March 1)","changed":null,"city":"Danbury","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Western Connecticut State University","note":"Applicants using the test-optional pathway must apply by March 1 and need roughly a 3.0 GPA and top-35%-of-class rank in place of scores; standard-path guideline otherwise cited is SAT ~1080 / ACT ~21.","policy":"optional","quote":"WCSU is a test optional institution.","source_url":"https://www.wcsu.edu/admissions/freshmanapplicant/","unitid":130776}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/connecticut","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"DE","answer":"No. All 2 Delaware public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Delaware and Delaware State University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Delaware","slug":"delaware","state_rule":{"applies_to":"","body":"none found; Delaware has no system-wide governing board over its two public universities comparable to other states' boards of regents","exists":false,"note":"No Delaware statute or board regulation mandating or prohibiting SAT/ACT requirements was found; each university decides independently.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"Delaware has no statewide law on SAT/ACT; each of its two public universities sets its own policy. Both the University of Delaware and Delaware State University are currently test-optional for first-year applicants.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"current first-year admissions","changed":null,"city":"Newark","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Delaware","note":"LOW CONFIDENCE: udel.edu and admissions.udel.edu could not be reached directly in this research session (repeated TLS certificate errors and connection refusals), so this is sourced from a College Board BigFuture profile (which draws on UD's own Common Data Set reporting) rather than UD's own page. Should be re-verified against admissions.udel.edu/apply/first-year/ when that site is reachable. Re-checked 2026-10-08: admissions.udel.edu and udel.edu/apply/... remain unreachable (TLS/connection errors) and catalog.udel.edu returned no readable content; BigFuture quote re-confirmed verbatim, still the best available source.","policy":"optional","quote":"SAT/ACT Scores Considered if submitted","source_url":"https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-delaware/admissions","unitid":130943},{"applies_to":"current admissions cycle, 'until further notice'","changed":null,"city":"Dover","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Delaware State University","note":"Page also lists a standard-path score benchmark of SAT 800 (math+reading) or ACT composite 17+ for applicants who choose to submit scores.","policy":"optional","quote":"Delaware State University's Test-Optional Policy will provide potential students the ability to apply and receive an admissions decision based on a holistic review","source_url":"https://www.desu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-students","unitid":130934}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/delaware","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"FL","answer":"Yes. All 6 Florida public universities we checked require an SAT or ACT score from first-year applicants (Florida State University, University of Florida, Florida Atlantic University and 3 more).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Florida","slug":"florida","state_rule":{"applies_to":"FTIC (first-time-in-college) freshman applicants; regulation text current as amended 11-06-25, in effect for fall 2026 and fall 2027","body":"Florida Board of Governors (State University System of Florida)","exists":true,"note":"Regulation 6.002(1)(e) and 6.002(2)(a). Exceptions: (1) students admitted under 'Early Admission' dual-enrollment (simultaneous HS diploma + AA degree, per BOG Reg 6.005) are not required to submit a score, but then are ineligible for first-year merit scholarships (seen at FSU); (2) non-Carnegie-Unit home-school/non-traditional applicants may instead meet a floor of SAT 1060 / ACT 21 / CLT 67; (3) GED applicants must present ACT, SAT, or CLT results per university-set equivalencies. CLT (Classic Learning Test) is explicitly named alongside SAT/ACT throughout the regulation.","policy":"required","quote":"FTIC students applying for admission must submit SAT scores from the College Board, ACT scores from ACT, Inc, or CLT scores from Classic Learning Initiatives LLC.","source_url":"https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/6.002-Admission-of-Undergraduate-FTIC_2025_Final-1.pdf"},"summary":"Florida is one of the few states where test scores are required by law. Board of Governors Regulation 6.002 requires every first-time-in-college freshman applying to a State University System institution to submit an SAT, ACT, or CLT score, with narrow exceptions (e.g. simultaneous AA/high-school dual-enrollment students, non-traditional/home-school applicants who meet an alternate score floor, and students 'out of Carnegie Units').","systems":[{"applies_to":"all 12 SUS institutions, FTIC freshman applicants","name":"State University System of Florida / Board of Governors","note":"Individual universities may be more but not less restrictive than Reg 6.002.","policy":"required","quote":"Each university board of trustees shall develop regulations governing the admission of FTIC students that comport with the requirements outlined in Board regulations.","source_url":"https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/6.002-Admission-of-Undergraduate-FTIC_2025_Final-1.pdf"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"current freshman admission cycle","changed":null,"city":"Tallahassee","clt_accepted":"yes","flagship":true,"label":"Required","name":"Florida State University","note":"Exception: FTIC students earning a simultaneous HS diploma + Associate in Arts degree (admitted under BOG Reg 6.005) are not required to submit ACT/CLT/SAT, but are then ineligible for first-year merit scholarships.","policy":"required","quote":"At least one test score must be submitted before the material deadline","source_url":"https://admissions.fsu.edu/node/586","unitid":134097},{"applies_to":"current freshman admission cycle (per BOG Reg 6.002, binding on all SUS schools including UF)","changed":null,"city":"Gainesville","clt_accepted":"yes","flagship":true,"label":"Required","name":"University of Florida","note":"UF's own freshman page (fetched) describes self-reporting and superscoring but did not state the word 'required' in the excerpt retrieved; requirement status rests on statewide BOG Reg 6.002, which UF must follow as an SUS institution.","policy":"required","quote":"UF has no test preference. We superscore the SAT, ACT and CLT.","source_url":"https://admissions.ufl.edu/apply/freshman","unitid":134130},{"applies_to":"Summer/Fall 2026 admitted students","changed":null,"city":"Boca Raton","clt_accepted":"yes","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"Florida Atlantic University","note":"Page states first-year applicants must submit an ACT, CLT, or SAT test score.","policy":"required","quote":"Florida Atlantic University is subject to Florida Board of Governors admissions regulation 6.002","source_url":"https://www.fau.edu/admissions/freshman/","unitid":133669},{"applies_to":"first-time-in-college applicants, current cycle","changed":null,"city":"Miami","clt_accepted":"yes","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"Florida International University","note":"","policy":"required","quote":"SAT, ACT and/or CLT scores are required for first time in college applicants.","source_url":"https://admissions.fiu.edu/admission-standards/index.html","unitid":133951},{"applies_to":"Summer and Fall 2027 freshman admission","changed":null,"city":"Orlando","clt_accepted":"yes","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"University of Central Florida","note":"SAT/ACT scores valid if taken within the last five years; CLT valid if taken July 1, 2023 or later.","policy":"required","quote":"Official Standardized Test Scores from either SAT [code: 5233], ACT [code: 0735], or CLT","source_url":"https://www.ucf.edu/admissions/undergraduate/freshman/","unitid":132903},{"applies_to":"Fall 2026 and other terms (Fall/Summer/Spring all reviewed under the Fall cycle)","changed":null,"city":"Tampa","clt_accepted":"yes","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"University of South Florida","note":"","policy":"required","quote":"USF requires freshman applicants to submit official results for at least one college entrance exam (SAT, ACT or CLT).","source_url":"https://www.usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/admission-information/academic-requirements.aspx","unitid":137351}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/florida","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"GA","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 9 Georgia public universities we checked, 7 require a score (Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, Augusta University and 4 more); 2 are test-optional (University of West Georgia and Valdosta State University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Georgia","slug":"georgia","state_rule":{"applies_to":"Academic Years 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28 (i.e. fall 2025 through fall 2027 first-year applicants)","body":"University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents","exists":true,"note":"That sentence is USG's own stated list for Academic Year 2026-27 (fall 2026 entering class). For AY 2025-26, only Georgia Tech, UGA, and Georgia College & State University required scores; the other 22 institutions were test-optional (freshman-index formula or minimum-GPA test-optional path: 3.4 GPA at research universities Augusta/Georgia State, 3.2 at comprehensive universities Kennesaw State/Georgia Southern/West Georgia/Valdosta State, 3.0 at state universities, and state colleges remaining test-optional regardless of GPA). Beginning fall 2027, USG's own text reads: 'Classic Learning Test (CLT) scores may be substituted for SAT scores based on the CLT-SAT concordance tables at all test-optional and test-mandatory institutions, with the only exceptions being Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia.'","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"SAT or ACT scores will be required for: University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Augusta University, Kennesaw State University, Georgia Southern University, Georgia College & State University.","source_url":"https://www.usg.edu/announcements/usg-admission-requirements-for-academic-years-2025-26-2026-27-2027-28/"},"summary":"The University System of Georgia sets test policy centrally but it differs by institution. For fall 2026 (Academic Year 2026-27), seven USG institutions require an SAT or ACT score -- UGA, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Augusta University, Kennesaw State, Georgia Southern, and Georgia College & State University -- while the other 18 USG institutions remain test-optional (generally above a GPA floor). Starting fall 2027, a CLT score may substitute for the SAT almost everywhere except Georgia Tech and UGA.","systems":[{"applies_to":"fall 2026 (AY 2026-27) and fall 2027 (AY 2027-28) first-year applicants","name":"University System of Georgia","note":"The 'waiver' is the default; it is lifted (i.e. scores required) at the 7 campuses named above for AY2026-27. The remaining 18 USG four-year/state-college institutions may still require a score below their published minimum GPA.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"The University System of Georgia (USG) will continue its temporary waiver of test score requirements.","source_url":"https://www.usg.edu/announcements/usg-admission-requirements-for-academic-years-2025-26-2026-27-2027-28/"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"fall 2026 (AY 2026-27) and fall 2027 (AY 2027-28)","changed":"required continuously through USG's test-optional waiver period","city":"Atlanta","clt_accepted":"no","flagship":true,"label":"Required","name":"Georgia Institute of Technology","note":"Georgia Tech's own admissions page (admission.gatech.edu/first-year/standardized-tests) was reachable on re-check 2026-10-08 and independently confirms the requirement, replacing the prior 404. Georgia Tech and UGA are the only two USG institutions excluded from the fall 2027 CLT-substitution allowance (per the USG system page).","policy":"required","quote":"All first-year applicants must submit results from at least one SAT and/or ACT in order to be considered for admission.","source_url":"https://admission.gatech.edu/first-year/standardized-tests","unitid":139755},{"applies_to":"current first-year and dual-enrollment applicants (fall 2026 and fall 2027; UGA is one of the two USG schools excluded from the fall-2027 CLT substitution)","changed":"required continuously since before the USG test-optional waiver began; remained required through AY2025-26, AY2026-27 and will remain required into AY2027-28","city":"Athens","clt_accepted":"no","flagship":true,"label":"Required","name":"University of Georgia","note":"UGA and Georgia Tech are the only two USG institutions excluded from the fall 2027 CLT-substitution allowance.","policy":"required","quote":"All first-year and dual enrollment applicants are required to submit official test scores from either ACT or SAT.","source_url":"https://admissions.uga.edu/apply/first-year-applicants/first-year-criteria/","unitid":139959},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 (AY 2026-27)","changed":"moved from test-optional (AY2025-26, 3.4 GPA floor, 'research university' tier) to required for AY2026-27","city":"Augusta","clt_accepted":"yes (beginning fall 2027)","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"Augusta University","note":"Not independently verified on Augusta University's own site; relies on the USG system page.","policy":"required","quote":"SAT or ACT scores will be required for: University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Augusta University, Kennesaw State University, Georgia Southern University, Georgia College & State University.","source_url":"https://www.usg.edu/announcements/usg-admission-requirements-for-academic-years-2025-26-2026-27-2027-28/","unitid":482149},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 (AY 2026-27); also required in AY2025-26","changed":"already required in AY2025-26 (along with UGA and Georgia Tech), continues required for AY2026-27","city":"Milledgeville","clt_accepted":"yes (beginning fall 2027)","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"Georgia College & State University","note":"~6,800 undergraduates (below the ~8,000 enrollment bar) but included because it is one of the 7 required campuses, which is the point of this page.","policy":"required","quote":"SAT or ACT scores will be required for: University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Augusta University, Kennesaw State University, Georgia Southern University, Georgia College & State University.","source_url":"https://www.usg.edu/announcements/usg-admission-requirements-for-academic-years-2025-26-2026-27-2027-28/","unitid":139861},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 (AY 2026-27)","changed":"moved from test-optional (AY2025-26, 3.2 GPA floor) to required for AY2026-27","city":"Statesboro","clt_accepted":"yes (beginning fall 2027)","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"Georgia Southern University","note":"Not independently verified on Georgia Southern's own site; relies on the USG system page.","policy":"required","quote":"SAT or ACT scores will be required for: University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Augusta University, Kennesaw State University, Georgia Southern University, Georgia College & State University.","source_url":"https://www.usg.edu/announcements/usg-admission-requirements-for-academic-years-2025-26-2026-27-2027-28/","unitid":139931},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 (AY 2026-27)","changed":"moved from test-optional (AY2025-26, 3.4 GPA floor) to required for AY2026-27","city":"Atlanta","clt_accepted":"yes (beginning fall 2027, per usg's clt-substitution policy)","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"Georgia State University","note":"Georgia State's own admissions page was reachable on re-check 2026-10-08 and independently confirms the requirement (for the Atlanta Campus), replacing the prior 404/reliance on the USG system page alone.","policy":"required","quote":"If you're applying to Georgia State's Atlanta Campus you'll need to submit SAT or ACT scores along with your application.","source_url":"https://admissions.gsu.edu/bachelors-degree/understanding-test-requirements-freshman-index/","unitid":139940},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 (AY 2026-27)","changed":"moved from test-optional (AY2025-26, 3.2 GPA floor, 'comprehensive university' tier) to required for AY2026-27","city":"Kennesaw","clt_accepted":"yes (beginning fall 2027)","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"Kennesaw State University","note":"Kennesaw's own admissions pages returned 404/redirect loops to automated fetch during this session; relies on the USG system page.","policy":"required","quote":"SAT or ACT scores will be required for: University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Augusta University, Kennesaw State University, Georgia Southern University, Georgia College & State University.","source_url":"https://www.usg.edu/announcements/usg-admission-requirements-for-academic-years-2025-26-2026-27-2027-28/","unitid":486840},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 (AY 2026-27), not on USG's required list","changed":null,"city":"Carrollton","clt_accepted":"yes (beginning fall 2027)","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of West Georgia","note":"CORRECTED 2026-10-08: the previous quote ('The 22 institutions may use either a freshman index formula...') did not appear verbatim on the usg.edu source page; replaced with the page's actual AY2026-27 sentence for non-required institutions. West Georgia's own admissions page (westga.edu) returned a 404 to automated fetch on re-check -- still not independently confirmed on its own site.","policy":"optional","quote":"All other institutions may require test scores based on the applicant's high school grade point average.","source_url":"https://www.usg.edu/announcements/usg-admission-requirements-for-academic-years-2025-26-2026-27-2027-28/","unitid":141334},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 (AY 2026-27), not on USG's required list","changed":null,"city":"Valdosta","clt_accepted":"yes (beginning fall 2027)","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Valdosta State University","note":"CORRECTED 2026-10-08: the previous quote ('The 22 institutions may use either a freshman index formula...') did not appear verbatim on the usg.edu source page; replaced with the page's actual AY2026-27 sentence for non-required institutions. Valdosta State's own admissions page (valdosta.edu) returned a 404 to automated fetch on re-check -- still not independently confirmed on its own site.","policy":"optional","quote":"All other institutions may require test scores based on the applicant's high school grade point average.","source_url":"https://www.usg.edu/announcements/usg-admission-requirements-for-academic-years-2025-26-2026-27-2027-28/","unitid":141264}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/georgia","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"HI","answer":"No. All 3 Hawaii public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Hawai\u02bbi at M\u0101noa, University of Hawai\u02bbi at Hilo and University of Hawai\u02bbi\u2013West O\u02bbahu).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Hawaii","slug":"hawaii","state_rule":{"applies_to":"undergraduate first-year applicants, UH M\u0101noa, UH Hilo, UH West O\u02bbahu","body":"University of Hawai\u02bbi (UH) System / Board of Regents","exists":true,"note":"No UH System-wide board policy document requiring or waiving test scores was located; each campus sets its own admission standards. As of 2026 all three four-year UH campuses effectively do not require a test score for general admission, though UH Hilo requires one on a sliding scale if GPA is below 2.7. The cited comparison article (manoa.hawaii.edu/news/article.php?aId=10687) is dated May 25, 2020; its comparison of the three campuses' policies was independently re-confirmed as still accurate on 2026-10-08 by checking each campus's own current freshman admissions page directly (M\u0101noa, Hilo, West O\u02bbahu quotes below).","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"There are no changes at UH Hilo and UH West O\u02bbahu where standardized tests are not used as a principal criteria in the application process.","source_url":"https://manoa.hawaii.edu/news/article.php?aId=10687"},"summary":"The University of Hawai\u02bbi System has no single system-wide testing mandate; each of its three four-year campuses sets its own policy, and all three (M\u0101noa, Hilo, West O\u02bbahu) currently do not require SAT/ACT scores for first-year admission, though Hilo requires a score if a student's GPA is below 2.7.","systems":[{"applies_to":"undergraduate first-year applicants across M\u0101noa, Hilo, and West O\u02bbahu","name":"University of Hawai\u02bbi System","note":"UH System comprises 3 four-year campuses (M\u0101noa, Hilo, West O\u02bbahu) plus 7 community colleges (excluded per spec). Each four-year campus independently sets its own test policy. Source article is dated May 25, 2020; underlying claim re-confirmed current via each campus's own 2026 admissions page.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"There are no changes at UH Hilo and UH West O\u02bbahu where standardized tests are not used as a principal criteria in the application process.","source_url":"https://manoa.hawaii.edu/news/article.php?aId=10687"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"current first-year freshman applicants (page did not state a specific future entering term; snapshot data referenced was Fall 2025)","changed":"test-optional since around 2020-2021 (originally announced via a UH M\u0101noa news article -- manoa.hawaii.edu/news/article.php?aId=10687 -- published May 25, 2020, as a one-year COVID exemption for fall 2021 applicants; policy has continued since with no stated end date per the current freshman admissions page)","city":"Honolulu","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Hawai\u02bbi at M\u0101noa","note":"'Do no harm' policy: if submitted, scores that would hurt an application are excluded from review. Scholarships or department direct-entry programs may still require test scores. CORRECTED 2026-10-08: the cited news article is dated May 25, 2020, not 2021 as previously stated.","policy":"optional","quote":"UH M\u0101noa is test-optional, which means that students can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores for admission consideration.","source_url":"https://manoa.hawaii.edu/admissions/freshman/","unitid":141574},{"applies_to":"current first-year freshman applicants, Fall and Spring terms","changed":null,"city":"Hilo","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Hawai\u02bbi at Hilo","note":"Applicants with a cumulative HS GPA of 2.7 or higher are not required to submit a test score; those below 2.7 may submit a score for sliding-scale consideration.","policy":"optional","quote":"Cumulative GPA below 2.7 considered on a sliding scale with official ACT/SAT scores.","source_url":"https://hilo.hawaii.edu/admissions/freshman.php","unitid":141565},{"applies_to":"current first-year freshman applicants","changed":null,"city":"Kapolei","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Hawai\u02bbi\u2013West O\u02bbahu","note":"Applicants who meet GPA/credit automatic-admission thresholds are not required to submit scores; scores are 'strongly encouraged' for GED applicants specifically.","policy":"optional","quote":"If requested, SAT or ACT test scores will be accepted if on the high school transcript.","source_url":"https://westoahu.hawaii.edu/admissions/freshmen/","unitid":141981}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/hawaii","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"ID","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 3 Idaho public universities we checked, 2 are test-optional (University of Idaho and Idaho State University); 1 does not consider scores (Boise State University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Idaho","slug":"idaho","state_rule":{"applies_to":"first-year applicants to Idaho's public four-year institutions","body":"Idaho State Board of Education (Board Policy III.Q, Admission Standards)","exists":true,"note":"The State Board sets minimum GPA/core-course admission standards under Policy III.Q and no longer mandates SAT/ACT submission; each institution implements its own GPA/test thresholds under that policy. Exception statewide: homeschool or unaccredited-high-school applicants under 21 must submit an official ACT or SAT score.","policy":"optional","quote":"Test scores are not required and will not be used in the admission review process.","source_url":"https://www.boisestate.edu/admissions/apply/resident/"},"summary":"Idaho's State Board of Education sets minimum GPA-based admission standards and no longer mandates SAT/ACT scores; two of Idaho's three main public universities (Boise State, Idaho State) do not require or even consider test scores for general admission, while the University of Idaho requires one only from applicants with a GPA between 2.60 and 2.99.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"Spring 2027 and Summer 2027+ first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Moscow","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Idaho","note":"Applicants with a GPA of 2.60-2.99 must submit ACT/SAT scores (minimums: ACT 15+, SAT 740+) or opt into the Vandal Gateway Program instead; GPAs below 2.30 may appeal.","policy":"optional","quote":"New first-year students will automatically be considered for admission if their cumulative unweighted GPA is 3.00 or higher. Test scores are not required.","source_url":"https://www.uidaho.edu/admissions/apply/first-year/admission-requirements/gpa-and-test-scores","unitid":142285},{"applies_to":"current Idaho resident and nonresident first-year high school seniors/graduates","changed":null,"city":"Boise","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-blind","name":"Boise State University","note":"Scores are not considered even if submitted (test-blind) for applicants from accredited high schools. Exception: homeschool or unaccredited-high-school applicants under 21 must submit official ACT or SAT scores.","policy":"blind","quote":"Test scores are not required and will not be used in the admission review process.","source_url":"https://www.boisestate.edu/admissions/apply/resident/","unitid":142115},{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Pocatello","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Idaho State University","note":"Scores may be submitted for course placement; test scores are required to be considered for scholarships.","policy":"optional","quote":"Submission of official ACT and/or SAT scores is not required for admission to ISU.","source_url":"https://www.isu.edu/admissions/freshman/","unitid":142276}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/idaho","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"IL","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 6 Illinois public universities we checked, 5 are test-optional (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University Carbondale and 2 more); 1 does not consider scores (Northern Illinois University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Illinois","slug":"illinois","state_rule":{"applies_to":"Illinois-resident first-year applicants to Illinois public universities, ongoing from January 1, 2022","body":"Illinois General Assembly \u2014 Higher Education Fair Admissions Act (110 ILCS 29), effective January 1, 2022","domain":"illinoissenatedemocrats.com","exists":true,"note":"The law makes submission of standardized test scores optional at the applicant's choice for Illinois residents applying to Illinois public universities. Could not fetch the ilga.gov statute (110 ILCS 29) text directly (certificate errors on all attempts); this quote comes from an Illinois State Senate caucus news page describing the law, corroborated by every Illinois public university's own test-optional policy page cited below.","policy":"optional","quote":"prohibit Illinois' public universities from relying solely on a student's ACT or SAT score to make an admissions decision.","source_url":"https://www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/caucus-news/20-sen-christopher-belt-news/2748-universities-to-remove-standardized-test-requirement-for-acceptance-under-new-law"},"summary":"A 2021 state law, the Higher Education Fair Admissions Act, bars Illinois public universities from requiring Illinois-resident applicants to submit SAT/ACT scores; every major Illinois public university (U of I Urbana-Champaign, UIC, Illinois State, Northern Illinois, Southern Illinois Carbondale) is now test-optional or test-blind for first-year admission.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"fall 2027 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Champaign/Urbana","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"admissions.illinois.edu","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign","note":"If no ACT/SAT is submitted, international/non-native-English applicants may still need TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo. Scores, if submitted, are not superscored.","policy":"optional","quote":"Illinois is test-optional. You can choose whether to include ACT or SAT scores.","source_url":"https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/apply/freshman/process","unitid":145637,"url":"/colleges/university-of-illinois-urbana-champaign"},{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"DeKalb","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"niu.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-blind","name":"Northern Illinois University","note":"NIU markets itself as having 'test-free admission'; GPA is used instead as the predictor of success.","policy":"blind","quote":"We do not consider ACT or SAT scores for general admission or merit scholarships.","source_url":"https://www.niu.edu/admissions/apply/requirements/index.shtml","unitid":147703,"url":"/colleges/northern-illinois-university"},{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Normal","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"policy.illinoisstate.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Illinois State University","note":"Official university policy (2.1.31 Test Optional Admission Policy), adopted following the 2021 state law.","policy":"optional","quote":"At Illinois State University, no prospective student is required to submit any standardized test scores with their application.","source_url":"https://policy.illinoisstate.edu/students/2-1-31/","unitid":145813,"url":"/colleges/illinois-state-university"},{"applies_to":"summer/fall 2021 and beyond, for prospective undergraduates with less than 26 US credit hours","changed":"no longer required effective summer/fall 2021","city":"Carbondale","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"siu.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Southern Illinois University Carbondale","note":"Some selective-admission programs may still require test scores for direct entry. Students below a 2.75 GPA may still need to submit scores.","policy":"optional","quote":"we no longer require submission of SAT or ACT scores for students with a high school GPA of 2.75 or above.","source_url":"https://siu.edu/test-optional/","unitid":149222,"url":"/colleges/southern-illinois-university-carbondale"},{"applies_to":"Spring 2027, Summer 2027, and Fall 2027 first-time freshman applicants","changed":null,"city":"Edwardsville","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"siue.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Southern Illinois University Edwardsville","note":"SIUE's own first-year admission page confirms (FAQ: 'Are SAT or ACT scores required? No.') that scores are not required. Students are admissible via a 2.6+ cumulative HS GPA alone, OR a 2.0-2.59 GPA combined with an ACT composite of 19+ or SAT of 990+, OR ranking in the top 10% of their graduating class; students meeting none of these receive additional holistic review. Scores, if submitted, may still be used for course placement. SIUE is part of the SIU System and subject to the same 2021 Illinois Higher Education Fair Admissions Act already documented in this file's state_rule.","policy":"optional","quote":"SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission consideration.","source_url":"https://www.siue.edu/apply/first-year.shtml","unitid":149231,"url":"/colleges/southern-illinois-university-edwardsville"},{"applies_to":"2027 undergraduate admission cycle","changed":"policy amended effective the 2027 admission cycle","city":"Chicago","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"admissions.uic.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Illinois Chicago","note":"Scores are reviewed only when they positively contribute to an application; UIC states there is no admission advantage to submitting scores. Self-reported scores and SuperScore reports are not used.","policy":"optional","quote":"Effective with the 2027 undergraduate admission cycle, UIC has amended its Test-Optional policy.","source_url":"https://admissions.uic.edu/node/3037","unitid":145600,"url":"/colleges/university-of-illinois-chicago"}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/illinois","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"IN","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 5 Indiana public universities we checked, 1 requires a score (Purdue University (West Lafayette)); 4 are test-optional (Indiana University Bloomington, Ball State University, Indiana State University and University of Southern Indiana).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Indiana","slug":"indiana","state_rule":{"applies_to":"n/a","body":"none","domain":"","exists":false,"note":"No Indiana statute or Commission for Higher Education policy mandating or waiving SAT/ACT was found; each public university sets its own first-year testing policy independently, which is why Indiana's two flagship-tier universities (IU and Purdue) currently differ.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"Indiana has no statewide testing mandate; each public university sets its own policy, producing a split: Indiana University (Bloomington and its other campuses) is test-optional, while Purdue University (West Lafayette) is 'test expected' and functions as a near-required policy, with Ball State, Indiana State, and University of Southern Indiana all test-optional.","systems":[{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants, IU Bloomington and other IU campuses","name":"Indiana University","note":"Stated as an IU-wide admissions-standards page (not Bloomington-specific), suggesting the test-optional policy applies across IU's campuses, including IU Indianapolis; this was not independently verified on a separate IU Indianapolis admissions page.","policy":"optional","quote":"students can choose at the point of application whether to have SAT and/or ACT scores considered","source_url":"https://iu.edu/admissions/admissions-standards.html"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"fall 2026 entering class and current cycle","changed":null,"city":"West Lafayette","clt_accepted":"yes","domain":"admissions.purdue.edu","flagship":true,"label":"Required","name":"Purdue University (West Lafayette)","note":"Purdue allows applicants who were unable to take a test to still submit an application via the Common App as an exception. Per the same page, 98.3% of the fall 2026 admitted class provided a test score. Secondary sources describe this as a reinstatement after a prior test-optional period, but that change history was not independently confirmed on an official Purdue page.","policy":"required","quote":"Purdue University is test expected, meaning we expect applicants to submit SAT, ACT or CLT scores.","source_url":"https://www.admissions.purdue.edu/counselors/newsletter-know.php","unitid":243780,"url":"/colleges/purdue-university-main-campus"},{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants","changed":"went test-optional (per secondary reporting, around 2021); not independently verified from an official dated announcement","city":"Bloomington","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"iu.edu","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Indiana University Bloomington","note":"Students who omit scores receive full consideration for admission and merit scholarships per secondary sources; this detail was not independently confirmed on the official page fetched.","policy":"optional","quote":"students can choose at the point of application whether to have SAT and/or ACT scores considered","source_url":"https://iu.edu/admissions/admissions-standards.html","unitid":151351,"url":"/colleges/indiana-university-bloomington"},{"applies_to":"current undergraduate first-year applicants (no specific entering term stated on the page)","changed":null,"city":"Muncie","clt_accepted":"yes","domain":"bsu.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Ball State University","note":"Fetched directly via curl with a browser user agent (bypassed the earlier 403). Test scores are required only for applicants whose high school does not provide grades; all other applicants choose whether to submit SAT, ACT, and/or CLT scores, and Ball State superscores whatever is sent. The page does not state the entering term or the year the policy began; secondary sources cite fall 2019, not independently confirmed on this official page.","policy":"optional","quote":"Ball State University is a test-optional institution, which means you decide whether you want to provide your SAT, ACT, and/or CLT scores","source_url":"https://www.bsu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/apply-now/test-information","unitid":150136,"url":"/colleges/ball-state-university"},{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Terre Haute","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"indianastate.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Indiana State University","note":"Scores may still be required for certain merit-based scholarships.","policy":"optional","quote":"SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission. However, they may be required for certain merit-based scholarships.","source_url":"https://www.indianastate.edu/admissions/freshman","unitid":151324,"url":"/colleges/indiana-state-university"},{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Evansville","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"usi.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Southern Indiana","note":"Certain specific programs may require scores for direct admission (per the same page's surrounding context).","policy":"optional","quote":"Students are not required to submit test scores for admission to the University. Each student can choose whether or not they want test scores considered.","source_url":"https://www.usi.edu/admissions/incoming-freshmen/test-optional","unitid":151306,"url":"/colleges/university-of-southern-indiana"}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/indiana","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"IA","answer":"No. All 3 Iowa public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Iowa, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Iowa","slug":"iowa","state_rule":{"applies_to":"first-year applicants to Iowa's three Regent universities","body":"Iowa Board of Regents (governs University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa)","exists":true,"note":"The RAI formula is: (ACT composite, or converted SAT/CLT, score x 3) + (cumulative GPA x 30) + (years of required high school core courses x 5). A test score IS one of the three RAI inputs and is required to compute an RAI number, but a test score is NOT required to apply or be admitted: Iowa State's official page states that applicants who decline to submit a score are instead evaluated on GPA and completion of core course requirements, and all three Regent universities describe themselves as test-optional. Students with an RAI below 245 (or no score at all) are considered individually rather than automatically admitted.","policy":"optional","quote":"Iowa high school graduates must achieve a Regent Admission Index (RAI) score of at least 245 and take the minimum number of required high school","source_url":"https://www.iowaregents.edu/institutions/regent-admission-index/rai-info"},"summary":"Iowa's three Board of Regents universities are test-optional: no applicant is required to submit an ACT, SAT, or CLT score to apply, but a submitted score is one of three inputs (with GPA and core-course count) into the Regent Admission Index (RAI), where a score of 245+ guarantees automatic admission; applicants who decline to submit a score are instead evaluated on GPA and completed core courses.","systems":[{"applies_to":"first-year applicants, University of Iowa / Iowa State / UNI","name":"Iowa Board of Regents","note":"Students applying for Fall 2026, Spring 2027, or Summer 2027 entry terms may submit CLT scores for consideration, but CLT scores are not calculated into the RAI itself, per the same page.","policy":"optional","quote":"Students who achieve a score less than 245 will be considered for admission on an individual basis","source_url":"https://www.iowaregents.edu/institutions/regent-admission-index/rai-info"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"current first-year (fall-semester) applicants","changed":null,"city":"Iowa City","clt_accepted":"yes","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Iowa","note":"Standardized test scores are used only if they benefit the applicant in admission/scholarship review; students at or above 26 ACT/1230 SAT have more merit-scholarship opportunities.","policy":"optional","quote":"The University of Iowa is test-optional for general admission (though program-specific requirements may apply)","source_url":"https://admissions.uiowa.edu/apply/how-apply/first-year-admissions","unitid":153658},{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants; CLT accepted for fall 2026, spring 2027, and summer 2027 entry","changed":null,"city":"Ames","clt_accepted":"yes","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Iowa State University","note":"Land-grant Regent university; students who decline to submit a score have admission based on high school GPA and completion of core course requirements instead.","policy":"optional","quote":"Iowa State is test-optional for first-year applicants. Students may choose whether to self-report their ACT, SAT, or CLT scores when applying for admission.","source_url":"https://www.iastate.edu/admission-and-aid/admissions/first-year-students","unitid":153603},{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants entering directly from high school","changed":null,"city":"Cedar Falls","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Northern Iowa","note":"Students scoring below 245 (or who do not submit a test score, per Iowa State's parallel page) are considered for admission on an individual basis rather than automatically.","policy":"optional","quote":"To qualify for automatic admission as freshmen, students must achieve a Regent Admission Index (RAI) score of at least 245.","source_url":"https://admissions.uni.edu/apply/rai-score-requirements","unitid":154095}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/iowa","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"KS","answer":"No. All 4 Kansas public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Kansas, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University and Wichita State University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Kansas","slug":"kansas","state_rule":{"applies_to":"Kansas resident first-time freshmen applying to the six state universities (no fixed end date in statute)","body":"Kansas Board of Regents (qualified admissions standards set under K.S.A. 76-717)","exists":true,"note":"Statute offers three alternate qualifying paths: (1) 2.0 GPA + approved precollege curriculum, (2) ACT 21+/SAT ~1080+ (SAT threshold set by Board regulation, not the statute text), or (3) top 1/3 of high school class. Nonresidents need a 2.50 GPA in the same curriculum or the same ACT/class-rank alternative. Only an ACT score is named in the statute itself; SAT-equivalence and the specific SAT number are set in Board of Regents regulations, not this statute.","policy":"optional","quote":"completed the precollege curriculum...with a minimum grade point average of 2.0...or...a composite ACT score of not less than 21","source_url":"https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch76/076_007_0017.html"},"summary":"Kansas's six public universities use a Board of Regents 'Qualified Admissions' standard: a 2.0+ GPA in the approved precollege curriculum guarantees admission with no test score needed, and an ACT of 21 (or SAT of 1080) is only required as an alternate path for students who fall short on GPA or curriculum. For fall 2026 and fall 2027, every Kansas Regents university describes undergraduate admission as test-optional.","systems":[{"applies_to":"all six state universities (KU, K-State, WSU, ESU, PSU, FHSU)","name":"Kansas Board of Regents","note":"University of Kansas runs its own separate 'test-flexible' standard rather than the shared standard used by the other five Regents universities.","policy":"optional","quote":"Students from Kansas high schools must complete the precollege or Kansas Scholars curriculum with at least a 2.00 GPA","source_url":"https://www.wichita.edu/admissions/undergraduate/precollegecurriculum.php"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"freshman applicants for summer 2022 and later (current as of fall 2026/2027 cycles)","changed":"test-flexible path approved by the Board of Regents in March 2021, effective beginning with applicants for summer 2022","city":"Lawrence","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Kansas","note":"Two assured-admission paths: 3.25 GPA alone (no test), or 2.0 GPA plus ACT 21/SAT 1060. Verification pass (2026-10-08): admissions.ku.edu now fetched successfully (prior DNS error resolved) and this quote confirmed verbatim on the page; policy label 'optional' confirmed correct.","policy":"optional","quote":"We only require GPA \u2014 not SAT or ACT scores \u2014 for general admission and institutional scholarships.","source_url":"https://admissions.ku.edu","unitid":155317},{"applies_to":"freshmen graduating high school in 2021 or after (current cycle)","changed":null,"city":"Hays","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Fort Hays State University","note":"FHSU undergrad enrollment is the smallest of the four universities listed here but still above the 8,000-student guideline when combined on-campus and online headcount is counted; included for completeness.","policy":"optional","quote":"Have a cumulative 2.25 or higher GPA on a 4.00 scale, OR achieve an ACT composite of 21 or higher...(test optional for admission)","source_url":"https://www.fhsu.edu/admissions/admission-requirements/","unitid":155061},{"applies_to":"students graduating high school on or after October 1, 2025 (current cycle)","changed":null,"city":"Manhattan","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Kansas State University","note":"Some freshman scholarships still require ACT/SAT even though admission does not.","policy":"optional","quote":"K-State is test-optional, which means admission can be granted using other academic information.","source_url":"https://www.k-state.edu/admissions/undergrad/manhattan/apply/incoming-freshmen/scores-precollege-curriculum.html","unitid":155399},{"applies_to":"current first-time freshman cycle (fall 2026/2027)","changed":null,"city":"Wichita","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Wichita State University","note":"Assured admission via 2.25+ GPA alone also works without any test score.","policy":"optional","quote":"Achieve an ACT composite of 21 or higher OR a minimum combined SAT ERW+M score of 1060 (test optional for admission)","source_url":"https://www.wichita.edu/admissions/undergraduate/qa.php","unitid":156125}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/kansas","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"KY","answer":"No. All 5 Kentucky public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, Murray State University and 2 more).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Kentucky","slug":"kentucky","state_rule":{"applies_to":"n/a","body":"Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education","exists":false,"note":"No evidence found of a statewide Kentucky statute or Council on Postsecondary Education regulation mandating or banning ACT/SAT use for first-year admission; each public university publishes and sets its own policy.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"Kentucky has no statewide testing mandate -- each public university sets its own policy -- but every major Kentucky public university checked is currently test-optional for fall 2026/2027 freshmen, with GPA-based carve-outs at a couple of schools requiring a score below a certain GPA.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"through the 2028-29 academic year","changed":"test-optional policy extended through 2028-29","city":"Lexington","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Kentucky","note":"Applies to freshman applicants and transfer applicants with fewer than 24 credit hours; about 7-10% of applicants currently submit scores.","policy":"optional","quote":"The University of Kentucky has implemented a test-optional policy through the 2028-29 academic year.","source_url":"https://admission.uky.edu/news/test-optional","unitid":157085},{"applies_to":"current freshman cycle, all terms","changed":null,"city":"Richmond","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Eastern Kentucky University","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"Submit ACT or SAT scores (not required, but encouraged for proper course placement)","source_url":"https://www.eku.edu/admissions/","unitid":156620},{"applies_to":"current freshman cycle","changed":null,"city":"Murray","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Murray State University","note":"Kentucky statewide rule requires any freshman with an ACT below 18 English/19 math/20 reading (or equivalent SAT) to enroll in a subject-specific developmental course, regardless of test-optional admission status.","policy":"optional","quote":"Our test-optional admissions process provides greater access for students.","source_url":"https://www.murraystate.edu/admissions/ftf/requirements.aspx","unitid":157401},{"applies_to":"current freshman cycle","changed":null,"city":"Louisville","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Louisville","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"SAT/ACT scores are optional for admission and many automatic scholarships","source_url":"https://louisville.edu/admissions/apply/first-time-freshman-applicants","unitid":157289},{"applies_to":"current freshman cycle","changed":null,"city":"Bowling Green","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Western Kentucky University","note":"Students with a 2.00-2.49 unweighted GPA must submit an ACT/SAT score and reach a Composite Admission Index of at least 60.","policy":"optional","quote":"Students with a 2.50 unweighted high school GPA or greater are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission purposes","source_url":"https://www.wku.edu/admissions/freshmen.php","unitid":157951}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/kentucky","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"LA","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 5 Louisiana public universities we checked, 1 requires a score (Southern University and A&M College); 4 are test-optional (Louisiana State University (LSU A&M), Louisiana Tech University, Southeastern Louisiana University and University of Louisiana at Lafayette).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Louisiana","slug":"louisiana","state_rule":{"applies_to":"first-time first-year students, policy update dated February 3, 2026 (supersedes the March 21, 2025 version)","body":"Louisiana Board of Regents","exists":true,"note":"A test score is NOT universally required under the Board's floor -- it is one of several alternate qualifying paths (core-curriculum GPA, early-college credit hours, ACT/SAT, or an associate degree) that differ by tier: Flagship (LSU) GPA-on-the-Core at least 3.0, OR 18 early-college credit hours with at least 2.5 GPA, OR ACT at least 25/SAT equivalent, OR Associate Degree; Statewide (LA Tech, UL Lafayette, UNO) GPA-on-the-Core at least 2.5, OR 15 early-college credit hours with at least 2.25 GPA, OR ACT at least 23/SAT equivalent, OR Associate Degree; Regional (LSU-A, LSU-S, McNeese, Nicholls, Northwestern, Southeastern, UL Monroe) GPA-on-the-Core at least 2.0, OR 12 early-college credit hours with at least 2.0 GPA, OR ACT at least 20/SAT equivalent, OR Associate Degree; HBCU (Grambling, Southern Baton Rouge, Southern New Orleans) GPA-on-the-Core at least 2.0, OR 9 early-college credit hours with at least 2.0 GPA, OR ACT at least 20/SAT equivalent, OR Associate Degree. Individual four-year institutions may layer stricter requirements on top of this floor (see LSU below). CORRECTION (2026-10-08 verification): the research pass mislabeled the early-college-credit-hour counts (18/15/12/9) as the GPA-on-the-Core numbers; the actual GPA-on-the-Core minimums are 3.0/2.5/2.0/2.0, confirmed by direct extraction of the cited PDF's text.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"The Board of Regents establishes minimum admission standards for first-year and transfer students to Louisiana public colleges and universities.","source_url":"https://www.laregents.edu/wp-content/uploads/documents/Minimum-Admissions-Standards-Fall-2024_Edit_2026.pdf"},"summary":"The Louisiana Board of Regents sets minimum admission standards by institution tier (flagship, statewide, regional, HBCU), and a test score is only one of several ways to qualify -- a high-enough core-curriculum GPA, an associate degree, or early-college credit all work without any ACT/SAT. On top of that floor, LSU (the flagship) now requires its own applicants below a 3.5 weighted GPA to submit an ACT or SAT score for fall/summer 2027, moving toward requiring scores from everyone by summer 2028.","systems":[{"applies_to":"all public four-year institutions, policy dated February 3, 2026","name":"Louisiana Board of Regents","note":"Two-year institutions are open admission with no academic requirements; this file covers four-year institutions only per the research spec.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"Four-year institutions may adopt additional, more specific or rigorous requirements for admission.","source_url":"https://www.laregents.edu/wp-content/uploads/documents/Minimum-Admissions-Standards-Fall-2024_Edit_2026.pdf"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"fall/summer 2027 first-year applicants","changed":"ACT/SAT requirement reinstated for applicants with weighted HS GPA below 3.5, effective for summer 2027 entry; all applicants will need a score by summer 2028","city":"Baton Rouge","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Louisiana State University (LSU A&M)","note":"Applicants with a 3.5+ weighted GPA may still choose to submit a score; LSU's own rule is stricter than the Board of Regents' tier floor (ACT 25, or GPA-on-the-Core of 3.0, or 18 early-college credit hours with 2.5 GPA, or an associate degree), which does not itself mandate a test.","policy":"optional","quote":"Any first-year applicant whose cumulative, weighted high school GPA is lower than 3.5 is required to submit either an ACT or SAT score","source_url":"https://www.lsu.edu/admissions/apply/test-optional-faq.php","unitid":159391},{"applies_to":"current cycle","changed":null,"city":"Baton Rouge","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"Southern University and A&M College","note":"Southern University's HBCU tier floor under the Board of Regents is ACT 20, or GPA-on-the-Core of 2.0, or 9 early-college credit hours with 2.0 GPA, or an associate degree, but Southern's own published catalog criteria read as requiring an ACT/SAT subscore alongside a 2.0 GPA.","policy":"required","quote":"Minimum ACT English Score of 18 or Math Score of 19 (SAT...450...500)","source_url":"https://subr.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2024-2026/undergraduate-catalog/office-of-enrollment-management/undergraduate-admissions/admissions-for-first-time-freshman","unitid":160621},{"applies_to":"current cycle; institutional policy revised 03/13/2024","changed":null,"city":"Ruston","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Louisiana Tech University","note":"In-state students may qualify on Core GPA of 2.5 alone, with no test required; out-of-state/home-schooled need ACT 26/SAT 1240 or Core GPA 3.0.","policy":"optional","quote":"ACT composite of at least 23 or SAT of 1130 with a minimum Core GPA of 2.0...[or] GPA on the Core of at least 2.5","source_url":"https://www.latech.edu/administration/policies/p-2306.php","unitid":159647},{"applies_to":"Regional-tier public universities (including Southeastern), per Board of Regents Minimum Admission Standards dated February 3, 2026","changed":"a 2022 local news report (WWLTV) states Southeastern \"drops ACT score requirement for admission beginning fall 2022\"; not independently confirmed from an official Southeastern page","city":"Hammond","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Southeastern Louisiana University","note":"Southeastern is one of the seven Board of Regents 'Regional' tier institutions; the Board's table (confirmed by direct PDF table extraction) gives three parallel admission paths for that tier -- a GPA-on-the-Core of at least 2.0, OR an associate degree/12 early-college credit hours with at least a 2.0 GPA, OR an ACT of at least 20 (or SAT equivalent) -- so a test score is not mandatory. Southeastern's own freshman criteria page (https://www.southeastern.edu/apply/freshmen/criteria/) states only that 'We look at your high school GPA, high school coursework, and test scores (ACT or SAT) to determine admittance,' without saying a score is required, and does not appear to layer a stricter institutional test mandate on top of the Board floor the way LSU does. Southeastern's own University Catalog admission-criteria page (catalog.southeastern.edu/content.php?catoid=5&navoid=147), which search-engine indexing suggests restates this same GPA-or-ACT matrix in more detail (full 19-unit Core completers: ACT 21 OR GPA-on-Core 2.0; 17-18 units: ACT 23 OR GPA-on-Core 2.5 OR ACT 20 AND GPA 2.0), could NOT be fetched directly: the domain returns an AWS WAF browser-verification challenge (HTTP 202, empty body, header 'x-amzn-waf-action: challenge') to every automated fetch attempt (WebFetch and direct curl with multiple user agents, including a Googlebot UA), so it was not used as the cited source. Given the Board regulation explicitly names Southeastern under the Regional tier with a GPA-alone path, and the university's own page does not contradict or add to that floor, 'optional' is used here with the Board of Regents document as the official source rather than Southeastern's own page.","policy":"optional","quote":"GPA on the Core at least 2.0 OR Associate Degree ... OR ACT at least 20 OR SAT equivalent","source_url":"https://www.laregents.edu/wp-content/uploads/documents/Minimum-Admissions-Standards-Fall-2024_Edit_2026.pdf","unitid":160612},{"applies_to":"first-time freshmen, current cycle","changed":null,"city":"Lafayette","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Louisiana at Lafayette","note":"CORRECTION (2026-10-08 verification): the research pass's quote ('must take and present valid results...') does not appear on this page and was not confirmed anywhere; the page actually lists a GPA-only path for every requirement -- a 3.0 unweighted GPA satisfies the English and Math subscore requirements in place of a test, and in-state applicants can satisfy the additional requirement via the Core 4 curriculum at a 2.5 GPA instead of the 23 ACT/1130 SAT alternative. With a 2.0 cumulative GPA, a first-time freshman can be admitted with no ACT/SAT score at all, so the policy is optional, not required.","policy":"optional","quote":"18 ACT English/500 SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing/ 250 Accuplacer Writing or 3.0 Overall high school GPA (unweighted)","source_url":"https://louisiana.edu/admissions-aid/application-process","unitid":160658}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/louisiana","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"ME","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 2 Maine public universities we checked, 1 is test-optional (University of Maine); 1 does not consider scores (University of Southern Maine).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Maine","slug":"maine","state_rule":{"applies_to":"undergraduate admission, permanent since 2020","body":"University of Maine System Board of Trustees","exists":true,"note":"Described system-wide as 'test-optional,' but individual campus language varies: UMaine's own page says test-optional (scores considered if submitted), while University of Southern Maine's own page says scores 'do not influence' the admission decision at all -- effectively test-blind in practice despite the system-level 'test-optional' label.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"all of them adopted an SAT/ACT test-optional policy in 2020. The policy is now permanent on the undergraduate side","source_url":"https://www.maine.edu/unified-accreditation/self-study-draft/standard-five-students/"},"summary":"The University of Maine System made test-optional admission permanent system-wide in 2020. The flagship, UMaine, says it is test-optional (scores considered if sent); the second-largest campus, University of Southern Maine, goes further and says ACT/SAT scores simply do not factor into its admission decision at all, which functions as test-blind even though UMS describes the system policy as 'test-optional.'","systems":[{"applies_to":"all seven UMS universities, undergraduate admission, permanent since 2020","name":"University of Maine System","note":"Covers UMaine (Orono), University of Southern Maine, and five smaller campuses (Farmington, Augusta, Fort Kent, Machias, Presque Isle) not individually profiled here due to small enrollment.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"all of them adopted an SAT/ACT test-optional policy in 2020. The policy is now permanent on the undergraduate side","source_url":"https://www.maine.edu/unified-accreditation/self-study-draft/standard-five-students/"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"all applicants, current cycle","changed":"adopted test-optional in 2020, now permanent","city":"Orono","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Maine","note":"Candidates may submit SAT or ACT results; submission is suggested but not required.","policy":"optional","quote":"UMaine has adopted a test optional status for all of its programs.","source_url":"https://umaine.edu/admissions/apply/apply-info/","unitid":161253},{"applies_to":"undergraduate applicants, current cycle","changed":null,"city":"Portland/Gorham","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-blind","name":"University of Southern Maine","note":"This is stricter than 'optional': USM's own wording says scores are not used in the decision at all, even if submitted, which matches this project's 'blind' label rather than 'optional.' Labeled separately from the UMS system-wide 'test-optional' description above.","policy":"blind","quote":"Undergraduate applicant SAT and ACT test scores do not influence our admission decision.","source_url":"https://www.usm.maine.edu/admissions/","unitid":161554}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/maine","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"MD","answer":"No. All 5 Maryland public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Maryland, College Park, Morgan State University, Salisbury University and 2 more).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Maryland","slug":"maryland","state_rule":{"applies_to":"n/a","body":"University System of Maryland (USM)","exists":false,"note":"Could not reach usmd.edu directly (TLS certificate error on fetch) to confirm system policy in its own words, but no individual Maryland public university page found referenced a system-wide testing mandate; each campus (UMD College Park, Towson, UMBC, Salisbury, Morgan State) publishes and sets its own policy independently, and all five are currently test-optional.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"Maryland has no statewide law requiring or forbidding the SAT/ACT -- the University System of Maryland lets each campus decide -- but every major Maryland public university checked is currently test-optional for fall 2026/2027 freshmen, several having made the policy permanent.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"Spring and Fall 2027 application cycles","changed":null,"city":"College Park","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Maryland, College Park","note":"UMD says it is still assessing the policy's impact to decide on a standardized-test requirement for cycles beyond fall 2027.","policy":"optional","quote":"UMD is currently test-optional through to the Spring and Fall 2027 application cycles.","source_url":"https://admissions.umd.edu/apply/freshman-applicants","unitid":163286},{"applies_to":"degree-seeking freshman applicants and transfers with fewer than 12 transferable credits","changed":"permanent test-optional policy","city":"Baltimore","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Morgan State University","note":"Original project quote was not found verbatim on the page; corrected. Morgan State is a public HBCU, state-related but not a University System of Maryland member institution.","policy":"optional","quote":"Applying test-optional does not help or hurt your admission to Morgan.","source_url":"https://www.morgan.edu/office-of-undergraduate-admission-and-recruitment/how-to-apply/freshman-applicants","unitid":163453},{"applies_to":"current cycle","changed":"expanded test-optional policy, removing a prior 3.5 minimum-GPA eligibility cutoff, effective fall 2021","city":"Salisbury","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Salisbury University","note":"Any student may now apply without SAT/ACT scores and remains eligible for merit scholarships without them.","policy":"optional","quote":"Effective Fall 2021, Salisbury University has expanded its test-optional policy to remove the 3.5 minimum GPA requirement.","source_url":"https://www.salisbury.edu/admissions/first-year-students/test-optional-policy.aspx","unitid":163851},{"applies_to":"current cycle, permanent policy","changed":"made permanently test-optional (no longer a temporary pandemic-era policy)","city":"Towson","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Towson University","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"TU is permanently test-optional -- we do not require SAT or ACT exam scores for either admission or for scholarship consideration.","source_url":"https://www.towson.edu/admissions/undergrad/freshmen/faq.html","unitid":164076},{"applies_to":"first-year applicants who graduated high school in the U.S. within the past three years","changed":null,"city":"Baltimore","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)","note":"Original project quote was not found verbatim on the page; corrected to the page's actual wording. Page labels the SAT/ACT item itself \"Optional.\"","policy":"optional","quote":"Given this information, you can decide whether or not your test scores would benefit your application.","source_url":"https://umbc.edu/admissions/undergraduate/first-year-students/how-to-apply/","unitid":163268}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/maryland","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"MA","answer":"No. All 5 Massachusetts public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Massachusetts Amherst, Bridgewater State University, University of Massachusetts Boston and 2 more).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Massachusetts","slug":"massachusetts","state_rule":{"applies_to":"first-year applicants to the state universities and UMass campuses","body":"Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (Board of Higher Education) minimum undergraduate admissions standards","exists":true,"note":"The DHE formally requires SAT/ACT submission as part of a minimum GPA+test sliding scale UNLESS a campus runs its own test-optional program. The DHE's published list of which campuses are test-optional is dated 'Fall 2019' and is stale: it omits UMass Amherst entirely and understates the scope at UMass Boston, UMass Lowell and UMass Dartmouth, all of which now run full test-optional admission per their own current pages (checked below). In practice, every Massachusetts public university checked is currently test-optional for nearly all first-year applicants; homeschooled applicants are a recurring exception.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"submission of an SAT or ACT score (Please refer to the list below of Fall 2019 State Universities and UMass Campuses with Test Optional Prgrams.","source_url":"https://www.mass.edu/foradmin/admissions/admissionsstandards.asp"},"summary":"Every Massachusetts public university campus checked (four UMass campuses plus Bridgewater State) now lets first-year applicants choose whether to submit SAT/ACT scores; there is no state mandate requiring a score, and no campus checked states an end date for its policy. The Department of Higher Education's own minimum-standards reference page is out of date and does not reflect several of these campus policies.","systems":[{"applies_to":"first-year applicants; no stated end term at any of the four UMass campuses checked","name":"University of Massachusetts system","note":"Each UMass campus (Amherst, Boston, Lowell, Dartmouth) publishes its own test-optional policy; no single UMass system-wide testing statement or Board of Trustees policy document was found, but all four checked campuses are currently test-optional with no stated end date.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"At UMass Amherst, standardized tests are optional for first-year entering applicants.","source_url":"https://www.umass.edu/admissions/test-optional-policy"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"first-year applicants, all majors; no end date stated on the live policy page -- in effect for fall 2026 and fall 2027 applicants","changed":"test-optional since the spring 2021 entering term; originally announced (July 2020, massachusetts.edu) as a 3-year pilot running through spring 2023, then continued past that date -- the current live policy page states no new sunset term","city":"Amherst","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Massachusetts Amherst","note":"Applies to all majors. If no score is submitted, GPA plays a larger role. Page states the state's GPA/test sliding scale does not affect UMass Amherst decisions because its standards already exceed it. Does NOT accept self-reported scores -- official scores must come directly from the testing agency (unlike several other MA campuses). Homeschooled applicants in an approved curriculum are explicitly NOT required to submit a score. DISPUTED-FACT RESOLUTION (2026-10-08): one earlier draft claimed this policy runs only 'through the Fall 2026 enrollment term.' Settled by fetching the live page directly over HTTP (not just via a text-extraction tool) and reading the full ~18,400-character body, including every FAQ item: there is no mention anywhere of Fall 2026, Fall 2027, or any sunset/expiration date; the only '2026' on the page is the site's copyright year. The page instead says plainly, 'Unlike previous years, standardized testing is no longer a requirement for first-year admissions.' A search for an official UMass or UMass system Board of Trustees document stating a 'through Fall 2026' end date found none; that figure traces only to third-party SEO/admissions-advice blogs, not an official UMass page. Conclusion: no end date is currently stated; treat the policy as open-ended for fall 2026 and fall 2027 applicants unless UMass publishes a new sunset date.","policy":"optional","quote":"At UMass Amherst, standardized tests are optional for first-year entering applicants.","source_url":"https://www.umass.edu/admissions/test-optional-policy","unitid":166629},{"applies_to":"first-year applicants, all programs","changed":"No Test Option available since fall 2017","city":"Bridgewater","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Bridgewater State University","note":"BSU recommends submitting scores if recalculated GPA is below 3.0, citing the state's GPA/SAT-ACT sliding scale as a reference point, but does not require it. IEP/documented learning disability applicants are automatically exempt from any SAT/ACT requirement under state policy.","policy":"optional","quote":"Bridgewater State University (BSU) offers the \u201cNo Test Option\u201d, which allows prospective first-year applicants to choose whether to submit standardized test scores","source_url":"https://www.bridgew.edu/admissions/undergraduate/admission-test-optional-policy","unitid":165024},{"applies_to":"first-year applicants; available for Early Action I, Early Action II, and Regular Decision","changed":null,"city":"Boston","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Massachusetts Boston","note":"Self-reported scores accepted if submitted; applicants with diagnosed learning disabilities are exempt from testing per statewide policy. No subject/major carve-out mentioned on this current page.","policy":"optional","quote":"applicants may choose to apply without submitting standardized test scores.","source_url":"https://www.umb.edu/admissions/first-year-students/apply/test-optional-admission/","unitid":166638},{"applies_to":"first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Dartmouth","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Massachusetts Dartmouth","note":"Page lists 'Optional: SAT/ACT score' among application items; a portfolio/audition is still required for Visual & Performing Arts applicants. This is broader than the stale state DHE list, which had said test-optional applied only to the Charlton College of Business and CVPA.","policy":"optional","quote":"UMass Dartmouth is 100% test optional.","source_url":"https://www.umassd.edu/undergraduate/requirements/","unitid":167987},{"applies_to":"first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Lowell","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Massachusetts Lowell","note":"Called the 'No-Test Option' on UML's site; optional essay offered in lieu of scores; merit scholarships still considered automatically without scores.","policy":"optional","quote":"Most applicants can, but test scores are required for some home-schooled applicants.","source_url":"https://www.uml.edu/admissions/apply/no-test-option-faq.aspx","unitid":166513}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/massachusetts","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"MI","answer":"No. All 6 Michigan public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (Michigan State University, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Central Michigan University and 3 more).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Michigan","slug":"michigan","state_rule":{"applies_to":"","body":"","exists":false,"note":"Michigan's public universities are each governed by their own constitutionally independent board of trustees/governors/control (per the Michigan Constitution, Article VIII); there is no statewide higher-education board that sets a common admissions-testing standard. Policy is set campus by campus.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"Michigan has no public university system or statewide admissions board; each public university's constitutionally independent board sets its own policy. Every Michigan public university checked, including flagship University of Michigan and Michigan State, is currently test-optional for first-year applicants.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"fall 2027 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"East Lansing","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Michigan State University","note":"Applicants choose whether scores are included; self-reported scores accepted; writing/science test sections recommended but not required; test-optional applicants still eligible for merit scholarships.","policy":"optional","quote":"MSU is test optional, which means that prospective first-year students have the opportunity to apply for admission without submitting an ACT or SAT score.","source_url":"https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/first-year/act-sat-test-optional","unitid":171100},{"applies_to":"fall 2027 first-year applicants (and continuing from prior cycles)","changed":"Continuing test-optional policy; page explicitly reaffirmed for the 2026-2027 application cycle","city":"Ann Arbor","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Michigan-Ann Arbor","note":"Self-reported scores accepted and superscored. 'The university will review the policy on an ongoing basis.' AP/IB still considered regardless of test-optional choice. Original source_url (admissions.umich.edu) is blocked by a Cloudflare bot challenge to automated fetches; re-verified the same policy language via U-M's own TeamDynamix KB article instead, and swapped the source_url to that reachable official page. Original quote included the word \"Continuing\" which could not be confirmed verbatim; corrected.","policy":"optional","quote":"For the 2027 application cycle, U-M will be test optional.","source_url":"https://teamdynamix.umich.edu/TDClient/154/Portal/KB/Article/7490/Test-optional-Policy-for-SAT-and-ACT","unitid":170976},{"applies_to":"first-year (freshman) applicants","changed":null,"city":"Mount Pleasant","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Central Michigan University","note":"GPA alone can earn admission and merit scholarships. Exception: 'If you are homeschooled or attend a high school that does not provide grades, an ACT/SAT test score is required.'","policy":"optional","quote":"Step 3 (Freshmen only): Submit your test scores (optional)","source_url":"https://www.cmich.edu/undergraduate/apply","unitid":169248},{"applies_to":"incoming first-year students","changed":null,"city":"Rochester","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Oakland University","note":"Page's phrasing ties the no-test-required path to a 2.5+ recalculated GPA; applicants with cumulative GPA below 3.2 but above 2.5 are admitted after added review of academic preparation.","policy":"optional","quote":"SAT or ACT scores are no longer required for incoming first-year students, for those with a minimum high school GPA of 2.5.","source_url":"https://oakland.edu/futurestudents/apply/freshmen/","unitid":171571},{"applies_to":"first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Detroit","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Wayne State University","note":"Test-optional applicants must instead submit short essays and a full activities/experience list; test-optional status does not affect merit scholarship eligibility.","policy":"optional","quote":"Submit your SAT or ACT score (optional) or complete the test-optional requirements","source_url":"https://wayne.edu/admissions/first-year/application-process","unitid":172644},{"applies_to":"first-year applicants, admission and scholarship consideration","changed":"Adopted test-optional in 2020","city":"Kalamazoo","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Western Michigan University","note":"Scores superscored if submitted; self-reporting allowed.","policy":"optional","quote":"In 2020, Western Michigan University adopted a test-optional policy for students that applies to both admission and Office of Admissions scholarship consideration.","source_url":"https://wmich.edu/admissions/first-year-apply/criteria","unitid":172699}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/michigan","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"MN","answer":"No. All 4 Minnesota public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minnesota State University, Mankato, St. Cloud State University and University of Minnesota Duluth).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Minnesota","slug":"minnesota","state_rule":{"applies_to":"","body":"","exists":false,"note":"No single statewide testing mandate was found covering both the University of Minnesota system and the Minnesota State system; each is a separate constitutional/statutory system with its own Board (Board of Regents for UMN; Board of Trustees for Minnesota State) and each campus checked publishes its own test-optional policy.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"Every Minnesota public university checked, across both the University of Minnesota system and the Minnesota State system, is currently test-optional: first-year applicants choose whether to submit an ACT or SAT score, and GPA/class rank alone can qualify for admission.","systems":[{"applies_to":"freshman applicants through at least fall 2027","name":"University of Minnesota system","note":"Twin Cities and Duluth campuses (both checked) are test-optional; no single system-wide policy page was found, each campus publishes its own.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"Freshman applicants through the fall 2029 term are not required to submit an ACT or SAT test score.","source_url":"https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/admissions/freshman-admission/act-sat-information"},{"applies_to":"first-year applicants","name":"Minnesota State system (Board of Trustees)","note":"Both Minnesota State universities checked (Mankato, St. Cloud) are test-optional; no single system-wide policy document was located, so this is reported per campus rather than confirmed as a formal system mandate.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"Minnesota State Mankato is test-optional for admissions.","source_url":"https://mnsu.edu/become-a-student/undergraduate-students/requirements/"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"freshman applicants through the fall 2029 term (per the dedicated ACT/SAT policy page); a separate freshman checklist page on the same site states 'through fall 2027'","changed":"Policy coverage window has been repeatedly extended; most recent page checked extends it through fall 2029","city":"Minneapolis/St. Paul","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Minnesota Twin Cities","note":"Applicants indicate on their application whether a submitted score should be considered; this choice is final once submitted. Scholarships and Honors program eligibility are unaffected by the choice.","policy":"optional","quote":"Freshman applicants through the fall 2029 term are not required to submit an ACT or SAT test score.","source_url":"https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/admissions/freshman-admission/act-sat-information","unitid":174066},{"applies_to":"first-year undergraduate applicants","changed":null,"city":"Mankato","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Minnesota State University, Mankato","note":"Automatic admission via 3.0+ GPA, top-50% class rank, OR a 21+ ACT composite with 2.7+ GPA; those below these thresholds go through a comprehensive application review instead of being required to submit test scores.","policy":"optional","quote":"Minnesota State Mankato is test-optional for admissions.","source_url":"https://mnsu.edu/become-a-student/undergraduate-students/requirements/","unitid":173920},{"applies_to":"undergraduate first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"St. Cloud","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"St. Cloud State University","note":"Guaranteed admission with a 2.5+ GPA and no college credits; ACT/SAT may still be used for course placement purposes (not admission) alongside Accuplacer/ALEKS/MCA.","policy":"optional","quote":"SCSU is completely test optional.","source_url":"https://www.stcloudstate.edu/scsu4u/admissions/default.aspx","unitid":174783},{"applies_to":"undergraduate first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Duluth","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Minnesota Duluth","note":"Page states the policy applies to NCAA-bound athletes too (see FAQ), though NCAA eligibility center rules are separate from UMD admission.","policy":"optional","quote":"The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) utilizes a test-optional undergraduate admission policy.","source_url":"https://admissions.d.umn.edu/apply/test-optional","unitid":174233}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/minnesota","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"MS","answer":"No. All 3 Mississippi public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Mississippi State University and University of Southern Mississippi).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Mississippi","slug":"mississippi","state_rule":{"applies_to":"first-year applicants to all eight IHL public universities","body":"Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL)","exists":true,"note":"This is a statewide minimum-admission floor, not a free choice: applicants with a 3.20+ unweighted GPA (and completed College Preparatory Curriculum) need no test score; applicants with a 2.50-3.19 GPA (or top-50% class rank) need an ACT composite of 16+ (or SAT equivalent); applicants with a 2.00-2.49 GPA need an ACT of 18+. Below 2.00 GPA, NCAA Division I 'full qualifier'/'academic redshirt' standards can substitute. IHL explicitly allows 'admitting institutions may establish additional admission requirements,' which is why individual campuses diverge (see University of Southern Mississippi below). Scores are superscored (ACT-to-ACT or SAT-to-SAT only) since fall 2021.","policy":"optional","quote":"have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 ... and no ACT or SAT score is required; or ... a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 ... and have an ACT composite score of 16 or higher; or ... GPA of 2.00 ... and ... ACT Composite score of 18 or higher.","source_url":"https://www.mississippi.edu/student-parent-resources"},"summary":"Mississippi's Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) sets a statewide sliding-scale floor: a 3.20+ GPA lets a first-year applicant skip the ACT/SAT entirely, while a lower GPA requires a qualifying ACT/SAT score. All three IHL universities checked (Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and University of Southern Mississippi) follow this same GPA-based structure for residents; Mississippi State goes further and drops the test requirement at any GPA of 2.0+, while Ole Miss and USM both use the straight 3.2-GPA-no-test pathway. Homeschooled applicants at every campus checked must still submit a test score regardless of GPA.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"fall 2027 freshman applicants, Mississippi residents and non-residents","changed":null,"city":"Oxford","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)","note":"Follows the IHL sliding scale essentially verbatim for residents: 3.2+ GPA needs no test; 2.5-3.19 GPA (or top-50% rank) needs ACT 16+; 2.0-2.49 GPA needs ACT 18+. For non-residents, the test is explicitly 'Optional for students with 3.2 unweighted cumulative GPA or higher' and 'Strongly recommended for students with less than a 3.2 unweighted cumulative GPA' -- i.e. not strictly mandatory even below 3.2 for non-residents. Homeschooled applicants and non-accredited-high-school applicants must submit ACT/SAT scores regardless of GPA.","policy":"optional","quote":"have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 grading scale ... Mississippi residents are admitted based on meeting one of the following criteria","source_url":"https://olemiss.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/index.php","unitid":176017},{"applies_to":"freshman applicants (page last updated September 29, 2026)","changed":null,"city":"Starkville","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Mississippi State University","note":"More permissive than the bare IHL floor: admission is granted to Mississippi residents with the required College Preparatory Curriculum plus just a 2.0 GPA (no test score needed at any GPA level, not only at 3.2+). Students who skip testing are instead reviewed using high school performance, placement testing, and other non-cognitive factors. Scores are still encouraged for merit scholarships. Homeschooled applicants are told to submit ACT/SAT scores with their portfolio.","policy":"optional","quote":"Do I need an ACT or SAT score to apply to Mississippi State? No. Mississippi State offers a test-optional admissions process for freshman applicants.","source_url":"https://admissions.msstate.edu/apply/admission-process/freshman-admissions","unitid":176080},{"applies_to":"freshman (first-time) applicants","changed":null,"city":"Hattiesburg","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Southern Mississippi","note":"CORRECTED after full re-read of USM's own admissions page: USM follows the same three-pathway IHL sliding scale as Ole Miss and Mississippi State -- a 3.2+ GPA pathway requires no ACT/SAT ('and no ACT or SAT is required'); a 2.5 GPA (or top-50% class rank) pathway needs ACT 16+/SAT equivalent; a 2.0 GPA pathway needs ACT 18+. The original draft mischaracterized USM as requiring a test score from every freshman applicant; that was wrong -- the GPA-waiver pathway is explicitly stated on USM's own page under 'Full Admission for First-Time Undergraduates.' Homeschooled applicants and applicants without a standard high school diploma must still submit ACT/SAT scores regardless of GPA. Writing sections of the ACT/SAT are not used in evaluation.","policy":"optional","quote":"have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 grading scale ... and no ACT or SAT is required","source_url":"https://www.usm.edu/undergraduate-admissions/applicants.php","unitid":176372}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/mississippi","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"MO","answer":"No. All 4 Missouri public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Missouri (Mizzou), Missouri State University, Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) and University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Missouri","slug":"missouri","state_rule":{"applies_to":"","body":"","exists":false,"note":"No statewide testing mandate covering all Missouri public universities was found. However, the University of Missouri (UM) System's four campuses appear to share one common test-optional policy structure (same wording and 3.2-core-GPA threshold for extra documentation across Mizzou, UMKC, and Missouri S&T), suggesting a system-level policy even though no single system-wide policy page was located.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"The University of Missouri (UM) System has not changed its testing policy for fall 2026: all three UM System campuses checked (Columbia/Mizzou, Kansas City, and Missouri S&T) remain test-optional, continuing into the fall 2027 application cycle. The separate Missouri State University in Springfield is also test-optional, with a GPA-based threshold.","systems":[{"applies_to":"freshman applicants for the fall 2027 term (unchanged from fall 2026)","name":"University of Missouri (UM) System","note":"Identical test-optional structure found independently on Mizzou, UMKC, and Missouri S&T sites: applicants choose whether to submit a score; those who decline are reviewed holistically by committee; those with a below-3.2 (S&T)/no-stated-threshold (Mizzou, UMKC) profile may be asked for more documentation; homeschooled and non-accredited-school applicants must submit a score everywhere in the system.","policy":"optional","quote":"Freshman applicants for the Fall 2027 semester have the option of being reviewed with or without test scores.","source_url":"https://admissions.missouri.edu/apply/freshmen/test-optional/"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"fall 2027 freshman applicants (policy unchanged from the fall 2026 cycle -- no reinstatement of a testing requirement was found)","changed":null,"city":"Columbia","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Missouri (Mizzou)","note":"Test-optional applicants submit a resume/activities list and a short essay instead. Homeschooled students and students from non-accredited schools must submit an ACT or SAT score. Submitting a score is still described as helpful for scholarships, Honors College, and faster review -- no indication the policy changed for fall 2026 versus fall 2027; both cycles described identically on the current site.","policy":"optional","quote":"Freshman applicants for the Fall 2027 semester have the option of being reviewed with or without test scores.","source_url":"https://admissions.missouri.edu/apply/freshmen/test-optional/","unitid":178396},{"applies_to":"freshman applicants, Fall 2026 and beyond (page explicitly references the Fall 2026 ACT science-section policy)","changed":null,"city":"Springfield","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Missouri State University","note":"Not part of the UM System (governed by its own Board of Governors). Applicants are not required to actively 'opt in' to test-optional; admissions staff simply check whether the GPA alone qualifies (below 3.0 GPA, a test score is required for admission consideration). Confirms the ACT optional science section is not required 'for students applying to Missouri State for the Fall 2026 semester and beyond,' indicating no new testing requirement was added for fall 2026.","policy":"optional","quote":"If your cumulative GPA (weighted or unweighted) is 3.0 or higher, then you aren't required to submit a test score for automatic admission.","source_url":"https://www.missouristate.edu/Admissions/act-sat-common-questions.htm","unitid":179566},{"applies_to":"freshman applicants for the fall 2027 term","changed":null,"city":"Rolla","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T)","note":"Applicants with a core GPA below 3.2 may be asked for additional documentation (letters of recommendation or test scores) if they go test-optional; scholarships/opportunities 'may be more limited' without test scores. Homeschooled, GED/HiSET, and non-accredited-school applicants must submit a score.","policy":"optional","quote":"Applications Are Test Optional. Freshman applicants have the option of being reviewed with or without test scores, such as the ACT or SAT.","source_url":"https://futurestudents.mst.edu/admissions/first-timefreshmen/","unitid":178411},{"applies_to":"first-time freshman applicants; no specific entering term named on the page","changed":null,"city":"Kansas City","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)","note":"Exceptions requiring a score regardless of GPA: the six-year B.A./M.D. program, the School of Nursing direct-admit program, homeschooled applicants, and some scholarships. The originally cited index.html page returned a 404 on re-check; this admission-requirements.html page on the same site carries the live, more specific GPA-threshold policy.","policy":"optional","quote":"Applicants with a 2.75 Core GPA may be admitted to UMKC without submitting an ACT or SAT score","source_url":"https://www.umkc.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/first-time-college-students/admission-requirements.html","unitid":178402}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/missouri","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"MT","answer":"No. All 2 Montana public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (Montana State University and University of Montana).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Montana","slug":"montana","state_rule":{"applies_to":"fall 2026 and fall 2027 first-year applicants (Policy 301, most recently revised July 9, 2026, with the test-optional structure unchanged since it was made permanent May 27, 2021)","body":"Montana University System Board of Regents","exists":true,"note":"Regents' Policy 301, Section II.D ('General preparation') lets an applicant satisfy admission via ANY ONE of: ACT/SAT score, GPA of 2.5+, or top-half class rank -- so no four-year MUS campus requires a test score. A campus-specific university page (montana.edu) states this plainly: 'The Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education has ended the requirement that students provide ACT or SAT test scores for admission to its campuses.' Scores remain usable in place of a placement test for math/English course placement. A secondary source claimed ACT scores are still required for MUS Honors Scholarships, but this could not be confirmed in the Policy 301 text itself (Section VII, Scholarships, ties eligibility to completion of the 'rigorous high school core,' not explicitly to a test score) -- see gaps.","policy":"optional","quote":"A high school GPA of at least 2.5; or A ranking in the upper half of the school's graduating class.","source_url":"https://mus.edu/borpol/bor300/301.pdf"},"summary":"Montana's public universities are test-optional: the statewide Board of Regents policy lets applicants qualify with a 2.5 GPA or top-half class rank instead of an ACT/SAT score, and both flagships, the University of Montana and Montana State University, confirm no score is required for fall 2026/2027 admission.","systems":[{"applies_to":"fall 2026 and fall 2027 first-year applicants to all four-year MUS campuses","name":"Montana University System","note":"Same statewide policy (Policy 301.II.D) governs every MUS four-year campus; the ACT/SAT composite cutoffs differ slightly only for Montana State University-Northern (20 ACT / 1050 SAT) versus the other campuses (22 ACT / 1120 SAT), but a test score is never the only path to admission at any of them.","policy":"optional","quote":"A high school GPA of at least 2.5; or A ranking in the upper half of the school's graduating class.","source_url":"https://mus.edu/borpol/bor300/301.pdf"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"page does not state a specific entering term; policy described as 'effective immediately and for the foreseeable future'","changed":"test-optional since the Board of Regents' April 2020 temporary suspension; made permanent via the May 27, 2021 revision to Policy 301","city":"Bozeman","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Montana State University","note":"A self-reported cumulative GPA is still required regardless of whether test scores are submitted. Scores, if submitted, can be used for math/English placement instead of a supplemental assessment.","policy":"optional","quote":"Test scores are no longer required for admission or scholarship consideration at Montana State University.","source_url":"https://www.montana.edu/admissions/apply/freshman.html","unitid":180461},{"applies_to":"fall 2027 first-year applicants (page shows 'Fall 2027 Application Open Now'; same policy covered fall 2026)","changed":"test-optional since the Board of Regents' April 2020 temporary suspension; made permanent via the May 27, 2021 revision to Policy 301","city":"Missoula","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Montana","note":"Admission can instead be met with a 2.5 GPA, top-half class rank, or (if submitted) a 22 ACT / 1120 SAT. Homeschooled students or those at unaccredited high schools without a qualifying ACT/SAT score are evaluated case-by-case. The separately-admitted Davidson Honors College may require SAT/ACT scores.","policy":"optional","quote":"ACT/SAT test scores are not required for admission to the University of Montana.","source_url":"https://www.umt.edu/admissions/apply-undergraduate.php","unitid":180489}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/montana","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"NE","answer":"No. All 6 Nebraska public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Chadron State College, Peru State College and 3 more).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Nebraska","slug":"nebraska","state_rule":{"applies_to":"","body":"No Nebraska statute setting a statewide SAT/ACT admission policy was found. Admission testing policy is set separately by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents (NU system: UNL, UNO, UNK) and the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees (Chadron State, Peru State, Wayne State).","exists":false,"note":"Checked the NU system and Nebraska State College System governing-board sites and the admissions pages below; did not do a full search of Nebraska Revised Statutes for a testing-policy law.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"Every Nebraska public four-year university makes SAT/ACT scores optional for first-year admission: a high enough GPA or class rank satisfies the requirement instead, and scores are still used for scholarships or course placement if a student sends them. This is set by each system's own governing board, not a state law, and no Nebraska public university requires a test score for fall 2026 (or any year checked) first-year applicants.","systems":[{"applies_to":"Fall 2026 per UNL's Common Data Set; UNO and UNK admissions pages do not state a specific entering term","name":"University of Nebraska System","note":"One Board of Regents framework applies at UNL, UNO, and UNK: a 16-unit core curriculum plus one 'performance requirement' that can be met by GPA, class rank, or an ACT/SAT score (thresholds differ slightly by campus), so a test score is never the only path to assured admission at any of the three. All three publish this as 'optional', not 'varies_by_campus'.","policy":"optional","quote":"The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska has established minimum admission requirements for first-time freshman students.","source_url":"https://www.unk.edu/admissions/undergraduate/admissions-requirements.php"},{"applies_to":"unknown (no single system-wide policy page found; each college's own admissions page was checked instead)","name":"Nebraska State College System","note":"Chadron State, Peru State, and Wayne State College each publish essentially open admission with ACT/SAT scores optional (recommended for scholarships/placement, not required). I could not find one unified Nebraska State College System (Board of Trustees) admissions-policy page stating this for all three colleges at once, so this system-level row is an aggregation of the three colleges' own pages, listed individually below.","policy":"optional","quote":"","source_url":""}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"Fall 2026 (per the Common Data Set page's own language)","changed":null,"city":"Lincoln","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Nebraska-Lincoln","note":"UNL's own Common Data Set 2024-2025 (C column) states this for 'Fall 2026' and gives July 15 as the latest date SAT/ACT scores are accepted for fall-term admission. UNL's freshman requirements also let class rank (top half) substitute for a test score.","policy":"optional","quote":"Not required for admission, but consider if submitted","source_url":"https://iea.unl.edu/common-data-set-2024-2025/c-first-time-first-year-admission/sat-and-act-policies/","unitid":181464},{"applies_to":"unknown (not stated on the page)","changed":null,"city":"Chadron","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Chadron State College","note":"Open-admission college; no SAT/ACT/GPA cutoff for admission itself. Scores are recommended for scholarship eligibility and math course placement.","policy":"optional","quote":"Freshmen are recommended to provide their ACT or SAT scores, prior to enrollment, to be considered for scholarships with ACT/SAT requirements and for Math Placement","source_url":"https://www.csc.edu/admissions/admission-requirements/","unitid":180948},{"applies_to":"unknown (not stated on the page)","changed":null,"city":"Peru","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Peru State College","note":"ACT (school code 2470) or SAT (school code 6468) scores are required for certain competitive scholarships even though not required for admission.","policy":"optional","quote":"Please note admission to Peru State College does not require an ACT or SAT score. However, some competitive scholarships do require an ACT or SAT","source_url":"http://www.peru.edu/admission/","unitid":181534},{"applies_to":"unknown (page gives current admission requirements and does not name an entering term)","changed":null,"city":"Omaha","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Nebraska Omaha","note":"A test score is only one of four ways to meet the performance requirement (GPA, class rank, ACT, or SAT); it is not mandatory on its own.","policy":"optional","quote":"Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale); Class Ranking in the upper 50%; ACT composite score of 20+; SAT score of 1040+","source_url":"https://www.unomaha.edu/undergraduate-admissions/apply/first-year/requirements.php","unitid":181394},{"applies_to":"unknown (page gives current admission requirements and does not name an entering term)","changed":null,"city":"Kearney","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Nebraska at Kearney","note":"ACT 20+ or SAT 1040+ is also accepted as one of four equivalent performance-requirement options (GPA, class rank, ACT, or SAT). Applicants who miss all four may still be considered under 'Admission by Review'. Freshmen over age 21: 'ACT or SAT scores are NOT required.'","policy":"optional","quote":"Or, rank in the top half of their high school graduating class. Or, have a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average.","source_url":"https://www.unk.edu/admissions/undergraduate/admissions-requirements.php","unitid":181215},{"applies_to":"unknown (not stated in the source checked)","changed":null,"city":"Wayne","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Wayne State College","note":"LOWER-CONFIDENCE ENTRY: wsc.edu blocked direct automated fetches (Cloudflare bot challenge, confirmed via WebFetch 403 and curl 403) on this check, so this quote comes from a search-engine snippet of the official page rather than a page I loaded and read myself. Scores are also used for scholarship and NCAA athletic eligibility per the same snippet. Re-verification attempt (2026-10-08) also hit a 403 on wsc.edu; re-confirmed the same wording via two independent WebSearch queries that both attribute the identical quote to the official wsc.edu freshmen admissions page, so confidence is improved but still not a direct fetch.","policy":"optional","quote":"ACT/SAT scores are not required for admission; however, freshmen applicants under the age of 21 are encouraged to submit them","source_url":"https://www.wsc.edu/info/20393/undergraduate_admissions/138/freshmen/2","unitid":181783}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/nebraska","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"NV","answer":"No. All 3 Nevada public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Nevada, Las Vegas, University of Nevada, Reno and Nevada State University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Nevada","slug":"nevada","state_rule":{"applies_to":"current NSHE admission standards (Board of Regents Handbook Title 4, Chapter 16, Rev. 324, 08/26); the page names no specific entering term","body":"Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents","exists":true,"note":"NSHE's Board of Regents Handbook (Title 4, Chapter 16, Section 4) sets system-wide minimum first-year admission standards that can be satisfied by a 3.0 weighted GPA in the required high school courses, OR a combined SAT of 1120 (1600 scale, tests March 2016+), OR an ACT composite of 22, OR a Nevada Advanced High School Diploma. Because the GPA path alone satisfies admission, submitting a test score is optional at all three NSHE universities. Verified 2026-10-08 by downloading the PDF and extracting text locally (WebFetch's own reader could not parse it); confirmed by UNLV's and UNR's own admissions pages, which restate the same NSHE-wide GPA/SAT/ACT thresholds.","policy":"optional","quote":"Students seeking admission to the universities must have: At least a 3.0 (weighted) grade point average in the required high school courses for admission","source_url":"https://nshe.nevada.edu/wp-content/uploads/file/BoardOfRegents/Handbook/title4/T4-CH16%20Student%20Admission%20Registration%20Grades%20and%20Examinations.pdf"},"summary":"Nevada's public university system sets minimum admission standards that can be met by GPA, SAT, or ACT, but none of the three NSHE universities requires applicants to submit a test score for admission as of fall 2026/2027 \u2014 all are test-optional.","systems":[{"applies_to":"fall 2026 and fall 2027 first-year applicants","name":"Nevada System of Higher Education","note":"Same optional policy at all three NSHE four-year universities (UNLV, UNR, Nevada State University); none currently labeled varies_by_campus since all three are test-optional.","policy":"optional","quote":"Undergraduate applications do not require standardized test scores (e.g., ACT/SAT) for admission.","source_url":"https://www.unr.edu/admissions/freshman/requirements"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"fall 2026 and fall 2027 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Las Vegas","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Nevada, Las Vegas","note":"Admission can be met via 3.0 GPA in 13 core units, OR 1120 SAT, OR 22 ACT, OR a Nevada Advanced/College and Career Ready High School Diploma. CLT not mentioned on the official page.","policy":"optional","quote":"Test scores are not required for admission or scholarship consideration but are encouraged for UNLV course placement.","source_url":"https://www.unlv.edu/admissions/undergraduate/first-year","unitid":182281},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 and fall 2027 first-year applicants (page shows Spring 2027/Fall 2027 deadlines)","changed":null,"city":"Reno","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Nevada, Reno","note":"University recommends submitting ACT/SAT for first-year scholarship consideration and course placement. CLT not mentioned on the official page.","policy":"optional","quote":"Undergraduate applications do not require standardized test scores (e.g., ACT/SAT) for admission.","source_url":"https://www.unr.edu/admissions/freshman/requirements","unitid":182290},{"applies_to":"2025-2026 undergraduate catalog; no specific entering term named","changed":null,"city":"Henderson","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Nevada State University","note":"The official undergraduate catalog's Freshman Admission section does not list a general SAT/ACT requirement for regular high-school-diploma applicants (consistent with NSHE's GPA-or-test-score standard), but does require a test score from home-schooled applicants. CollegeSimply and testbook.com third-party aggregators corroborate the general test-optional status.","policy":"optional","quote":"Home schooled students are required to take the SAT or ACT to determine college preparation and readiness.","source_url":"https://nsc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/undergraduate-catalog/admissions-information/freshman-admission","unitid":441900}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/nevada","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"NH","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 3 New Hampshire public universities we checked, 2 are test-optional (University of New Hampshire and Keene State College); 1 does not consider scores (Plymouth State University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"New Hampshire","slug":"new-hampshire","state_rule":{"applies_to":"unknown - no system-wide USNH testing policy page was found; each campus (UNH, Plymouth State, Keene State) publishes its own policy on its own admissions site","body":"University System of New Hampshire (USNH)","exists":true,"note":"No official USNH Board of Trustees page stating a single system-wide SAT/ACT policy could be located. Policy is set per-institution; see the universities array.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"","source_url":"https://www.usnh.edu/"},"summary":"New Hampshire's public universities set their own testing policy rather than following one statewide rule: the University of New Hampshire is test-optional, Plymouth State University is test-blind (scores are not used even if sent), and Keene State College says SAT/ACT scores are no longer needed, though its page does not say whether submitted scores are still looked at.","systems":[{"applies_to":"unknown - not stated on any system-level page checked","name":"University System of New Hampshire","note":"UNH = optional, Plymouth State = blind, Keene State = optional (page wording is ambiguous between optional and blind; see university note).","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"","source_url":"https://www.usnh.edu/"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"unknown - no entering term/class stated on the page; confirmed in effect as of check date 2026-10-08","changed":null,"city":"Durham","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of New Hampshire","note":"Applicants choose whether to submit scores; scores can be withdrawn before a decision is made. Page states students who don't submit scores remain eligible for merit scholarships and Honors/Scholars Colleges, and that competitive majors (e.g. nursing) are not advantaged either way. International (non-native English speaking) applicants must submit TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo unless they score 500+ on SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. No CLT mention found.","policy":"optional","quote":"Our test-optional policy reflects our holistic review to the college application process, in which standardized test scores have never been a deciding factor.","source_url":"https://admissions.unh.edu/apply/test-optional","unitid":183044},{"applies_to":"unknown - no entering term/class stated on the page; confirmed in effect as of check date 2026-10-08","changed":null,"city":"Plymouth","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-blind","name":"Plymouth State University","note":"Explicitly test-blind, including for merit-based scholarships. No exceptions (homeschool, nursing, honors) found stated on the page. No CLT mention found.","policy":"blind","quote":"Plymouth State is also test-blind, meaning we will not ask for or use any standardized test scores when considering a student for admission or merit-based scholarships.","source_url":"https://www.plymouth.edu/apply","unitid":183080},{"applies_to":"unknown - no entering term/class stated on the page; confirmed in effect as of check date 2026-10-08","changed":null,"city":"Keene","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Keene State College","note":"The College Board's BigFuture profile for Keene State (drawn from the college's own Common Data Set submission) states SAT/ACT scores are 'Considered if submitted,' which corroborates 'optional' over test-blind. No exceptions or CLT mention found on the official page.","policy":"optional","quote":"SAT and ACT scores are no longer needed to be considered for acceptance.","source_url":"https://www.keene.edu/admissions/apply/","unitid":183062}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/new-hampshire","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"NJ","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 10 New Jersey public universities we checked, 9 are test-optional (Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Kean University, Montclair State University and 6 more); 1 does not consider scores (Rutgers University-Newark).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"New Jersey","slug":"new-jersey","state_rule":{"applies_to":"","body":"","exists":false,"note":"No statewide testing statute or Office of the Secretary of Higher Education regulation found; each public university sets its own SAT/ACT policy.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":"https://www.nj.gov/highereducation/"},"summary":"New Jersey has no statewide testing mandate for its public universities; each sets its own policy. As of the 2026 check, every NJ public four-year university researched is test-optional (not required) for most applicants, except Rutgers-Newark, which is test-blind for most undergraduate applicants.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"through 2027 (per page: \"maintains test-optional and test-blind policies through 2027\")","changed":null,"city":"New Brunswick","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Rutgers University-New Brunswick","note":"Rutgers-Camden BS/DO and Rutgers-Newark 7-year BA/MD joint-degree programs require at least one test score.","policy":"optional","quote":"The SAT and ACT test submissions are optional for undergraduate applicants.","source_url":"https://admissions.rutgers.edu/apply/first-year-applicants","unitid":186380},{"applies_to":"through 2027 (per page: \"maintains test-optional and test-blind policies through 2027\")","changed":null,"city":"Newark","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-blind","name":"Rutgers University-Newark","note":"Rutgers-Newark 7-year BA/MD joint-degree program requires at least one standardized test score.","policy":"blind","quote":"Rutgers University\u2013Newark is test blind.","source_url":"https://admissions.rutgers.edu/apply/first-year-applicants","unitid":186399},{"applies_to":"unknown - page does not state a specific entering term","changed":null,"city":"Union","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Kean University","note":"Home-school students and GED applicants are required to submit test scores. Kean is in the process of absorbing New Jersey City University (NJCU) as 'Kean Jersey City,' launching July 2026; NJCU is no longer a separate independent public university as of this check, so it is not listed separately in this file.","policy":"optional","quote":"Submitting standardized testing scores from the SAT and/or ACT is optional.","source_url":"https://www.kean.edu/offices/admissions-0/freshman-application-instructions","unitid":185262},{"applies_to":"unknown - page does not state a specific entering term for the policy","changed":null,"city":"Montclair","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Montclair State University","note":"No program-specific exceptions found on the page.","policy":"optional","quote":"Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional at Montclair.","source_url":"https://www.montclair.edu/admissions-aid/how-apply-montclair-state-university/how-apply-montclairs-undergraduate-programs","unitid":185590},{"applies_to":"Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 entering classes","changed":null,"city":"Newark","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"New Jersey Institute of Technology","note":"Albert Dorman Honors College and accelerated program applicants are required to submit test scores. NJIT has no minimum GPA or test-score requirement and will superscore SAT/ACT if submitted.","policy":"optional","quote":"First-year students applying to NJIT for Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 can choose not to submit SAT and/or ACT scores.","source_url":"https://www.njit.edu/admissions/how-we-evaluate-applicants","unitid":185828},{"applies_to":"unknown - page lists fall 2026/fall 2027 application deadlines but does not tie the testing policy itself to a specific entering term","changed":null,"city":"Glassboro","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Rowan University","note":"3+4 BS/MD or BS/DO and 3+2 Physician Assistant program applicants are required to submit test scores. Enrolled students may still need placement tests.","policy":"optional","quote":"Rowan University offers a test-optional admissions policy, allowing prospective students to apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores.","source_url":"https://admissions.rowan.edu/admissions-process/freshman-requirements/standardized-scores.html","unitid":184782},{"applies_to":"through 2027 (per page: \"maintains test-optional and test-blind policies through 2027\")","changed":null,"city":"Camden","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Rutgers University-Camden","note":"Rutgers-Camden BS/DO program requires at least one standardized test score.","policy":"optional","quote":"The SAT and ACT test score submissions are optional for undergraduate applicants.","source_url":"https://admissions.rutgers.edu/apply/first-year-applicants","unitid":186371},{"applies_to":"unknown - page does not state a specific entering term","changed":null,"city":"Galloway","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Stockton University","note":"Accelerated 7-year Medical (BS/DO), Pharmacy (BS/PharmD), Nursing (BSN), and Direct Admit Physical Therapy (BS/DPT) require scores; certain Natural Sciences/Health Sciences/Computer Science majors require proof of math readiness via scores or Stockton's own placement test. All other programs are test-optional.","policy":"optional","quote":"Stockton University is SAT/ACT Optional for incoming first-year applicants!","source_url":"https://stockton.edu/admissions/test-optional.html","unitid":186876},{"applies_to":"2026-2027 admissions cycle","changed":null,"city":"Ewing","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"The College of New Jersey","note":"Seven-Year Medical Programs (BS/MD, Optometry) and Nursing (starting 2024-2025 cycle) require test scores; Engineering applicants are strongly encouraged to submit scores for math placement.","policy":"optional","quote":"TCNJ is test-optional through the 2026-2027 admissions cycle.","source_url":"https://admissions.tcnj.edu/applications/test-optional/","unitid":187134},{"applies_to":"unknown - page does not state a specific entering term","changed":null,"city":"Wayne","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"William Paterson University","note":"Nursing applicants with a weighted GPA of 3.0-3.49 must submit scores; merit scholarships give extra funds for an SAT of 1130+/ACT of 23+; Honors College and international applicants have their own separate requirements, but scores remain optional for general admission.","policy":"optional","quote":"William Paterson University is pleased to offer a test-optional admissions policy.","source_url":"https://www.wpunj.edu/admissions/undergraduate/how-to-apply/test-optional-admission","unitid":187444}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/new-jersey","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"NM","answer":"No. All 2 New Mexico public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"New Mexico","slug":"new-mexico","state_rule":{"applies_to":"","body":"","exists":false,"note":"No statewide SAT/ACT policy found from the New Mexico Higher Education Department (hed.nm.gov) or in state law/legislative records. HED regulation 5.100.6 NMAC (general post-secondary rules) and related HED documents were checked; they require institutions to publish their own admission criteria but do not mandate a specific test-score policy. Each NM public university sets its own standardized-testing requirement.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"New Mexico has no statewide rule on SAT/ACT scores; each public university sets its own policy. Both of the state's large public universities, UNM and NMSU, let first-year applicants choose whether to submit scores and consider them only if sent.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"not specified on source page; current general freshman admission requirements as published","changed":"test optional since the 2021-22 academic year (UNM first waived the requirement for 2021-22 applicants, announced July 2020, citing pandemic test-access disruption; current admissions page states the policy as ongoing with no end date given)","city":"Albuquerque","clt_accepted":"yes","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of New Mexico","note":"Scores, if submitted, may help in some cases and can matter for certain scholarships. Admission alternatively considers GPA. No preference is given between SAT and ACT; SAT Writing subsection not considered.","policy":"optional","quote":"Standardized scores (ACT, SAT or CLT) are not required to be considered for admission but may be helpful in some cases.","source_url":"https://admissions.unm.edu/future-students/freshmen/admission-requirements.html","unitid":187985},{"applies_to":"not specified on source page; current first-time-freshman admission page as published","changed":null,"city":"Las Cruces","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"New Mexico State University","note":"Regular admission requires at least one of: 2.5 cumulative HS GPA, SAT 1060, ACT composite 21, or top 20% class rank. Scores, if submitted, are used for scholarship consideration and for Math/English placement.","policy":"optional","quote":"Official SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission.","source_url":"https://admissions.nmsu.edu/how-to-apply/first-time-freshmen/","unitid":188030}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/new-mexico","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"NY","answer":"No. All 6 New York public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (Stony Brook University, University at Buffalo, Binghamton University and 3 more).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"New York","slug":"new-york","state_rule":{"applies_to":"","body":"","exists":false,"note":"New York has no single statewide board governing all public universities. SUNY and CUNY are two separate, independently governed systems with their own Boards of Trustees; see the systems array for each.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"New York has no single public-university system; SUNY and CUNY are separate systems that both let first-year applicants for fall 2026 choose whether to submit SAT/ACT scores. CUNY's test-optional policy is formally dated through spring 2027; SUNY leaves the choice to each of its 64 campuses, and every major campus checked is test optional.","systems":[{"applies_to":"unknown - no official SUNY system page was fetchable to confirm an end date","name":"State University of New York (SUNY)","note":"SUNY's Board of Trustees reportedly voted in April 2023 to make test-optional admissions permanent system-wide, leaving each of SUNY's 64 campuses free to keep test scores optional if they choose, per the trade publication Higher Ed Dive (https://www.highereddive.com/news/suny-vassar-permanently-shift-to-test-optional-admissions/647724/: \"SUNY, which has waived standardized testing requirements since June 2020, will allow the leadership at each of its 64 campuses to keep test scores optional if they so choose.\"). This is a NEWS SOURCE, not an official SUNY page, so per sourcing rules it cannot stand as the policy's own citation -- source_url/quote are left null rather than mis-citing suny.edu. Both suny.edu/attend/apply-to-suny/ and the April 2023 Board of Trustees resolution PDF returned HTTP 403 Forbidden on repeated attempts (WebFetch and curl), so no official SUNY system-level page could be verified. The 'varies_by_campus' label itself remains well-supported: all four SUNY campuses checked directly (Buffalo, Stony Brook, Albany, Binghamton) are independently confirmed test-optional from their own official admissions pages (see universities array).","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"","source_url":""},{"applies_to":"Fall 2023 through Spring 2027 entering terms","name":"City University of New York (CUNY)","note":"Confirmed identically worded on two official CUNY senior-college pages (Brooklyn College and John Jay College), both citing a CUNY Board of Trustees resolution. The resolution explicitly covers Fall 2023 through Spring 2027 -- it covers fall 2026 applicants but its wording implies a renewal decision is needed for fall 2027 and beyond; could not fetch the resolution PDF itself (text did not render) or a direct cuny.edu system page (404) to confirm whether it has since been extended further.","policy":"optional","quote":"CUNY has revised its testing policy to test optional effective fall 2023 through spring 2027.","source_url":"https://www.brooklyn.edu/admissions-aid/first-year/how-to-apply/requirements-and-deadlines/"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"Fall 2027 and Spring 2027 entry terms, as stated on the source page","changed":null,"city":"Stony Brook","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Stony Brook University","note":"Part of SUNY; one of SUNY's four 'university center' campuses. Exception: SAT or ACT scores are required for its Scholars for Medicine and Scholars for Dental Medicine programs.","policy":"optional","quote":"Stony Brook is test optional for applicants.","source_url":"https://www.stonybrook.edu/undergraduate-admissions/apply/first-year.php","unitid":196097},{"applies_to":"current policy as published, for fall and spring admission terms; no end date stated","changed":null,"city":"Buffalo","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University at Buffalo","note":"Part of SUNY. Often described as SUNY's flagship campus.","policy":"optional","quote":"UB does not require SAT and ACT test scores for admissions and scholarship consideration.","source_url":"https://www.buffalo.edu/admissions/apply/first-year.html","unitid":196088},{"applies_to":"current policy as published; no end date stated","changed":null,"city":"Binghamton","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Binghamton University","note":"Part of SUNY; one of SUNY's four 'university center' campuses.","policy":"optional","quote":"Binghamton University is test optional which means standardized test scores are not required.","source_url":"https://www.binghamton.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply/freshman","unitid":196079},{"applies_to":"Fall 2023 through Spring 2027 entering terms","changed":"test optional effective fall 2023 (per CUNY Board of Trustees resolution)","city":"Brooklyn","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Brooklyn College","note":"Part of CUNY; follows the CUNY system-wide test-optional policy.","policy":"optional","quote":"The absence of SAT or ACT exam scores cannot be used to deny a student admission.","source_url":"https://www.brooklyn.edu/admissions-aid/first-year/how-to-apply/requirements-and-deadlines/","unitid":190549},{"applies_to":"Fall 2023 through Spring 2027 entering terms","changed":"test optional effective fall 2023 (per CUNY Board of Trustees resolution)","city":"New York","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"John Jay College of Criminal Justice","note":"Part of CUNY; follows the CUNY system-wide test-optional policy.","policy":"optional","quote":"Students who choose not to submit test scores will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process.","source_url":"https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/admissions-faq","unitid":190600},{"applies_to":"current policy as published; Fall 2025 entering class cited in the admitted-student profile section","changed":null,"city":"Albany","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University at Albany","note":"Part of SUNY; one of SUNY's four 'university center' campuses. Exception: homeschooled applicants must submit ACT or SAT scores for admission and scholarship consideration.","policy":"optional","quote":"Standardized test scores, while helpful, are optional.","source_url":"https://www.albany.edu/admissions/how-apply-first-year-student","unitid":196060}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/new-york","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"NC","answer":"Yes. All 3 North Carolina public universities we checked require an SAT or ACT score from first-year applicants (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Charlotte).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"North Carolina","slug":"north-carolina","state_rule":{"applies_to":"students entering in the Fall 2026 semester and beyond (per UNC Policy Manual 700.1.1, Section V.C)","body":"University of North Carolina System Board of Governors","exists":true,"note":"GPA waiver threshold is 2.80 weighted GPA. Below 2.80 (but at or above the 2.50 minimum-eligibility GPA), a score is required and must meet the 17 ACT / 930 SAT floor. At or above 2.80, submitting a score is optional unless a chancellor obtains Board of Governors approval (at least two years in advance) to require scores from all applicants at that campus -- none of the campuses checked (UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State, UNC Charlotte) has done so. Chancellors may also grant a limited number of exceptions (up to 1% of accepted first-time undergraduates, or 75 students, whichever is greater) to applicants who meet neither the GPA nor the test-score requirement. This is a change from Fall 2024/Spring 2025, when no standardized test score was required at all (a student below the 2.5 GPA floor could instead qualify with a 19 ACT or 1010 SAT), and from Fall 2025/Spring 2026, when a score had to be submitted below 2.80 GPA but with no minimum score floor.","policy":"required","quote":"Students with a weighted High School GPA greater than or equal to 2.50 and less than 2.80 are required to submit a standardized test score of a 17 or higher on the ACT or a 930 or higher on the SAT.","source_url":"https://www.northcarolina.edu/apps/policy/doc.php?type=pdf&id=781"},"summary":"For students entering fall 2026 and beyond, the UNC System Board of Governors requires a standardized test score only from applicants with a weighted high school GPA below 2.80; those applicants must score at least 17 on the ACT or 930 on the SAT, while applicants at 2.80 or above may choose whether to submit a score.","systems":[{"applies_to":"students entering in the Fall 2026 semester and beyond","name":"University of North Carolina System","note":"Applies to all 16 UNC System constituent institutions (UNC School of the Arts is exempted from some adjacent provisions but not noted as exempt from this testing section). The Board of Governors first waived testing system-wide in 2020 and adopted this GPA-conditional structure via amendments through 05/23/24.","policy":"required","quote":"Students with a weighted High School GPA greater than or equal to 2.50 and less than 2.80 are required to submit a standardized test score of a 17 or higher on the ACT or a 930 or higher on the SAT.","source_url":"https://www.northcarolina.edu/apps/policy/doc.php?type=pdf&id=781"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"2026-2027 academic year and beyond","changed":"GPA-conditional test requirement effective per UNC System Policy 700.1.1; score floor (17 ACT/930 SAT) added starting fall 2026","city":"Chapel Hill","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Required","name":"University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill","note":"Follows the UNC System policy: required below 2.8 weighted GPA, optional at or above. Testing is 'one factor among many' when submitted; no cutoff score for automatic admission or denial.","policy":"required","quote":"ACT score of 17 or higher or an SAT score of 930 or higher","source_url":"https://admissions.unc.edu/apply/types-of-applications/first-year/","unitid":199120},{"applies_to":"current policy as published; follows UNC System Policy 700.1.1 (fall 2026 and beyond)","changed":null,"city":"Raleigh","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"North Carolina State University","note":"Follows the UNC System policy: optional at or above 2.8 weighted GPA, required (with the 17 ACT/930 SAT floor) below it.","policy":"required","quote":"As a part of the UNC System, NC State is test optional for applicants with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or above.","source_url":"https://admissions.ncsu.edu/apply/first-year/","unitid":199193},{"applies_to":"Fall 2027 applicants, as stated on the source page","changed":null,"city":"Charlotte","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"University of North Carolina at Charlotte","note":"Follows the UNC System policy. Page phrases the threshold as 'or lower' rather than 'below 2.8'; treated as consistent with the System's 2.80 cutoff.","policy":"required","quote":"SAT or ACT scores are only required for students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or lower.","source_url":"https://admissions.charlotte.edu/apply/first-year-students/application-requirements/","unitid":199139}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/north-carolina","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"ND","answer":"No. All 2 North Dakota public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"North Dakota","slug":"north-dakota","state_rule":{"applies_to":"current admission standards as published on ndus.edu; no specific entering term stated on the page itself","body":"North Dakota University System / State Board of Higher Education","exists":true,"note":"The official NDUS admission-standards page lists only the required high-school core-curriculum units (English, math, lab science, social studies) and does not mention an ACT/SAT requirement at all. Per news coverage (Grand Forks Herald; KFYR-TV), the State Board of Higher Education voted unanimously to remove the standardized-testing requirement for admission to ND University System institutions, effective August 1, 2023, shifting greater weight to high school GPA -- this change explains the absence of any test-score language on the current official page, but the board's own minutes/resolution were not independently fetched to confirm the exact vote date and wording.","policy":"optional","quote":"Students who plan to attend a four-year institution in the University System must successfully complete a core curriculum of high school courses.","source_url":"https://ndus.edu/students/academic-life/admission-standards"},"summary":"North Dakota's State Board of Higher Education dropped its statewide ACT/SAT requirement for university admission in 2023, and its two large public universities, UND and NDSU, do not require a score from first-year applicants; both will still use a submitted score for course placement.","systems":[{"applies_to":"current admission standards as published; effective August 1, 2023 per news coverage of the Board's vote","name":"North Dakota University System","note":"Applies to all four-year NDUS institutions; no ACT/SAT mentioned in the system's own admission-standards language.","policy":"optional","quote":"Students who plan to attend a four-year institution in the University System must successfully complete a core curriculum of high school courses.","source_url":"https://ndus.edu/students/academic-life/admission-standards"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"current freshman admission requirements as published; no specific entering term stated","changed":"test requirement removed system-wide effective August 1, 2023, per North Dakota University System Board of Higher Education vote (per news coverage)","city":"Grand Forks","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of North Dakota","note":"A weighted or unweighted GPA of 2.75 or higher is recommended (3.25 for Aviation Management/Commercial Aviation programs). Scores, if submitted, may still be used for other purposes such as course placement.","policy":"optional","quote":"ACT/SAT scores are not required.","source_url":"https://und.edu/admissions/freshmen/index.html","unitid":200280},{"applies_to":"current first-year admission policy as published; application deadlines listed through Fall 2027","changed":"test requirement removed system-wide effective August 1, 2023, per North Dakota University System Board of Higher Education vote (per news coverage)","city":"Fargo","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"North Dakota State University","note":"NDSU relies on high school GPA and core coursework for admission decisions. Scores, if submitted, are still used for placement into appropriate math and English courses.","policy":"optional","quote":"NDSU is test-optional and does not require ACT/SAT test scores for admission.","source_url":"https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/first-year","unitid":200332}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/north-dakota","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"OH","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 6 Ohio public universities we checked, 1 requires a score (The Ohio State University); 5 are test-optional (Bowling Green State University, Kent State University, Miami University and 2 more).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Ohio","slug":"ohio","state_rule":{"applies_to":"","body":"","exists":false,"note":"No statewide Ohio Department of Higher Education testing mandate was found; attempted fetch of highered.ohio.gov returned 404 on both the homepage and a guessed admission-standards path. The policy divergence between Ohio State's Columbus campus (required, starting with the fall 2026 cycle) and every other Ohio public university checked (all test-optional) is itself evidence that no single statewide rule governs this.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"Ohio has no statewide SAT/ACT rule; each public university sets its own policy, and they now differ sharply. Ohio State's flagship Columbus campus reinstated a test requirement starting with the 2026 admissions cycle, while its own regional campuses and every other large Ohio public university checked (Cincinnati, Ohio University, Kent State, Miami, Bowling Green) remain test-optional.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"2026 admissions cycle and beyond (Columbus campus); current policy as published (regional campuses)","changed":"Columbus campus reinstated the ACT/SAT requirement for the 2026 admissions cycle, ending a test-optional pilot that had run since 2020","city":"Columbus","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Required","name":"The Ohio State University","note":"Columbus campus: required, with an exception for applicants who will have been out of high school 2+ years by enrollment; scores are superscored. Ohio State's regional campuses (Lima, Mansfield, Marion, Newark, ATI in Wooster) remain test-optional: 'Submission of test scores for regional campus applicants is optional but strongly encouraged' (same source family, https://undergrad.osu.edu/apply/freshmen-regional/apply-step-by-step), except homeschooled applicants and students from unaccredited high schools, who must submit a score.","policy":"required","quote":"Yes, standardized test scores from ACT or SAT are required for first-year applicants to the Columbus campus.","source_url":"https://undergrad.osu.edu/apply/freshmen-columbus/apply-step-by-step","unitid":204796},{"applies_to":"current policy as published; no specific entering term stated","changed":null,"city":"Bowling Green","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Bowling Green State University","note":"If a student applies test-optional, a submitted score is explicitly NOT considered, per the page's FAQ ('If a student applies test optional, their score will NOT be considered even if it is provided'). A minimum suggested 20 ACT / 1040 SAT plus 2.5 GPA is listed for students who do choose to submit scores, and some named scholarships (Alumni Laureate, Presidential Scholars Award) still require a test score.","policy":"optional","quote":"Bowling Green State University is offering applicants the opportunity to have their applications reviewed without consideration of test scores.","source_url":"https://www.bgsu.edu/admissions/test-optional.html","unitid":201441},{"applies_to":"current policy as published; applies to first-year and transfer admission","changed":null,"city":"Kent","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Kent State University","note":"Applicants are asked on the application whether they want test scores considered.","policy":"optional","quote":"Kent State University is test-optional, meaning students applying for first-year or transfer admission are not required to submit standardized test scores.","source_url":"https://www.kent.edu/admissions/first-year-student-requirements","unitid":203517},{"applies_to":"current policy as published; no specific entering term stated","changed":null,"city":"Oxford","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Miami University","note":"Page links to a dedicated 'Test Optional FAQs' section for details.","policy":"optional","quote":"Optional ACT or SAT test scores.","source_url":"https://miamioh.edu/admission-aid/apply/first-year-students/index.html","unitid":204024},{"applies_to":"current policy as published; test-optional pathway in place since the 2021 entering class per the admitted-student-profile footnote","changed":"test-optional pathway in place since the 2021 class","city":"Athens","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Ohio University","note":"Footnote on the admitted-student profile page states: 'Beginning with the 2021 class, test score values only reflect scores that were used in admissions decisions.'","policy":"optional","quote":"Ohio University has implemented a test-optional pathway for admission to the Athens campus.","source_url":"https://www.ohio.edu/admissions/freshman/apply","unitid":204857},{"applies_to":"current policy as published; no specific entering term stated","changed":null,"city":"Cincinnati","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Cincinnati","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"UC is test-optional for all programs.","source_url":"https://admissions.uc.edu/prepare/requirements-timelines.html","unitid":201885}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/ohio","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"OK","answer":"No. All 3 Oklahoma public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and University of Central Oklahoma).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Oklahoma","slug":"oklahoma","state_rule":{"applies_to":"current OSRHE Academic Affairs Policy (Chapter 3, 'As of September 4, 2025'); governing policy for first-time freshman admission at the time of this research (Oct 2026), which covers the fall 2026 and fall 2027 entering classes unless the Regents amend it","body":"Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE)","exists":true,"note":"At the two research universities (OU, OSU) the policy lists three EQUAL paths to admission: Option 1 (ACT/SAT), Option 2 (high school GPA + class rank, all courses), Option 3 (GPA in the 15-unit core) -- no path requires a test score, so the statewide minimum does not require testing. For the Statewide university tier (Langston, USAO) and the Regional university tier (Cameron, East Central, Northeastern State, Northwestern Oklahoma State, Oklahoma Panhandle State, Rogers State, Southeastern Oklahoma State, Southwestern Oklahoma State, University of Central Oklahoma), OSRHE policy lets each institution set its own combination of 'standardized test scores, high school GPA (all courses), GPA (Regent 15-Unit core), and/or class rank' -- so no statewide test requirement exists at that tier either, though an individual campus could in theory choose to require one.","policy":"optional","quote":"meets one of the following criteria by year for performance on standard tests or high school performance, is eligible for admission","source_url":"https://okhighered.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Chapter-3-2025.pdf"},"summary":"The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education set statewide minimum admission standards that let first-time freshmen qualify through a high school GPA and class-rank path instead of a test score, and Oklahoma's public universities themselves all currently advertise ACT/SAT as optional for fall 2026 and fall 2027 applicants.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"first-time freshman admission (current page; no specific entering term stated)","changed":null,"city":"Norman","clt_accepted":"yes","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Oklahoma","note":"Scores are not required but are encouraged for course placement and to maximize scholarship consideration.","policy":"optional","quote":"Submitting scores from the ACT, SAT, or CLT is optional for admission.","source_url":"https://www.ou.edu/admissions/apply/freshman/requirements-factors/test-scores","unitid":207500},{"applies_to":"first-time freshman admission, current catalog (PDF generated 2026-08-14 by the registrar's CourseLeaf system)","changed":null,"city":"Stillwater","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Oklahoma State University","note":"Assured Admission Criteria lists 3 paths; Option 1 (4-yr cumulative GPA of 3.00+ and top one-third class rank) requires no ACT/SAT score. Options 2-3 use a test score.","policy":"optional","quote":"Official transcripts and test scores (not required if applying as test optional) are also required","source_url":"https://catalog.okstate.edu/about/admissions/admissions.pdf","unitid":207388},{"applies_to":"first-time freshman admission (current page, fetched October 2026; no specific entering term stated)","changed":null,"city":"Edmond","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Central Oklahoma","note":"Admission criteria: a 20 ACT / 1030 SAT composite, OR a 2.7 unweighted GPA plus top-50% class rank, OR a 2.7 GPA in the 15-unit core -- any one path qualifies; scores still count toward academic scholarships.","policy":"optional","quote":"UCO offers test-optional admission, but students may still submit ACT or SAT scores","source_url":"https://www.uco.edu/admissions/apply/index.PHP","unitid":206941}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/oklahoma","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"OR","answer":"No. All 3 Oregon public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Oregon, Oregon State University and Portland State University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Oregon","slug":"oregon","state_rule":{"applies_to":"not applicable - no statewide rule","body":"Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC)","exists":false,"note":"The old Oregon University System (which could have set a uniform standard) was dissolved around 2015. HECC coordinates but does not set admission or testing standards; each of the seven public universities has its own governing board and sets its own SAT/ACT policy.","policy":"none","quote":"We regularly collaborate with partners at the seven public universities, which are governed by independent governing boards","source_url":"https://www.oregon.gov/highered/about/Pages/intro-APA-university-coordination.aspx"},"summary":"Oregon has no statewide SAT/ACT requirement for its public universities \u2014 each university's own independent governing board sets its own testing policy. All three large public universities (University of Oregon, Oregon State, Portland State) are currently test-optional for first-year applicants.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants (page does not state a specific entering term such as fall 2026 or fall 2027)","changed":null,"city":"Eugene","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Oregon","note":"Also test-blind for scholarships: the page states submitted scores will not be considered in merit- or need-based awards. Page does not mention CLT or state when the policy began.","policy":"optional","quote":"The University of Oregon is a 'test-optional' school, allowing first-year applicants to be considered for admission without submission of ACT or SAT scores.","source_url":"https://www.uoregon.edu/admissions/undergraduate/find-your-path/first-year-students/test-optional-policy/","unitid":209551},{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants (page does not state a specific entering term such as fall 2026 or fall 2027)","changed":null,"city":"Corvallis","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Oregon State University","note":"Page frames this as a holistic-review choice (submit scores only if you think they add value). No CLT mention; no stated effective/reaffirmation date.","policy":"optional","quote":"Oregon State University has a test-optional admissions policy for first-year students.","source_url":"https://admissions.oregonstate.edu/test-optional-admissions","unitid":209542},{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants (page does not state a specific entering term such as fall 2026 or fall 2027)","changed":null,"city":"Portland","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Portland State University","note":"Page notes applicants with GPA below 3.0 are considered through holistic review, which may weigh other factors (including scores if submitted) more heavily. No CLT mention; no stated effective date.","policy":"optional","quote":"Submission of test scores is optional, and not required to receive an admission decision.","source_url":"https://www.pdx.edu/admissions/first-year","unitid":209807}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/oregon","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"PA","answer":"No. All 4 Pennsylvania public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (Pennsylvania State University (Penn State, University Park), Temple University, University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) and West Chester University of Pennsylvania).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Pennsylvania","slug":"pennsylvania","state_rule":{"applies_to":"","body":"","exists":false,"note":"Pennsylvania has no single board that governs all public four-year universities. PASSHE (Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education) governs 10 state-owned universities, while Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh, and Temple University are a separate legal category -- 'state-related' universities -- that receive state appropriations but are independently chartered and set their own admissions policies. There is no overarching state statute or single board requiring or prohibiting SAT/ACT submission across all of them.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"Pennsylvania has no single statewide testing rule: the ten PASSHE-governed public universities and the three separately governed 'state-related' universities (Penn State, Pitt, and Temple) each set their own admissions testing policy. Every Pennsylvania public university checked for fall 2026 first-year applicants is test-optional, meaning applicants choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores.","systems":[{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants (confirmed individually at multiple member universities; see note)","name":"Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE)","note":"PASSHE's system office (passhe.edu) does not publish one single unified 'systemwide testing policy' page or Board of Governors resolution that this research could locate -- its policies index states each university has its own institutional policies. The quote above is from PASSHE's own official 2026 Counselors Information Book (a system-published PDF), listed under Cheyney University's admissions line. Separately, Kutztown University's entry in the same PASSHE document is marked '(Test-optional)'. This research independently confirmed test-optional status, via each university's own official page, at: West Chester University (2026-2027 catalog), Indiana University of Pennsylvania/IUP (admissions page), and Shippensburg University (admissions page) -- see the 'universities' array and gaps below for which PASSHE campuses could and could not be individually verified. No PASSHE campus checked requires scores.","policy":"optional","quote":"Test-optional for students entering Fall 2026","source_url":"https://www.passhe.edu/counselors/Spring%2026_PASSHE%20CID.pdf"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"Spring, Summer, and Fall first-year application terms (page does not state an end date for the policy)","changed":null,"city":"University Park","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Pennsylvania State University (Penn State, University Park)","note":"state-related university (not part of PASSHE). Exception: applicants to the Accelerated Premedical-Medical (BS/MD) Program must submit SAT or ACT scores by that program's own deadline.","policy":"optional","quote":"First-year Penn State applicants for Spring, Summer, or Fall are able to choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their applications.","source_url":"https://www.psu.edu/admission/undergraduate/how-to-apply","unitid":214777},{"applies_to":"current first-year application cycle (page does not name a specific entering term or end date)","changed":null,"city":"Philadelphia","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Temple University","note":"state-related university (not part of PASSHE). Admissions page states over 75% of applicants chose the test-optional route in the most recent cycle it references.","policy":"optional","quote":"Temple is a test-optional school. First-year students can apply without submitting standardized test scores by selecting test-optional on the Common Application.","source_url":"https://admissions.temple.edu/apply/first-year-students","unitid":216339},{"applies_to":"test-optional program extended through the Fall 2028 entering class","changed":"extended through Fall 2028 (page does not state the original start date)","city":"Pittsburgh","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Pittsburgh (Pitt)","note":"state-related university (not part of PASSHE).","policy":"optional","quote":"the university has extended the test-optional program through Fall 2028.","source_url":"https://admissions.pitt.edu/first-year-student/","unitid":215293},{"applies_to":"2026-2027 undergraduate catalog, first-year applicants","changed":"catalog describes the policy as temporary, re-evaluated each admissions cycle (no original start date stated on this page)","city":"West Chester","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"West Chester University of Pennsylvania","note":"PASSHE's largest individual university by undergraduate enrollment (~14,400 per Wikipedia/IPEDS-sourced figure, fall 2022) -- the only PASSHE campus confirmed at or above the ~8,000-undergrad inclusion threshold; other large PASSHE campuses checked (IUP ~7,432, Kutztown ~7,391, Shippensburg ~6,942, Millersville ~6,500) fall below it and were excluded per spec. Catalog also notes applicants who graduated high school more than two years ago are not required to submit scores.","policy":"optional","quote":"Submitting SAT and/or ACT is currently optional for first year applicants.","source_url":"https://catalog.wcupa.edu/general-information/admissions-enrollment/undergraduate-admissions/first-year-admissions/","unitid":216764}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/pennsylvania","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"RI","answer":"No. All 2 Rhode Island public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Rhode Island","slug":"rhode-island","state_rule":{"applies_to":"","body":"Rhode Island Council on Postsecondary Education (staffed by the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, riopc.edu), which governs URI, Rhode Island College, and CCRI","exists":false,"note":"Checked the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner's full policy library (85 board policies, series A/B/F/P/S) at riopc.edu/data/policies/, including the Joint Admissions Agreement (S-12), Residency Policy (S-5), and the public-institution transfer/articulation policy (S-6) \u2014 none addresses standardized testing. Also checked the Council/OPC 'About' page for any statement on admissions authority; it describes general academic-program oversight but says nothing about test requirements. No statewide SAT/ACT policy or resolution was found, so each of URI and Rhode Island College sets its own testing policy.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":"https://www.riopc.edu/data/policies/"},"summary":"Rhode Island has no statewide SAT/ACT rule for its public universities; the Council on Postsecondary Education (via the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner) leaves testing policy to each campus. Both the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College are currently test-optional for first-year applicants.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants (page does not state a specific entering term)","changed":null,"city":"Kingston","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Rhode Island","note":"Same wording also appears on https://web.uri.edu/admission/applying-to-uri/ as 'The University of Rhode Island is a test-optional institution.' Scores, if sent, are superscored and the ACT writing section / optional SAT essay are not required. No stated exceptions (e.g. for Honors or scholarships) were found that would change this from a straight test-optional label; page does not name CLT.","policy":"optional","quote":"URI is a test-optional institution.","source_url":"https://web.uri.edu/admission/first-year/","unitid":217484},{"applies_to":"current first-year applicants (page does not state a specific entering term)","changed":null,"city":"Providence","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Rhode Island College","note":"Exception stated on the same page: 'Candidates to RIC's teacher education programs in the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development must submit standardized test results for consideration.' Page does not name CLT or a specific entering class/term.","policy":"optional","quote":"Rhode Island College is Test Optional. We do not require test results for initial admission to the College.","source_url":"https://www.ric.edu/admissions-financial-aid/undergraduate-admission/first-year-student-admission","unitid":217420}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/rhode-island","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"SC","answer":"No. All 4 South Carolina public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of South Carolina (Columbia), Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University and College of Charleston).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"South Carolina","slug":"south-carolina","state_rule":{"applies_to":"n/a","body":"South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE)","exists":false,"note":"CHE's current statewide admission policy (South Carolina College Preparatory Course Prerequisite Policy, approved by CHE Sept. 3, 2026, under S.C. Code \u00a7 59-103-45(2)) sets minimum HIGH SCHOOL COURSE prerequisites (20 units: 4 English, 4 math, 3 lab science, 3 social studies, 2 world language, 1 arts, 1 PE/JROTC, 2 electives) for admission to SC's senior public institutions. It contains no mention of SAT/ACT scores anywhere in its text. The policy's own 'General Applicability' note says 'Individual universities may establish additional admissions requirements' \u2014 meaning SAT/ACT testing policy is left entirely to each university's own board of trustees. No separate statewide CHE testing mandate (sometimes historically called 'Uniform Entrance Requirements') was found on che.sc.gov as of this check; the CHE institutions-and-educators and higher-education-institutions pages were also checked and contain no testing-policy text.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":"https://che.sc.gov/sites/che/files/Documents/Institutions%20and%20Educators/Academic%20Policies%20and%20Guidelines/College%20Preparatory%20Course%20Prerequisite%20Policy-Approved%20September%203.pdf"},"summary":"South Carolina has no statewide SAT/ACT requirement for its public universities \u2014 the state's Commission on Higher Education sets only high-school course prerequisites, not a testing mandate, so each university's own board of trustees decides. All four large public universities checked (USC Columbia, Clemson, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina) are currently test-optional for fall 2026/2027 first-year applicants.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"spring 2027, summer 2027, and fall 2027 first-year applicants (page text)","changed":null,"city":"Columbia","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of South Carolina (Columbia)","note":"Policy applies to general admission, SC Honors College, and admissions-office merit scholarships. Exception: applicants from secondary schools that use written evaluations instead of grades are not eligible for test-optional and must submit scores. Undergrad enrollment 30,187 (IPEDS College Navigator).","policy":"optional","quote":"Students seeking freshman admission to the University of South Carolina's Columbia campus will not be required to submit SAT or ACT scores","source_url":"https://www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/undergraduate_admissions/apply/for_freshmen/test_optional/index.php","unitid":218663},{"applies_to":"fall, spring, and summer first-year applicants (page does not state a specific admit year)","changed":null,"city":"Clemson","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Clemson University","note":"Applicants may change their test-optional preference until Nov 1 (Early Action) or Jan 10 (Regular Decision). Clemson superscores the SAT and ACT when scores are submitted. Undergrad enrollment 23,401 (IPEDS College Navigator).","policy":"optional","quote":"Clemson has adopted a test-optional policy. Applicants are not required to submit a standardized test score to be considered for admission","source_url":"https://www.clemson.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/apply/first-year.html","unitid":217882},{"applies_to":"freshman applicants (page does not state a specific admit year)","changed":null,"city":"Conway","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Coastal Carolina University","note":"GPA-conditional test-optional: only applicants with a 3.5+ weighted HS GPA may opt out of submitting scores (so testing is effectively still required/used below that GPA); applicants age 22+ are also exempt from submitting scores. Test-optional applicants must show a rigorous curriculum and demonstrated leadership; 'Applying test-optional does not guarantee admission.' Undergrad enrollment 10,811 (IPEDS College Navigator).","policy":"optional","quote":"Freshman applicants who have earned a minimum 3.5 HS GPA (weighted GPA on a 4.0 scale) may choose whether or not to submit","source_url":"https://www.coastal.edu/admissions/freshman/freshmanapp/","unitid":218724},{"applies_to":"fall 2027 and spring 2027 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Charleston","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"College of Charleston","note":"Exception: ACT or SAT is required for homeschooled students, with a waiver if the applicant has completed dual-enrollment, AP, or IB coursework. Official scores (not test-optional) are required for state (LIFE/Palmetto Fellows) scholarships. Undergrad enrollment 10,880 (IPEDS College Navigator).","policy":"optional","quote":"The College of Charleston is test optional. You can submit your SAT or ACT scores if you would like us to include your scores","source_url":"https://charleston.edu/admission/apply/undergraduate/index.php","unitid":217819}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/south-carolina","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"SD","answer":"No. All 6 South Dakota public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of South Dakota, Black Hills State University, Dakota State University and 3 more).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"South Dakota","slug":"south-dakota","state_rule":{"applies_to":"current (source policy document is undated by entering term; last revised per its own source line)","body":"South Dakota Board of Regents","exists":true,"note":"BOR Policy 2.2.1.1 'System General Admissions' (source line: 'BOR October 2024; BOR December 2025') defines ACT and SAT only as exams 'that may be used for undergraduate admission and merit scholarships' and sets no system-wide numeric test requirement; it delegates the actual admission index (GPA/rank/test/Smarter Balanced thresholds) to each of the six institutions. All six institutions' own pages, checked individually below, currently treat ACT/SAT submission as optional alongside GPA, class-rank, or Smarter Balanced alternatives.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"Each university may adopt specific admission guidelines, consistent with law and the requirements set by the Board of Regents","source_url":"https://public.powerdms.com/SDRegents/documents/1678064"},"summary":"The South Dakota Board of Regents sets a general admissions framework but leaves the specific index to each of its six public universities; in practice all six (USD, SDSU, SDSMT, NSU, DSU, BHSU) are test-optional, letting applicants qualify by GPA, class rank, or Smarter Balanced scores instead of an ACT/SAT score.","systems":[{"applies_to":"current (undated by entering term in the source document)","name":"South Dakota Board of Regents","note":"System-wide policy 2.2.1.1 governs definitions, immunization/English-proficiency/transcript rules, and process, but does not itself mandate an ACT/SAT score for admission; each institution files its own admission requirements with the Executive Director's office per section C.2 of the policy.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"Each university may adopt specific admission guidelines, consistent with law and the requirements set by the Board of Regents","source_url":"https://public.powerdms.com/SDRegents/documents/1678064"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"current (source page does not specify entering term)","changed":null,"city":"Vermillion","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of South Dakota","note":"Page states applicants can be admitted via GPA (2.6+) or class rank (top 50%) without submitting ACT/SAT; test scores are considered if submitted.","policy":"optional","quote":"a test score is not required for your application to be reviewed for admission","source_url":"https://www.usd.edu/Admissions-and-Aid/Undergraduate-Admissions/How-to-Apply","unitid":219471},{"applies_to":"current (source page does not specify entering term)","changed":null,"city":"Spearfish","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Black Hills State University","note":"Page confirms an applicant can qualify via GPA (2.6+) or top-60% class rank alone; submitted scores may still be used for scholarships or course placement.","policy":"optional","quote":"BHSU is a wholly TEST OPTIONAL university. Standardized test scores are not required for admission","source_url":"https://bhsu.edu/admissions/apply.html","unitid":219046},{"applies_to":"current (source page does not specify entering term)","changed":null,"city":"Madison","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Dakota State University","note":"Page lists this as one of three alternative paths (test score OR 2.6 GPA OR top-60% class rank) to satisfy the admission requirement, and separately lists ACT/SAT scores as an optional application material.","policy":"optional","quote":"An ACT composite score of 18 or above or a Total score on the SAT (Math and Evidence-Based Reading) of 950 or above","source_url":"https://dsu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/how-to-apply/undergraduate-admissions-requirements.html","unitid":219082},{"applies_to":"current (source page does not specify entering term)","changed":null,"city":"Aberdeen","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Northern State University","note":"Page states multiple admission criteria exist (GPA 2.6+, top-60% class rank, or Smarter Balanced) so an ACT/SAT score is not required; some scholarships do require a score.","policy":"optional","quote":"No, you may be admitted without an ACT or SAT score.","source_url":"https://northern.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions-requirements","unitid":219259},{"applies_to":"current (source page does not specify entering term)","changed":null,"city":"Rapid City","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"South Dakota School of Mines & Technology","note":"Page requires a 2.75 GPA (or GED) plus demonstrated college-algebra readiness, which can be shown via an ACT/SAT math subscore OR completed coursework OR an Accuplacer score -- no ACT/SAT submission is strictly mandatory. Could not fetch an explicit single-sentence 'test optional' statement from this page (JS-rendered catalog version at ecatalog.sdsmt.edu would not return text to WebFetch); multiple independent secondary sources (PrepScholar, CollegeSimply) describe SDSMT as not requiring test-score submission for admission, consistent with this structural reading.","policy":"optional","quote":"a high school GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale","source_url":"https://www.sdsmt.edu/admissions-aid/undergraduate-admissions/undergrad-requirements.html","unitid":219347},{"applies_to":"current (source page does not specify entering term)","changed":null,"city":"Brookings","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"South Dakota State University","note":"Page frames admission as meeting ONE of four pathways: a test score threshold, Level 3+ on Smarter Balanced, a 2.6 GPA, or top-60% class rank -- so a test score is not required if GPA or rank qualifies.","policy":"optional","quote":"ACT composite score or ACT superscore of 18 or SAT Math and Reading/Writing subscore total of 970","source_url":"https://www.sdstate.edu/admissions/first-time-students","unitid":219356}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/south-dakota","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"TN","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 9 Tennessee public universities we checked, 7 require a score (University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Austin Peay State University, Middle Tennessee State University and 4 more); 2 are test-optional (East Tennessee State University and Tennessee Technological University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Tennessee","slug":"tennessee","state_rule":{"applies_to":"fall 2026 and fall 2027 first-year applicants","body":"none - since the 2016 FOCUS Act, each Tennessee public university has its own institutional governing board; the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) coordinates but does not set a single system-wide admission-testing mandate","exists":false,"note":"No THEC-wide testing policy page was found; each university's own admissions page governs. See universities[] for the policy and citation of each school.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"Tennessee has no single statewide testing mandate; each public university's own governing board sets its policy. For fall 2026, most Tennessee public universities (UT Knoxville, UT Chattanooga, UT Martin, Middle Tennessee State, University of Memphis, Tennessee State, Austin Peay) still require an SAT or ACT score, while Tennessee Tech and East Tennessee State are test-optional.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"fall 2026 and fall 2027 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Knoxville","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Required","name":"University of Tennessee, Knoxville","note":"","policy":"required","quote":"UT requires all first-year applicants to submit ACT/SAT scores as part of their application for admission.","source_url":"https://admissions.utk.edu/undergraduate-application/first-year-student/","unitid":221759},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Clarksville","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"Austin Peay State University","note":"A 2.85+ GPA (or ACT 20 / qualifying SAT) satisfies one admission threshold, but the page separately requires satisfactory ACT/SAT scores in two of three core areas and no remedial placement from ACT/SAT -- so a test score is required of freshman applicants regardless of GPA, not a true GPA-only alternative.","policy":"required","quote":"ACT/SAT scores earned within 5 years of the first day of the first semester or term of enrollment are required.","source_url":"https://www.apsu.edu/admissions/admission-requirements.php","unitid":219602},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Murfreesboro","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"Middle Tennessee State University","note":"","policy":"required","quote":"All students are required to submit an ACT/SAT score to be considered for admissions","source_url":"https://www.mtsu.edu/how-to-apply/undergraduate/","unitid":220978},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Nashville","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"Tennessee State University","note":"Minimum stated: ACT 19 or SAT 990, with a 2.5 GPA.","policy":"required","quote":"TSU is not test-optional and we do not accept super scores.","source_url":"https://www.tnstate.edu/admissions/freshmen/","unitid":221838},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Memphis","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"University of Memphis","note":"Scores must be from within 5 calendar years of enrollment; no exceptions for homeschool/scholarship/honors were stated on this page.","policy":"required","quote":"All students must provide a standardized exam result (typically the ACT and/or SAT) in support of their application for admission.","source_url":"https://www.memphis.edu/admissions/basics/requirements.php","unitid":220862},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Chattanooga","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"University of Tennessee, Chattanooga","note":"Same UT-system boilerplate wording as UT Knoxville and UT Martin.","policy":"required","quote":"All applicants are required to submit ACT/SAT scores, regardless of class rank or GPA.","source_url":"https://www.utc.edu/seniors","unitid":221740},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Martin","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"University of Tennessee, Martin","note":"","policy":"required","quote":"All applicants are required to submit ACT/SAT scores, regardless of class rank or GPA.","source_url":"https://www.utm.edu/admissions-and-aid/first-year.php","unitid":221768},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Johnson City","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"East Tennessee State University","note":"Scores become necessary for scholarship consideration and certain academic programs.","policy":"optional","quote":"ACT/SAT scores are not required for admission to ETSU.","source_url":"https://www.etsu.edu/admissions/apply/freshman.php","unitid":220075},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":"test-optional (exact term it took effect not confirmed)","city":"Cookeville","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Tennessee Technological University","note":"Submission is voluntary; may help for certain programs/scholarships.","policy":"optional","quote":"If submitted, test scores such as the ACT and SAT will be considered.","source_url":"https://www.tntech.edu/admissions/freshmen/index.php","unitid":221847}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/tennessee","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"TX","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 7 Texas public universities we checked, 2 require a score (University of Texas at Austin and University of Texas at El Paso); 5 are test-optional (Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, University of Houston and 2 more).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Texas","slug":"texas","state_rule":{"applies_to":"fall 2026 and fall 2027 first-year applicants","body":"none - no Texas Education Code or Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) rule requires or forbids SAT/ACT submission system-wide; THECB does, however, administer the Texas Success Initiative and the class-rank-based automatic-admission statute (Texas Education Code 51.803/51.804)","domain":"","exists":false,"note":"Each university/system below sets and publishes its own test-score policy.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"Texas has no single statewide SAT/ACT mandate for its public universities (apart from the class-rank-based automatic-admission statute); each university or system sets its own testing policy. UT Austin reinstated SAT/ACT as required for first-year applicants starting fall 2025, while Texas A&M, UT San Antonio, UT El Paso (for most applicants), Texas Tech, the University of Houston, and the University of North Texas are currently test-optional.","systems":[{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","name":"University of Texas System","note":"No system-wide UT System testing mandate was found; each UT academic campus sets its own policy. UT Austin: required. UT San Antonio: optional. UT El Paso: scores not required for students meeting a class-rank threshold, otherwise required (varies by rank). UT Dallas, UT Arlington: could not confirm this session (gaps).","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"","source_url":"https://www.utsystem.edu/"},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","name":"Texas A&M University System","note":"Texas A&M University (College Station), the system's flagship, is test-optional. Other System member campuses (Corpus Christi, Prairie View A&M, West Texas A&M, Commerce, San Antonio, International) were not individually confirmed this session (see gaps).","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"You can also choose to submit official test scores, a resume and up to two letters of recommendation.","source_url":"https://www.tamu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/apply-as-freshman.html"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"fall 2025 applicants and later","changed":"reinstated for fall 2025 after a pandemic-era test-optional period (exact announcement date/news URL not confirmed this session)","city":"Austin","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"admissions.utexas.edu","flagship":true,"label":"Required","name":"University of Texas at Austin","note":"This requirement applies to all first-year applicants, including those who separately qualify for automatic admission by class rank; test scores are not used in the automatic-admission decision itself but are still required as an application component.","policy":"required","quote":"Send at least one official SAT or ACT score directly from the testing agency.","source_url":"https://admissions.utexas.edu/apply/freshman/","unitid":228778,"url":"/colleges/the-university-of-texas-at-austin"},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"College Station","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"tamu.edu","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Texas A&M University","note":"Listed as an optional/circumstantial application material, not a requirement.","policy":"optional","quote":"You can also choose to submit official test scores, a resume and up to two letters of recommendation.","source_url":"https://www.tamu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/apply-as-freshman.html","unitid":228723,"url":"/colleges/texas-a-and-m-university-college-station"},{"applies_to":"2026-2027 Academic Catalog, first-time first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"El Paso","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"catalog.utep.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Required","name":"University of Texas at El Paso","note":"UTEP's own catalog states Texas high school graduates in the top 25% of their class are admitted with 'No minimum' SAT/ACT score required at all. Applicants outside the top 25% must meet a minimum score tied to rank to qualify via this table (Second 25%: SAT 920/ACT 19; Third 25%: SAT 970/ACT 20; Fourth 25%: SAT 1010/ACT 21; no rank, GED, unaccredited HS, or home-school: SAT 1070/ACT 23), or may instead be considered through UTEP's separate Reviewed Admission Programs. Labeled 'required' (with a class-rank exemption for the top 25%) rather than 'optional', since a qualifying score is mandatory for every rank tier below the top 25% under this table. CLT acceptance not mentioned on this page.","policy":"required","quote":"SAT and ACT scores are not required under the Top 25% admissions criterion","source_url":"https://catalog.utep.edu/admissions/undergraduate/freshman/","unitid":228796,"url":"/colleges/the-university-of-texas-at-el-paso"},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Lubbock","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"depts.ttu.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Texas Tech University","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"Texas Tech University has a test optional admission policy. This policy allows students the option to apply without consideration of SAT or ACT scores.","source_url":"https://www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/apply/status/first_freshmen/","unitid":229115,"url":"/colleges/texas-tech-university"},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants (through June 1, 2030)","changed":null,"city":"Houston","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"uh.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Houston","note":"University of Houston has extended test-optional admission through the 2030 entering cycle.","policy":"optional","quote":"Freshman applicants have the option to apply for admission with or without a test score through June 1, 2030.","source_url":"https://www.uh.edu/undergraduate-admissions/resources/test-optional-admissions/","unitid":225511,"url":"/colleges/university-of-houston"},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Denton","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"unt.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of North Texas","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"UNT is test-score-optional, however, submitting test scores can help determine admission decisions, testing exemptions and scholarship opportunities.","source_url":"https://www.unt.edu/admissions/freshman/admission-requirements.html","unitid":227216,"url":"/colleges/university-of-north-texas"},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"San Antonio","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"future.utsa.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Texas at San Antonio","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"You do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admission.","source_url":"https://future.utsa.edu/freshman/admissions/","unitid":229027,"url":"/colleges/the-university-of-texas-at-san-antonio"}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/texas","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"UT","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 6 Utah public universities we checked, 5 are test-optional (University of Utah, Utah State University, Utah Tech University and 2 more); 1 does not consider scores (Southern Utah University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Utah","slug":"utah","state_rule":{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","body":"none - no USHE-wide testing mandate was located; each institution's Board of Trustees/own admissions office sets its policy","exists":false,"note":"Attempted to find a USHE policy document (e.g. an 'R-series' admissions-standards policy) via ushe.edu but could not locate one this session; see gaps. In practice every USHE university currently reports a test-optional posture.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"No single Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) policy mandates SAT/ACT submission; each of Utah's six public universities sets its own admission requirements. For fall 2026, all six are test-optional in practice, though scores still matter for merit scholarships and course placement at several schools.","systems":[{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","name":"Utah System of Higher Education","note":"No system-wide testing-requirement policy page was found; all six member universities currently publish their own test-optional policy.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"","source_url":"https://ushe.edu/"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Salt Lake City","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Utah","note":"Exceptions: homeschooled students, GED/HiSET recipients, and students from non-regionally-accredited high schools must still submit scores.","policy":"optional","quote":"ACT/SAT scores are not required for: Standard admission, Merit scholarships (including department scholarships), Admission to individual majors or programs of study.","source_url":"https://admissions.utah.edu/apply/freshman-students/undergraduate-admissions-standards/","unitid":230764},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Cedar City","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-blind","name":"Southern Utah University","note":"SUU's first-year admissions page makes no mention of SAT/ACT at all; admission is stated purely by high school GPA (2.4+ for full admission, lower for the provisional COMPASS program). Corroborated by SUU's own 2020 announcement (suu.edu/news/2020/09/standardized-test-requirement.html) that it dropped the ACT/SAT requirement for admission and scholarships -- a test score is not used to decide domestic freshman admission, so 'blind' is the correct label; exception: applicants without a standard high school diploma still submit a score.","policy":"blind","quote":"First-time freshmen with a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.4 or higher will be fully admitted.","source_url":"https://www.suu.edu/admissions/first-year/","unitid":230603},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Logan","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Utah State University","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"USU is test optional for admission. ACT/SAT scores are recommended for academic scholarships.","source_url":"https://www.usu.edu/admissions/apply/test-optional.php","unitid":230728},{"applies_to":"fall 2027 first-year applicants (current cycle shown on the page)","changed":"formerly Dixie State University, renamed Utah Tech University in 2022","city":"St. George","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Utah Tech University","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"Test scores are not required for admissions but should be submitted for registration and consideration for certain scholarships","source_url":"https://admissions.utahtech.edu/first-year-admissions/","unitid":230171},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Orem","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Utah Valley University","note":"Scores still required for merit-based scholarship consideration.","policy":"optional","quote":"UVU is test-optional, which means you do not need an ACT or SAT score to be admitted.","source_url":"https://www.uvu.edu/admissions/undergrad/","unitid":230737},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Ogden","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Weber State University","note":"Scores are used for course placement, not an admission gate.","policy":"optional","quote":"ACT/SAT scores (These aren't mandatory. They help determine math and English placement).","source_url":"https://www.weber.edu/admissions/new-freshman-in-state.html","unitid":230782}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/utah","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"VT","answer":"No. All 2 Vermont public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Vermont and Vermont State University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Vermont","slug":"vermont","state_rule":{"applies_to":"fall 2026 and fall 2027 first-year applicants","body":"none - Vermont has no single statewide admissions-testing statute; UVM (its own independent Board of Trustees, a land-grant institution) and Vermont State University (governed by the Vermont State Colleges System board) each set their own policy","domain":"","exists":false,"note":"No Vermont State Colleges System-wide testing-policy page was located this session distinct from Vermont State University's own admissions page; both Vermont public universities currently report test-optional policies in practice.","policy":"varies_by_campus","quote":"","source_url":""},"summary":"Vermont has no statewide SAT/ACT mandate; its two public universities each set their own admissions policy. For fall 2026 and 2027, both the University of Vermont and Vermont State University are test-optional, though some specific programs may still require scores.","systems":[{"applies_to":"fall 2026 and fall 2027 first-year applicants","name":"Vermont State Colleges System","note":"Vermont State University (vermontstate.edu) is the single institution formed in 2023 from the merger of Castleton University, Northern Vermont University (Johnson and Lyndon), and Vermont Technical College; it is governed by the Vermont State Colleges System board. Community College of Vermont, also part of VSCS, is excluded per spec (community college).","policy":"optional","quote":"Scores are optional for most scholars seeking admission. Scores will be considered in review if submitted.","source_url":"https://vermontstate.edu/admission/how-to-apply/undergraduate-application-information/"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"fall 2026 and fall 2027 first-year applicants","changed":null,"city":"Burlington","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"uvm.edu","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Vermont","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"UVM's admissions process is test-optional. Applicants who want to include their ACT and/or SAT scores may self-report their scores on their admissions application.","source_url":"https://www.uvm.edu/admissions/undergraduate/how-apply-first-years","unitid":231174,"url":"/colleges/university-of-vermont"},{"applies_to":"fall 2026 and fall 2027 first-year applicants","changed":"formed in 2023 from the merger of Castleton University, Northern Vermont University (Johnson + Lyndon), and Vermont Technical College","city":"multi-campus (Castleton, Johnson, Lyndon, Randolph Center)","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"vermontstate.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Vermont State University","note":"Page notes certain specific majors/programs do have their own testing requirements, e.g. Accuplacer placement testing for Dental Hygiene, Nursing (A.S. and degree completion), Practical Nursing Certificate, Radiologic Science, and Respiratory Therapy.","policy":"optional","quote":"Scores are optional for most scholars seeking admission. Scores will be considered in review if submitted.","source_url":"https://vermontstate.edu/admission/how-to-apply/undergraduate-application-information/","unitid":231165,"url":"/colleges/vermont-state-university"}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/vermont","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"VA","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 6 Virginia public universities we checked, 5 are test-optional (University of Virginia, George Mason University, James Madison University and 2 more); 1 does not consider scores (Old Dominion University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Virginia","slug":"virginia","state_rule":{"applies_to":"n/a","body":"none \u2014 the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) coordinates and oversees Virginia public higher education but does not mandate an admissions testing policy; each university's board of visitors sets its own","exists":false,"note":"SCHEV's own site (homepage navigation: Academic Affairs Policies and Guidelines, Governing Public Institutions, Restructuring Act, Institutional Performance Standards) has no admissions-testing policy section, consistent with there being no statewide SAT/ACT mandate. Virginia's public universities operate under the Restructuring Act with independent boards of visitors, each setting its own testing policy \u2014 confirmed by the fact that the six universities checked here split between test-optional and test-blind.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":"https://www.schev.edu/"},"summary":"Virginia has no statewide SAT/ACT mandate \u2014 each public university's own board sets its own policy. For fall 2026 and fall 2027 applicants, every major Virginia public university is test-optional except Old Dominion, which is fully test-blind.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"Fall 2026 cycle (page does not explicitly extend the statement to fall 2027)","changed":null,"city":"Charlottesville","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Virginia","note":"Live site blocks automated fetches (403); content confirmed via the Wayback Machine's November 2025 snapshot of UVA's own admissions FAQ page. Page also states: \"If you're applying for admission for Fall 2026, you'll have the choice of sharing or not sharing results from the SAT and ACT.\" Fall 2027 not explicitly named on this page \u2014 see gaps.","policy":"optional","quote":"We are test optional for the Fall 2026 cycle and have no preference between the SAT and ACT.","source_url":"https://admission.virginia.edu/faqs","unitid":234076},{"applies_to":"current freshman application cycle (page not tied to a named term)","changed":null,"city":"Norfolk","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-blind","name":"Old Dominion University","note":"Scores may still be submitted voluntarily for class-placement purposes or for certain endowed scholarships, but are not used in the admission decision. A narrow exception elsewhere on the site lists SAT/ACT as required for some non-standard-pathway applicant categories (e.g. certain homeschool/GED-within-3-years cases); the general freshman policy is test-blind.","policy":"blind","quote":"Old Dominion University does not consider SAT or ACT test scores for undergraduate admission or standard scholarship consideration.","source_url":"https://www.odu.edu/admission/undergraduate","unitid":232982},{"applies_to":"ongoing policy since 2007 (page describes a standing institutional policy, not a specific term)","changed":"test-optional (\"Score Optional\") since 2007 \u2014 not a COVID-era policy","city":"Fairfax","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"George Mason University","note":"NCAA Division I athletic recruits are also covered by the score-optional policy and are not required to present an ACT/SAT score.","policy":"optional","quote":"George Mason was the first public university in the Commonwealth of Virginia to consider students without standardized test scores.","source_url":"https://www.gmu.edu/freshman/requirements/score-optional","unitid":232186},{"applies_to":"current freshman application cycle (page copyright 2026, not tied to a named term)","changed":null,"city":"Harrisonburg","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"James Madison University","note":"Student-athletes who do not want test scores considered may omit them; official scores must arrive electronically by the application deadline if submitted.","policy":"optional","quote":"JMU no longer requires applicants to submit SAT/ACT scores.","source_url":"https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/first-year/index.shtml","unitid":232423},{"applies_to":"current freshman application cycle (page not dated to a specific term)","changed":null,"city":"Richmond","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Virginia Commonwealth University","note":"Honors College guaranteed-admission track requires a 3.5 GPA plus SAT 1330+ (CR+M) or ACT 29+.","policy":"optional","quote":"Applicants (including those seeking scholarships) do not need to submit test scores unless applying to the Honors College guaranteed admissions programs.","source_url":"https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/first-year/first-year-requirements/","unitid":234030},{"applies_to":"fall 2021 through fall 2028 entering first-year classes","changed":"test-optional since fall 2021 (COVID-era policy made permanent through fall 2028)","city":"Blacksburg","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Virginia Tech","note":"Explicitly covers both fall 2026 and fall 2027. Applies to all majors; transfer applicants also not evaluated on ACT/SAT.","policy":"optional","quote":"Virginia Tech remains test-optional for first-year applicants entering through Fall 2028.","source_url":"https://www.vt.edu/admissions/frequently-asked-questions/test-optional.html","unitid":233921}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/virginia","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"WA","answer":"It depends on the campus. Of the 5 Washington public universities we checked, 3 are test-optional (University of Washington, Central Washington University and Western Washington University); 2 do not consider scores (Eastern Washington University and Washington State University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Washington","slug":"washington","state_rule":{"applies_to":"ongoing minimum admission standards for Washington's public baccalaureate institutions (policy document dated August 2022)","body":"Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)","exists":true,"note":"WSAC's statewide minimum admission standards for public four-year colleges are a 2.0 GPA plus completion of the College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs, a set of required high school courses) \u2014 there is no statewide SAT/ACT requirement. Each public university then sets its own testing policy; all five checked here are either test-optional or test-blind, none require scores.","policy":"none","quote":"College admissions decisions are made by individual colleges, and vary depending on the type of college and other factors.","source_url":"https://wsac.wa.gov/college-admissions"},"summary":"Washington has no statewide SAT/ACT requirement \u2014 the state's minimum admission standard (set by the Washington Student Achievement Council) is a 2.0 GPA plus required high school coursework, with no test-score component. Every major Washington public university currently either ignores submitted scores entirely (Washington State, Eastern Washington) or is self-described test-optional (UW, Western, Central), though UW's practice is close to test-blind in effect.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"current freshman application cycle (policy permanent since fall 2021 cycle)","changed":"SAT/ACT requirement permanently removed, announced June 11, 2020, effective for applicants starting fall 2021","city":"Seattle","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Washington","note":"UW explicitly self-labels this \"technically test-optional,\" but its own FAQ says reviewers do not see submitted scores for most applicants (\"you will not be disadvantaged for sending low scores or for not sending scores... reviewers will not see your test scores, if provided\"); exceptionally high scores (SAT 1400+/ACT 31+) may be considered for a handful of applicants. Homeschooled applicants and applicants from schools with non-standard (non-letter/numeric) grading are still required to submit scores.","policy":"optional","quote":"The University of Washington permanently removed the SAT/ACT requirement for incoming students.","source_url":"https://admit.washington.edu/apply/freshman/how-to-apply/test-scores/","unitid":236948},{"applies_to":"current freshman application cycle (page not tied to a specific term)","changed":null,"city":"Cheney","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-blind","name":"Eastern Washington University","note":"Scores are not required for admission or for any automatic scholarships.","policy":"blind","quote":"We do not use test scores for admissions, scholarships, the Honors Program, or class placement.","source_url":"https://www.ewu.edu/apply/freshman/","unitid":235097},{"applies_to":"current freshman application cycle (page not tied to a specific term)","changed":null,"city":"Pullman","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-blind","name":"Washington State University","note":"","policy":"blind","quote":"WSU does not require students to submit SAT/ACT test scores as part of the application process and will not use them in our admission decisions.","source_url":"https://admission.wsu.edu/apply/first-year-students/","unitid":236939},{"applies_to":"current freshman application cycle (page not tied to a specific term)","changed":null,"city":"Ellensburg","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Central Washington University","note":"CWU self-labels \"test-optional\" but its own FAQ only describes submitted scores being used for course/class placement, not for the admission decision itself \u2014 functionally close to test-blind for admission purposes; labeled 'optional' here per the institution's own self-description, with this nuance flagged.","policy":"optional","quote":"While we do not require SAT or ACT scores for admission, you can submit your official SAT or ACT scores to CWU for class placement.","source_url":"https://www.cwu.edu/admissions-aid/apply/undergraduate-admissions.php","unitid":234827},{"applies_to":"current freshman application cycle (page not tied to a specific term)","changed":null,"city":"Bellingham","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Western Washington University","note":"Unlike WSU and EWU, WWU explicitly states submitted scores will be considered if sent \u2014 true test-optional, not test-blind.","policy":"optional","quote":"Western is test-optional. If you have strong scores and want them considered, you can include them in your application.","source_url":"https://admissions.wwu.edu/first-year","unitid":237011}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/washington","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"WV","answer":"No. All 2 West Virginia public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (West Virginia University and Marshall University).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"West Virginia","slug":"west-virginia","state_rule":{"applies_to":"ongoing regular admission standards at WV's public baccalaureate institutions (Title 133, Series 23; effective August 31, 2024, amending a 2015 version)","body":"West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC)","exists":true,"note":"This is one of three alternative regular-admission pathways in HEPC's statewide rule (133 CSR 23, Section 4.1): (a) diploma + 2.0 GPA + ACT 18/SAT 960; (b) high school equivalency + same test scores; or (c) diploma + 2.5 GPA with no test score at all. Universities may also waive the ACT/SAT requirement for applicants who graduated high school more than five years earlier. This sets a statewide floor; individual universities (like WVU) may set a higher GPA bar for their own no-test pathway.","policy":"optional","quote":"If the student does not have an ACT or SAT score, have a high school diploma and a minimum high school GPA of 2.5.","source_url":"https://www.wvhepc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Series-23-Standards-Procedures-for-Undergrad-Admissions-SOS-Final-File-2024-07-31.pdf"},"summary":"West Virginia's Higher Education Policy Commission sets a statewide baseline: students may be admitted to any public university without an ACT or SAT score if they have a high school diploma and at least a 2.5 GPA. Both of the state's major public universities, WVU and Marshall, offer a path to admission without test scores.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"2026-27 academic year (fall 2026 entering first-year class), per the current undergraduate catalog","changed":null,"city":"Morgantown","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"West Virginia University","note":"WVU's 2026-27 catalog lists three admission pathways for residents and nonresidents: (a) diploma + 2.5 GPA + SAT 990/ACT 19 (residents; higher scores for nonresidents); (b) equivalency exam + same test scores; or (c) diploma + 2.5 GPA with no test score, via 'additional criteria.' Home-schooled applicants may apply test-optional; the state PROMISE Scholarship is NOT test-optional and still requires ACT/SAT. Some national news coverage suggested WVU 'reinstated' a hard test-score requirement for 2026 admissions, but this could not be confirmed on WVU's own live admissions pages (blocked, HTTP 403) or in its official current catalog, which instead shows the no-test pathway above \u2014 see gaps.","policy":"optional","quote":"an approved high school diploma, a minimum 2.5 high school GPA, and additional criteria that support academic success in the absence of Standardized Test scores","source_url":"https://catalog.wvu.edu/undergraduate/admission/","unitid":238032},{"applies_to":"2026-2027 undergraduate catalog (fall 2026/fall 2027 entering first-year classes)","changed":null,"city":"Huntington","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"Marshall University","note":"Marshall admits applicants either via GPA 2.00+ with ACT 19/SAT 990, OR via GPA 3.00+ alone with no test score required. Applicants who graduated high school 5+ years ago are not required to submit ACT/SAT except for the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences.","policy":"optional","quote":"an ACT composite score of 19 (or SAT total score of 990) OR an overall grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00","source_url":"https://catalog.marshall.edu/undergraduate/admissions/","unitid":237525}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/west-virginia","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"WI","answer":"No. All 6 Wisconsin public universities we checked are test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required (University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and 3 more).","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Wisconsin","slug":"wisconsin","state_rule":{"applies_to":"first-year applicants through the spring 2028 term (confirmed to cover spring 2027, fall 2027, and spring 2028 explicitly; by extension fall 2026 as well, per UW-Madison's framing of the policy as already in effect)","body":"Universities of Wisconsin (UW System) Board of Regents","domain":"admissions.wisc.edu","exists":true,"note":"This system-wide authorization is described on both UW-Madison's and UW-Milwaukee's own admissions pages. UW-Madison's page states it 'received authorization from the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents to waive the requirement for first-year applicants to submit an ACT or SAT test score... through the spring 2028 term,' and separately confirms the waiver covers 'Spring 2027, Fall 2027, and Spring 2028' applicants, with the Board of Regents not yet having decided on any further extension beyond that. No separate standalone Board of Regents resolution document was located directly on wisconsin.edu; this conclusion rests on the two campus admissions pages both describing the same system-level authorization. CORRECTED: the previously cited quote ('UW System institutions, including UWM, are not requiring applicants...') does not actually appear on the cited admissions.wisc.edu/act_sat_faq/ page -- it is UW-Milwaukee's page text, not UW-Madison's. Replaced with UW-Madison's own verbatim authorization language, confirmed present on admissions.wisc.edu/act_sat_faq/ today.","policy":"optional","quote":"received authorization from the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents to waive the requirement ... through the spring 2028 term","source_url":"https://admissions.wisc.edu/act_sat_faq/"},"summary":"The Universities of Wisconsin System's Board of Regents has authorized every UW campus, including the flagship UW-Madison, to waive the ACT/SAT requirement for first-year applicants through the spring 2028 term \u2014 covering both fall 2026 and fall 2027. UW-Madison does not differ from the rest of the system; all six campuses checked are test-optional.","systems":[{"applies_to":"first-year applicants through spring 2028 (explicitly spring 2027, fall 2027, spring 2028)","name":"Universities of Wisconsin (UW System)","note":"Applies uniformly across the system; UW-Madison does not have a separate or stricter policy than the rest of the UW System campuses checked (Milwaukee, Eau Claire, Oshkosh, Whitewater, La Crosse all independently confirmed test-optional).","policy":"optional","quote":"ACT/SAT scores are optional through the spring 2028 term.","source_url":"https://admissions.wisc.edu/act_sat_faq/"}],"universities":[{"applies_to":"first-year applicants through the spring 2028 term, explicitly including fall 2027","changed":"test-optional since fall 2020/2021 cycle; most recently extended through spring 2028","city":"Madison","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"admissions.wisc.edu","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Wisconsin-Madison","note":"Page explicitly says: 'Students who are applying for admission in Spring 2027, Fall 2027, and Spring 2028 will not be required to submit an ACT or SAT score.' Submitted scores ARE considered if included (not test-blind); ACT/SAT scores are not considered at all for transfer admission, even if submitted. Self-reported scores are not accepted \u2014 official scores only.","policy":"optional","quote":"ACT/SAT scores are optional through the spring 2028 term.","source_url":"https://admissions.wisc.edu/act_sat_faq/","unitid":240444,"url":"/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-madison"},{"applies_to":"current freshman application cycle (page not tied to a specific term)","changed":null,"city":"Oshkosh","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"uwosh.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Wisconsin Oshkosh","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"ACT/SAT scores : optional","source_url":"https://www.uwosh.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/freshmen/","unitid":240365,"url":"/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-oshkosh"},{"applies_to":"current freshman application cycle (page not tied to a specific term)","changed":null,"city":"Eau Claire","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"uwec.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire","note":"Page links to a dedicated 'Test-Optional Application Process FAQs' page for further detail.","policy":"optional","quote":"ACT or SAT scores (optional)","source_url":"https://www.uwec.edu/apply/first-year-student/first-year-application","unitid":240268,"url":"/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-eau-claire"},{"applies_to":"current freshman application cycle (page not tied to a specific term)","changed":null,"city":"La Crosse","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"uwlax.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Wisconsin-La Crosse","note":"Listed as a secondary factor that may strengthen an application; middle-50% submitted-score ranges published (ACT 23-27, SAT 1130-1270) for students who choose to submit.","policy":"optional","quote":"Test Scores (optional)","source_url":"https://www.uwlax.edu/admissions/apply/new-freshman/guidelines/","unitid":240329,"url":"/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-la-crosse"},{"applies_to":"\"this year\" per the page (current freshman application cycle)","changed":null,"city":"Milwaukee","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"uwm.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee","note":"If submitted, ACT/SAT performance is considered as one factor, including relevant sub-scores by intended major.","policy":"optional","quote":"UW System institutions, including UWM, are not requiring applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of the application process this year.","source_url":"https://uwm.edu/undergrad-admission/apply/new-freshman/","unitid":240453,"url":"/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-milwaukee"},{"applies_to":"current freshman application cycle (page not tied to a specific term)","changed":null,"city":"Whitewater","clt_accepted":"unknown","domain":"uww.edu","flagship":false,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Wisconsin-Whitewater","note":"","policy":"optional","quote":"Your ACT/SAT scores (optional)","source_url":"https://www.uww.edu/admissions/apply/freshman-applicant","unitid":240189,"url":"/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-whitewater"}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/wisconsin","verified":"2026-10-08"},{"abbr":"WY","answer":"No. University of Wyoming, the state's public university, is test-optional: a score is considered if sent, but not required.","checked":"2026-10-08","name":"Wyoming","slug":"wyoming","state_rule":{"applies_to":"n/a","body":"none \u2014 the University of Wyoming is governed by its own Board of Trustees; there is no separate statewide higher-education board setting admissions testing policy across multiple four-year institutions, since UW is the state's only public four-year university","exists":false,"note":"Wyoming's other public postsecondary institutions are community colleges (e.g. Casper College, Laramie County Community College), which are out of scope per this research's community-college exclusion.","policy":"none","quote":"","source_url":"https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/freshman/index.html"},"summary":"Wyoming has only one public four-year university, the University of Wyoming. It does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission, though scores can help secure higher merit financial awards if submitted.","systems":[],"universities":[{"applies_to":"current freshman application cycle (page not tied to a specific term)","changed":null,"city":"Laramie","clt_accepted":"unknown","flagship":true,"label":"Test-optional","name":"University of Wyoming","note":"UW recommends submitting ACT/SAT scores primarily for merit scholarship consideration, not for the admission decision itself.","policy":"optional","quote":"Test scores are not required for admission, but they can help secure higher financial awards.","source_url":"https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/freshman/index.html","unitid":240727}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy/wyoming","verified":"2026-10-08"}],"url":"https://highschoolreach.com/test-policy"}