In the past few years, a notable change has occurred in how prestigious universities in the United States approach their admissions policies. These universities have started to question the significance of standardized test scores, particularly the SAT, and as a result, many have implemented test-optional policies.
This shift in admissions policies signifies a departure from the conventional emphasis placed solely on test performance. Instead, universities are adopting a more holistic evaluation approach, considering many factors when assessing prospective students. These factors include high school records, recommendation letters, and essays. Let us explore the top 20 schools offering an SAT waiver.
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a prestigious institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Known for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life, Penn offers students a wide range of programs and opportunities. One notable aspect of the university is its test-optional policy. As an applicant for the 2023 admissions cycle, you can submit your SAT scores or not. This policy was introduced in 2022 and has continued in 2023, ensuring that you will not be penalized if you decide not to submit your SAT results. The university recognizes that multiple factors contribute to a student's potential, and the emphasis will be placed on other components of your application, such as your high school records, recommendation letters, and essays. The University of Pennsylvania aims to create a more inclusive and holistic admissions process by implementing this test-optional policy.
Yale University
Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, is renowned for its academic excellence and strong emphasis on intellectual exploration. Like the University of Pennsylvania, Yale has adopted a test-optional policy for the 2023 admissions cycle. As an applicant starting in the fall of 2024, you can choose whether to submit your SAT scores. While the university encourages students who have completed the SAT exam to submit their results, it is not a requirement. Instead, other components of your application, such as your high school records, recommendation letters, and essays, will receive greater attention. Yale recognizes that standardized test scores cannot solely determine a student's potential and seeks to evaluate applicants through a comprehensive review process.
Cornell University
Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, is a prestigious institution known for its diverse academic programs and research opportunities. In the admissions process for 2023 and 2024, Cornell has extended its suspension of SAT scores, meaning that they are not required for admission. However, it's important to note that certain colleges within Cornell University may still review SAT scores if you choose to submit them. These colleges include the College of Arts & Sciences, Engineering, Human Ecology, Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. This selective approach allows applicants to present their SAT scores if they believe it strengthens their application. However, for other colleges within Cornell, the focus will be on other aspects, such as your high school records, recommendation letters, and essays.
George Washington University
George Washington University, located in Washington, D.C., offers its students a dynamic and diverse academic environment. For the 2023 admissions cycle, the university does not require you to submit your SAT scores. While you may choose to submit standardized test scores, there are no minimum SAT score requirements. However, it's important to note that certain categories of students, such as those applying for specific scholarships or programs, may still be required to submit their SAT scores. As an international student, you must also meet Penn State's English language proficiency criteria by taking the required English proficiency language test. Overall, George Washington University aims to create an inclusive admissions process that focuses on a holistic evaluation of applicants.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University, located in East Lansing, Michigan, is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to research. For international students applying to Michigan State University, SAT scores are not required for admission. However, choose not to submit your SAT scores. You must provide the results of an English proficiency test, as English proficiency is essential for successful academic performance at the university. As an applicant, you have the flexibility to decide whether you want your SAT or ACT exam scores to be part of the evaluation of your application. Michigan State University recognizes that standardized test scores may not fully represent a student's abilities and places importance on other factors during the admissions process.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a renowned institution located in Madison, Wisconsin. As one of the top SAT-waiving universities through the spring of 2025, the university has implemented a test-optional policy for the current admissions cycle. This means that students applying for admission to the University of Wisconsin-Madison will be evaluated based on criteria other than their SAT scores. The university takes a holistic approach to the admissions process, reviewing factors such as essays, letters of recommendation, and other materials to assess an applicant's potential. The University of Wisconsin-Madison values a comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond standardized test scores to consider each applicant's unique qualities and experiences.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University, located in Baltimore, Maryland, has decided to remain test optional for fall 2023 to fall 2026 admissions cycles. Sharing your SAT, ACT, AP, IB, English language proficiency exams, or any other test scores with the university administration is optional. However, applicants whose first language is not English should take the TOEFL or IELTS English exams to demonstrate English language proficiency. Johns Hopkins University recognizes the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and aims to provide flexibility in the admissions process, considering a wide range of factors to evaluate an applicant's potential.
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University, commonly known as Penn State, offers diverse academic programs across its campuses. For the fall 2023 admissions cycle, Penn State gives applicants the choice of whether or not to submit their SAT scores. The admissions process will not be disadvantaged if you choose not to submit your SAT scores. However, as an international student, you must satisfy Penn State's English language proficiency criteria by taking the required English proficiency language test. This ensures that international students have the necessary language skills for successful academic performance at the university. Penn State values a holistic evaluation of applicants, considering various factors beyond standardized test scores.
Boston University
Boston University, located in Boston, Massachusetts, has implemented a test-optional policy for first-year students starting in the fall of 2023. This policy applies to all undergraduate schools, colleges, and scholarship programs at the university. While applicants don't need to submit their SAT scores, international students whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to evaluate their English language proficiency. Boston University aims to create an inclusive admissions process that considers applicants' diverse talents and strengths, focusing on a holistic review of their achievements and potential.
Northwestern University
Northwestern University, located in Evanston, Illinois, has adopted a test-optional policy for the 2023 admissions cycle. As an applicant, you can submit your SAT scores or not, and your application will be evaluated through a holistic review process. Northwestern University values a comprehensive assessment of applicants, considering factors beyond standardized test scores to evaluate their potential for academic success and contributions to the university community.
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) has suspended the SAT requirement for the 2023 admissions cycle. Applicants will not be penalized for not submitting SAT scores, and their applications will be evaluated based on other factors. UCSD takes a holistic approach to the admissions process, considering various aspects such as high school records, recommendation letters, essays, and extracurricular involvement. The university recognizes that standardized test scores cannot solely determine academic potential and seeks to create an inclusive admissions process that values applicants' overall achievements and potential.
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin, often called UT Austin, has implemented a test-optional policy for the 2023 admissions cycle. Applicants can decide whether or not to submit their SAT scores, and their applications will be reviewed holistically. UT Austin values a comprehensive evaluation of applicants, considering factors such as high school records, recommendation letters, essays, and extracurricular involvement to assess their potential. The university recognizes that standardized tests may not fully reflect a student's abilities and aims to create an inclusive admissions process that considers applicants' diverse talents and strengths.
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia (UVA) has waived the SAT requirement for the 2023 admissions cycle. While applicants can submit their scores, it is not mandatory, and their applications will be assessed based on other criteria. UVA values a holistic review process, considering high school records, recommendation letters, essays, and extracurricular involvement to evaluate an applicant's potential. The university recognizes multiple dimensions to a student's achievements and seeks to create an inclusive admissions process beyond standardized test scores.
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, has adopted a test-optional policy for the 2023 admissions cycle. Applicants can choose whether or not to submit their SAT scores, and their applications will be evaluated based on a holistic review process. Vanderbilt University values a comprehensive assessment of applicants, considering factors such as high school records, recommendation letters, essays, and extracurricular involvement to assess their potential. The university recognizes that standardized test scores are not the sole determinant of an applicant's abilities and seeks to create an inclusive admissions process that considers each applicant's unique talents and strengths.
University of Southern California (USC)
The University of Southern California (USC), located in Los Angeles, California, has suspended the SAT requirement for the 2023 admissions cycle. Applicants will not be required to submit SAT scores; their applications will be evaluated based on other factors. USC takes a holistic approach to the admissions process, considering various aspects such as high school records, recommendation letters, essays, and extracurricular involvement. The university recognizes that academic potential extends beyond standardized test scores and seeks to create an inclusive admissions process that values applicants' overall achievements and potential.
Rice University
In Houston, Texas, Rice University has implemented a test-optional policy for the 2023 admissions cycle. While applicants can choose to submit their SAT scores, it is not mandatory, and their applications will be reviewed holistically. Rice University values a comprehensive evaluation of applicants, considering factors such as high school records, recommendation letters, essays, and extracurricular involvement to assess their potential. The university recognizes that standardized test scores may not fully capture a student's abilities and aims to create an inclusive admissions process that values applicants' diverse talents and strengths.
University of California, Irvine (UCI)
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) has waived the SAT requirement for the 2023 admissions cycle. Applicants are not required to submit SAT scores; their applications will be evaluated based on other factors. UCI takes a holistic approach to the admissions process, considering various aspects such as high school records, recommendation letters, essays, and extracurricular involvement. The university recognizes that academic potential extends beyond standardized test scores and seeks to create an inclusive admissions process that values applicants' overall achievements and potential.
Emory University
Emory University, located in Atlanta, Georgia, has adopted a test-optional policy for the 2023 admissions cycle. Applicants can submit their SAT scores, but it is not mandatory, and their applications will be evaluated based on a holistic review process. Emory University values a comprehensive assessment of applicants, considering factors such as high school records, recommendation letters, essays, and extracurricular involvement to assess their potential. The university recognizes that standardized test scores are not the sole indicator of an applicant's abilities and aims to create an inclusive admissions process that considers each applicant's diverse talents and strengths.
|
Talk to an ExpertUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, often called UNC, has suspended the SAT requirement for the 2023 admissions cycle. Applicants will not be penalized for not submitting SAT scores, and their applications will be evaluated based on other factors. UNC takes a holistic approach to the admissions process, considering various aspects such as high school records, recommendation letters, essays, and extracurricular involvement. The university recognizes that standardized test scores cannot solely determine academic potential and aims to create an inclusive admissions process that values applicants' overall achievements and potential.
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) has suspended the SAT requirement for the 2023 admissions cycle. Applicants will not be required to submit SAT scores; their applications will be evaluated based on other factors. UCSB takes a holistic approach to the admissions process, considering various aspects such as high school records, recommendation letters, essays, and extracurricular involvement. The university recognizes that academic potential extends beyond standardized test scores and seeks to create an inclusive admissions process that values applicants' overall achievements and potential. UCSB strives to assess applicants based on their unique talents, experiences, and contributions to the community.
