List of SAT/ACT Optional Colleges Grows to 231

The number of four-year colleges which do not require applicants to submit test scores has reached an all-time high. At least 231 four-year schools do not require undergraduate admissions applicants to submit scores from either the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT-I) or American College Testing Program (ACT) Assessment, a substantial increase since last year.

The test-score optional list now includes large state universities such as Ohio State University and the Oregon State University System, historically Black campuses Gambling and Tougaloo, and many nationally competitive smaller schools including Bates, Bowdoin, Hampshire and Susquehanna.

The rapid growth of test-score optional programs at all types of schools is further evidence that no college needs to require the SAT or ACT. No school that has dropped its test requirement has ever restored it. An applicant's high school record tells them much more than any test can.

The movement to end reliance on test scores gained added momentum this year as three more very competitive schools announced SAT-optional policies. Dickinson and Lafayette, both in Pennsylvania, as well as Connecticut College, all issued strong statements explaining why they eliminated their admissions testing requirements (see Examiner, Winter 1994-95).

To encourage other colleges to review their test score policies, FairTest will lead a workshop featuring admissions directors from test score-optional schools at this September's National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) conference in Boston.

Click here for a list of colleges which do not require admissions tests, or send a stamped, self- addressed envelope to Test Score Optional at FairTest.