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Test-Optional Colleges 2025/26: A Complete List and Tips for Your SAT/ACT Strategy
2025-03-03•18 minute read
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Test-Optional Colleges
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Curious about test-optional colleges for 2025-26? This guide provides an up-to-date list of colleges that don’t require SAT/ACT scores and spotlights the highest ranking test-optional universities and liberal arts colleges in the US. Plus, expert tips for how to navigate admissions to test-optional and test-free colleges so you keep your college journey on course!
According to FairTest’s website, more than 2,000 four–year institutions are currently test optional, and an additional 85 institutions are test free.
But, before you get too excited about taking a pass altogether on standardized tests, keep in mind that a good number of some of the most sought-after US colleges and universities do require test scores for admissions — and so before skipping the test, you really need to think first about where you most want to apply!
Test Optional vs. Test Free
Test-Optional Colleges: You can elect to submit your SAT or ACT scores, but they are not required. Submitted scores will be considered as part of their application in line with the school's admissions policy and processes.
Test-Free (Test-Blind) Colleges: No need to submit scores ever for admissions as standardized tests play no role in admissions decisions.
It’s important to keep in mind that some leading institutions continue to require test scores for admissions, including some Ivy League schools that recently reinstated testing requirements. So you'll want to think carefully about where you're applying and find out if any of your prospective schools are on the list of schools requiring test scores.
That said, you'll find three Ivy League schools and several other top-ranking US universities continue to offer test-optional admissions!
All of this shifting test-policy terrain makes it hard to keep tabs on which schools are currently test optional.
Keep reading to find out which schools are currently test-optional, with a spotlight on top-ranking universities and liberal arts colleges, followed by a complete list of schools.
In addition, we’ll also highlight recent shifts and trends in test policy at high-profile institutions, and provide some crucial tips for your test-taking decision making.
Top-Ranking Test-Optional Colleges in 2025-26
Test-Optional Universities (15 Highest Ranking)*
| School | Ranking (US News & World Report) |
|---|---|
| Princeton | 1 |
| Duke | 6 (tie) |
| Northwestern | 6 (tie) |
| University of Chicago | 11 |
| Columbia | 13 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 15 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 17 |
| Rice | 18 (tie) |
| Vanderbilt | 18 (tie) |
| University of Notre Dame | 18 (tie) |
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | 21 |
| Emory University | 24 |
| University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill | 27 (tie) |
| University of Southern California | 27 (tie) |
* Important Note: Testing policies change frequently. Always double-check the most up-to-date information on each college's official website before applying.
Test-Optional Liberal Arts Colleges (10 Highest Ranking)*
| School | Ranking (US News & World Report) |
|---|---|
| Williams College | 1 |
| Amherst | 2 |
| Swarthmore | 3 |
| Bowdoin | 5 (tie) |
| Pomona | 5 (tie) |
| Wellesley | 7 |
| Carleton | 8 (tie) |
| Claremont McKenna | 8 (tie) |
| Harvey Mudd | 12 (tie) |
| Vassar | 12 (tie) |
* Important Note: Testing policies change frequently. Always double-check the most up-to-date information on each college's official website before applying.
Recent Notable Changes
1. Colleges That Recently Reinstated Testing
- Dartmouth
- Yale
- Brown
- Harvard
- Caltech
- University of Texas at Austin
2. Colleges Phasing Out Test-Optional Admissions (Goes in Effect Class of 2030)
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Stanford
- UPenn
- Cornell
3. States and State University Systems With Test-Optional or Test-Free Admissions
California: California is the only state with a state-imposed ban on testing requirements for their state institutions:
- University of California campuses have been test-free since 2021
- California State Universities have been test-free since 2022
Washington state: In 2021, leaders across all 4-year public universities in Washington state moved to adopt permanent test-optional admissions policies.
Colorado: In 2021, Colorado lawmakers gave universities leeway to require or not require test scores, and at that time all public four-year institutions in the state declared test-optional admissions policies.
Michigan: Four-year universities in Michigan are, for now at least, test optional.
Montana: In 2021, all state universities in Montana adopted test-optional admissions policies.
Test-Optional Universities and Colleges: Complete List
Below you'll find 100 of the most prominent US universities and colleges that are test-optional in 2025-26.
Important Note: Testing policies change frequently. Always double-check the most up-to-date information on each college's official website before applying.
- American University
- Amherst College
- Arizona State University
- Art Center College of Design
- Babson College
- Bard College
- Bates College
- Bennington College
- Boston College
- Boston University
- Bowdoin College
- Brandeis University
- Brigham Young University
- California State University
- Carleton College
- Case Western Reserve University
- Claremont McKenna College
- Clemson University
- Colby College
- Colgate University
- Colorado College
- Colorado School of Mines
- Columbia University
- Davidson College
- Drexel University
- Duke University
- Eastern Washington University
- Emory University
- Grinnell College
- Hamilton College
- Hampshire College
- Harvey Mudd College
- Haverford College
- Kenyon College
- Lehigh University
- Lewis & Clark College
- Macalester College
- Miami University (Ohio)
- Middlebury College
- Michigan State University
- New York University
- North Carolina State University
- Northeastern University
- Northwestern University
- Oberlin College
- Ohio State University
- Pepperdine University
- Pitzer College
- Pomona College
- Princeton University
- Reed College
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Rice University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Rutgers University
- Santa Clara University
- Scripps College
- Seattle University
- Skidmore College
- Smith College
- State University of New York (SUNY)
- Swarthmore College
- Texas A&M University
- The College of Wooster
- The Cooper Union
- Trinity University
- Tufts University
- Tulane University
- University of California
- University of Chicago
- University of Connecticut
- University of Illinois
- University of Maine
- University of Maryland
- University of Massachusetts
- University of Miami
- University of Michigan
- University of Minnesota
- University of North Carolina
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Oregon
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Richmond
- University of San Francisco
- University of Southern California
- University of the Pacific
- University of Vermont
- University of Virginia
- University of Washington
- University of Wisconsin
- Vanderbilt University
- Vassar College
- Villanova University
- Virginia Tech
- Wake Forest University
- Wellesley College
- Wesleyan University
- Williams College
- William & Mary
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Tips for Applying to Test-Optional and Test-Free Schools
If a school is test optional, you're not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, you may do so if you choose. Typically, under a test-optional policy, admissions officers will review your scores if you submit them.
“If you think your scores are an accurate representation of your ability, then you should feel free to submit them. If you feel they do not adequately represent your skill set, then don’t submit them.”
- Grinnell College "To Submit or Not Submit”
Whether or not you choose to submit a test score, you should expect that admissions officers will look closely at all key academic metrics, like your high school course subjects and the academic rigor of your courses, the grades you earned in core academic courses, and your overall GPA.
Other application components will also be important, such as your extracurricular activities, personal essays, and recommendation letters.
Test-Optional Admissions: FAQs
What is the difference between a test-optional and test-free (test-blind) admissions policy?
Test-optional schools don’t require SAT/ACT scores, but you can submit them and schools will consider them along with other components of your application. How schools evaluate them can vary.
Test-free (test-blind) schools do not consider or even review SAT/ACT scores, even if submitted, meaning test scores are not allowed to influence the admissions process.
Should I take the SAT or ACT, or not?
Take the test if:
- You're applying to test-required schools, or to test-optional schools where strong scores can boost your application.
- Your practice test scores suggest you can achieve a competitive result.
Should I submit standardized test scores to a test-optional college?
👍It might be best to submit scores if…
- Your score enhances weaker parts of your application (e.g., lower GPA)
- Your score falls at or above the middle 50% range of admitted students for your target schools
- You're applying to test-optional merit scholarships that consider SAT/ACT scores
👎It might be best to withhold scores if…
- Your score is below the middle 50% range and might weaken your application
- Your application is already strong, and test scores wouldn’t add value
- You’re clear that the school is truly test-optional (no hidden advantages for submitting)
Will I be at a disadvantage if I don’t submit my scores to a test-optional school?
It’s very hard to know for sure how submitting or not submitting scores to a test optional school will affect the outcome of your application.
As a general rule, the best guidance might be: for test-optional schools, decide whether your scores enhance your application before submitting them. If applying to a test-free school, focus on strengthening other aspects of your application (GPA, essays, extracurriculars).
How do I know if my SAT/ACT score will rank well compared to other applicants to a specific school?
Check the admissions pages on the school’s website for information about their applicants. Many schools will report percentile scores of their applicant pool, alongside other general admissions information for prospective students.
You can also look for this information by checking the school’s Common Data Set (CDS).
Recent-year CDS reports are often accessible with a Google search and viewable online. CDS reports typically provide applicant-pool profile information, including information about percentile scores and also the percentage of applicants who opted to submit their SAT or ACT scores.
If I’m planning to take the SAT or ACT, how high of a score should I aim for?
A good guideline to start with is aiming for a score at or above the 50th percentile (median score) for your reach schools.
For your target schools, you can aim higher by trying to achieve a score at or above the 75th percentile.
To stand out at a highly selective school, scoring above the 75th percentile is a great goal that can help increase your chances of being a top applicant.
Additional Resources
Creating Your Ideal University List: Safety, Target, and Reach Schools
Final Thoughts
Navigating the college search and application process is a pivotal challenge for high schoolers, and testing is one more hurdle.
Some good news is that you can find many excellent schools with test-optional policies. However, many students gain some advantage for admission by achieving and submitting the best test scores possible, especially when a school is highly sought after and admissions is very competitive.
You may also find some of your top-choice schools require test scores, making it a good strategy for students planning to apply to several high-ranking schools to prepare ahead by taking practice tests and finding other ways to achieve as high a score as possible on either the SAT or ACT.
To find out more about how you can navigate your college journey with less stress, less guesswork, and greater confidence, sign up here for a free feedback session with a friendly Crimson Education admissions expert.
Your session is a great opportunity to tell us about your challenges and interests and get insights for your best next steps, or learn more about our flexible services and personalized approach.
Remember, students working with Crimson are 7x more likely to gain admission to their top-choice schools! So why not get started today!
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About the Author
Keith Nickolaus
Keith Nickolaus is a former educator with a passion for languages, literature, and lifelong learning. After obtaining a B.A. from UC Santa Cruz and exploring university life in Paris, Keith earned his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley, and then worked for 16 years in K12 education before setting up shop as a freelance writer.
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