Best Universities in the US Where SAT/ACT is not Required
There are many good and famous universities in the US where SAT or ACT test is not required for admission. This is great news for international students who do not want to take these tests. Many universities introduced these rules because of the coronavirus, and some have extended them temporarily (for example, until 2025 or 2026). But some have now made them permanent. Therefore, you should always check each university's website for the most up-to-date information, as these rules can change.
There are two types of policies:
- Test-Optional: Here you can send SAT or ACT scores or not. If your scores are very good, then send them, otherwise it is okay. The university will look more at your other records (such as your school grades, your subjects, and your other activities).
- Test-Blind: These are the universities that do not see your SAT or ACT scores at all. Even if you send them, they will not include them in your application.
Also Check: DAAD Scholarship Program 2026
Top Universities in the US with SAT/ACT Test-Optional or Test-Blind Policies
Here are some popular universities that generally admit without the SAT/ACT or are test-optional. Remember, these universities are very competitive, and not taking the test does not mean that admission will be easy, but your school grades and other activities must be very good.
Top-Ranked Universities (Many of Which Are Very Famous and Good):
University of California System (UC System)
All universities in this system are test-blind. That is, they will not look at your SAT or ACT scores at all. Among them are:
- UC Berkeley
- UCLA
- UC San Diego
- and other universities in this system. These universities are very famous for science, engineering, and humanities.
University of Chicago
This is a large research university and is test-optional.
Columbia University
This is a very high-ranking university and is test-optional until 2024-2025.
Cornell University
This is also a top university and is test-optional for 2024.
Princeton University
One of the best universities in America and will be test-optional until 2025.
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
This is also a large university and is test-optional until 2024-2025.
Duke University
This is a very good university and was test-optional until 2023-2024.
Johns Hopkins University
This is test-optional until 2026. Especially known for medicine and research.
New York University (NYU)
A large and well-known university in New York that is test-optional.
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Will remain test-optional until 2025.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
It is test-optional until 2027.
Also Check: How to Prepare for SAT and ACT Exams to Get More Scores
Other Good Universities That Are Test-Optional:
- Boston University
- George Washington University
- Purdue University (for some programs)
- Rutgers University
- University of Arizona
- University of Washington
- Ohio State University
What Does It Mean to Apply Without the SAT/ACT?
If you do not take the SAT/ACT, the university will look more closely at other parts of your application:
Excellent Academic Record:
Your school grades (GPA) should be very good, and you have taken challenging courses.
Good Essays:
Your personal statement and other written materials should be excellent, showing your personality, thinking, and achievements.
Letters of Recommendation:
Good and positive letters of recommendation from your teachers or counselors.
Extracurricular Activities:
What extracurricular activities did you participate in during school (such as sports, clubs, social work, odd jobs) and how well did you perform in them?
Interview (If Applicable):
If the university conducts an interview, show your best ability in it.
Also Check: How to Get Admission into Ivy League Universities
Special Note:
Recently, some very large universities such as Harvard, Yale, Brown, Dartmouth, and Caltech have re-required the SAT/ACT or plan to re-require them soon. Therefore, always check the most up-to-date policy on the university's admissions website before applying.