If you're wondering whether you can get into college without taking the SAT or ACT, the short answer is yes. The college admissions landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, and standardized test scores are no longer the barrier they once were. According to FairTest, the National Center for Fair & Open Testing, more than 80% of U.S. four-year colleges and universities will not require applicants for fall 2025 admissions to submit test scores.
For many students and families, the question has shifted from "Do I need to take these tests?" to "What does my application look like without them?" Understanding your options helps you make informed decisions about your college journey, one that honors who your student is as a whole person, not just a test score.
Colleges now use different approaches to standardized testing. Knowing the difference helps you plan your application strategy and reduces unnecessary stress during an already complex process.
At test-optional schools, you decide whether to submit your SAT or ACT scores. If you choose to send them, admissions officers will review them as part of your application. If you don't, your application won't be penalized. Schools like Princeton, Vanderbilt, and Carnegie Mellon continue to offer test-optional admissions for 2025.
What matters most here is choice. Your family can decide what showcases your student's strengths most effectively.
Test-free schools don't consider standardized test scores at all, even if you submit them. California leads the way in understanding test-optional versus test-blind policies. The entire University of California system and California State University system are permanently test-blind, meaning your SAT or ACT scores play no role in admissions decisions.
Some schools still require test scores. Several Ivy League institutions returned to test-required policies for 2025, so always check each school's current requirements on their official admissions website before you apply.
When you don't submit test scores, other parts of your application carry more weight. Colleges still want to understand who your student is, both academically and personally. The whole picture matters, and that's actually good news for families seeking a more holistic evaluation.
Your high school grades and course rigor matter most. Admissions officers look at your transcript to see the classes you took, the grades you earned, and whether you challenged yourself with honors, AP, or IB courses. Consistency and growth in your academic performance tell a meaningful story about resilience and capability.
Students who might have struggled early on but showed improvement demonstrate something colleges value deeply: the ability to grow through challenge.
Without test scores, your personal essays become even more important. Your writing reveals your voice, values, and perspective. Colleges want to understand what motivates you, how you think, and what you'll bring to their campus community. Strong college essay support can help students learn to tell their stories authentically.
Writing about college essay topics that stand out means being genuinely yourself on the page, not trying to become who you think admissions officers want to see.
Teachers and counselors who know you well can speak to your character, work ethic, and potential. Strong recommendations provide context for your achievements and help admissions officers see beyond your grades. When test scores aren't part of the equation, what people who've taught and guided you have to say becomes even more valuable.
Your activities outside the classroom show what you care about. Colleges value depth over breadth, so meaningful involvement in a few areas often matters more than minimal participation in many activities. Authentic engagement in what truly interests you reveals more than a resume padded with activities chosen solely for college applications.
Many students have valid reasons for not submitting test scores. Test anxiety, limited access to testing centers, financial constraints, or learning differences can all impact testing. Test-optional policies recognize that standardized tests don't capture every student's potential or worth.
Having the option to apply test-optional doesn't always mean you should skip the tests entirely. Consider your individual situation thoughtfully.
If your test scores fall above the 50th percentile for admitted students at a particular college, submitting them can strengthen your application. Check each school's common data set or admissions statistics to see their middle 50% score ranges. Scores at or above the 75th percentile are generally worth submitting.
If your scores are below the school's typical range, you're usually better off applying without them. Let your grades, essays, and other achievements speak for themselves. Your strengths likely shine brighter elsewhere.
Some students find that focused test preparation helps them achieve scores they feel confident submitting. If you're unsure which test is right for your student, exploring both options can help you make an informed decision. Others realize their strengths lie elsewhere and build applications that highlight different qualities. Both paths can lead to college acceptance at schools where your student will thrive.
Applying without test scores requires thoughtful preparation. Here's how to make your application compelling while staying true to who your student really is.
Keep your grades strong, especially in core academic subjects. If you struggled in earlier years, an upward trend shows growth and resilience. Colleges appreciate students who rise to challenges rather than students who've had an easy path from the start.
Sometimes students benefit from tutoring support to strengthen their understanding in specific subjects. When grades improve because of genuine learning (not just grade-chasing), that growth shows in both transcripts and recommendation letters.
Your essays offer a chance to share experiences and insights that transcripts can't capture. Write honestly about what matters to you. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, and authentic voices stand out. Trying to sound impressive usually backfires. Sounding like yourself always works better.
Working with someone who understands the college process can help, whether through your school counselor, teachers, or services that provide guidance on crafting authentic applications. Thoughtful support makes a difference, especially during what can feel like an overwhelming time for families.
Applying to college involves tracking deadlines, requirements, and materials for multiple schools. Students who've developed strong organizational abilities handle this process with less stress. For many students, executive function skills matter more than intelligence when it comes to managing complex, multi-step processes like college applications.
Every student learns differently, and application preparation is no exception. Some students thrive with intensive one-on-one support, while others do better in collaborative environments. Understanding which tutoring format works best for your child can help you make decisions about support that actually fits your family's needs.
Understanding which schools offer test-optional admissions helps you build your college list strategically. Notable schools maintaining test-optional policies through at least fall 2025 include:
Policies can shift year to year, so always verify current requirements on each college's official admissions website. What's true for one application cycle might change for the next.
Once you've submitted your test-optional application, the waiting begins. Admissions offices review applications holistically, considering everything you've shared. Without test scores, they spend more time with your essays, transcript, and recommendations.
Most students who applied test-optional report feeling relieved. Rather than worrying about a single Saturday morning test score defining their worth, they got to showcase their actual abilities, growth, and character. That's how college admissions should work.
College admissions can feel like a high-stakes game with constantly changing rules. But here's what hasn't changed: colleges want students who will contribute to their communities, grow intellectually, and make the most of opportunities. Test scores are just one way (and an imperfect way) to assess potential.
Your student has more paths to college than ever before. Whether they choose to submit test scores or apply without them, what matters most is finding schools where they'll be challenged, supported, and able to grow into who they're meant to become.
At LifeWorks, we help students and families navigate the college process with support that goes beyond test prep and essay editing. We work alongside young people as they build confidence, develop their voices, and prepare for the next chapter. If you're looking for guidance that honors your student as a whole person, get in touch with us to learn how we can help.
Can I get into a good college without SAT or ACT scores?
Yes, you can. Many highly selective colleges, including Princeton, Stanford, and Columbia, are test-optional. Strong grades, compelling essays, and meaningful extracurricular involvement make you competitive at top schools without test scores.
Will not submitting test scores hurt my chances?
No, test-optional policies mean colleges won't penalize you for not submitting scores. However, the rest of your application needs to be strong since grades, essays, and recommendations carry more weight without test scores.
Do test-optional schools really not care about test scores?
Test-optional schools genuinely accept applications without scores. Many have seen no difference in college success between students admitted with and without test scores, confirming that standardized tests don't predict success for every student.
Should I take the SAT or ACT even if schools don't require it?
That depends on your individual situation. Some students perform well on standardized tests and benefit from submitting scores, while others find their time better spent on other application aspects. Consider what plays to your strengths.
How do I know which colleges are test-optional for my application year?
College testing policies can change year to year. Always check admissions requirements on each college's official website, and verify directly with schools before applying rather than relying solely on third-party lists.
What if I already took the SAT or ACT and didn't score well?
You're not required to submit scores just because you took the tests. If your scores don't reflect your academic abilities, apply test-optional and let your grades, essays, and other strengths tell your story instead.
