Test-Required: you guessed it… the college requires that you submit your test scores
Test-Optional: you decide whether to submit your test scores
Test-Free (or Test-Blind): the institution does not use test scores as part of admissions decisions and does not want you to submit scores
Test-Required Schools (list updated 05/2023):
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
University of Florida and Florida State University (all schools in the state university system of Florida)
University of Georgia
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Gallaudet University
United States Naval Academy
United States Military Academy at West Point
United States Airforce Academy
Fisk University
Tougaloo College
Test-Optional Schools
Over 1,700 four year colleges and universities
Test-Free Schools (list updated 05/2023):
All 10 University of California Schools
All 23 California State University Schools
University of San Diego
The shift towards test-optional or test-free policies, and the increased emphasis on holistic evaluation, reflects a growing recognition that academic potential can be assessed through a broader lens. As the landscape continues to evolve, it is important for students, parents, and educators to stay informed about the evolving admissions policies of various institutions, ensuring that they make informed decisions throughout the college application process.