Test-Optional Colleges in 2026

Over 1,800 US universities no longer require SAT or ACT scores. Find the best test-optional schools for your profile.

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What Does Test-Optional Mean?

Test-optional means you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application. If your scores strengthen your application, submit them. If not, the school will evaluate you based on GPA, essays, extracurriculars, and other factors.

Should I Go Test-Optional?

Consider going test-optional if:

Consider submitting scores if they are at or above the school's 50th percentile.

How Admit Coach Helps

Admit Coach identifies test-optional schools in our 3,500+ university database and adjusts your admission chance estimates based on whether you choose to submit scores. Enter your profile — with or without test scores — to see personalized recommendations.

Top Categories of Test-Optional Schools

Ivy League

Harvard, Columbia, and others extended test-optional policies. Holistic review weighs GPA, essays, and ECs more heavily.

Liberal Arts Colleges

Many top liberal arts colleges — Bowdoin, Bates, Wesleyan — have been test-optional for years.

Public Universities

Large state systems like the UC system, Oregon, and Colorado are test-free or test-optional.

STEM Schools

Even some engineering-focused schools now offer test-optional admission, though scores can strengthen STEM applications.

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