California Colleges That Do Not Require SAT or ACT Scores
The UC and CSU systems made test-free the default, and many California privates stayed test-optional. This list is California campuses whose recorded policy is test-optional, test-blind, test-free, or test-flexible — use
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By Admit Coach editorial · GPTKIDS LLC ·
Methodology · Updated August 2026
The UC and CSU systems made test-free the default, and many California privates stayed test-optional. This list is California campuses whose recorded policy is test-optional, test-blind, test-free, or test-flexible — useful when you want an in-state list that does not punish a missing SAT.
California colleges with a non-required testing policy
Click any school for its profile and a free admission-chance estimate.
| University | Location | Acceptance Rate |
|---|
| University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | 12% |
| University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | 9% |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | 10% |
| Pitzer College | Claremont, CA | 17% |
| California State University-San Bernardino | San Bernardino, CA | 98% |
| California State University-Stanislaus | Turlock, CA | 98% |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 60% |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | Pomona, CA | 74% |
| California State University-Chico | Chico, CA | 94% |
| California Baptist University | Riverside, CA | 74% |
| Art Center College of Design | Pasadena, CA | 75% |
| California State University-Long Beach | Long Beach, CA | 47% |
| California State University-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | 92% |
| California State University-Northridge | Northridge, CA | 93% |
| California State University-Sacramento | Sacramento, CA | 94% |
| University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | 42% |
| University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | 26% |
| California State University-Dominguez Hills | Carson, CA | 91% |
| University of California-Riverside | Riverside, CA | 63% |
| California State University-Fresno | Fresno, CA | 96% |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 89% |
| California State University-Fullerton | Fullerton, CA | 87% |
| University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | 24% |
| California State University-East Bay | Hayward, CA | 97% |
Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UC schools require the SAT in 2026?
The University of California system has been test-free: SAT and ACT scores are not used for admission. Confirm the current cycle on the campus site; Admit Coach stores the recorded federal/policy field per school.
Are California private colleges test-optional?
Many are, including a mix of highly selective and moderately selective campuses. Always read the current cycle rule; a few have reinstated requirements.
If California is test-free, why take the SAT at all?
Out-of-state publics, some privates, and certain scholarships still use scores. Take the test if those schools are on your list.
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