New York Colleges That Do Not Require the SAT or ACT
New York's mix of CUNY, SUNY, and private colleges produced one of the largest test-optional markets in the country. This page keeps New York campuses with a recorded optional, flexible, free, or blind testing policy so
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By Admit Coach editorial · GPTKIDS LLC ·
Methodology · Updated August 2026
New York's mix of CUNY, SUNY, and private colleges produced one of the largest test-optional markets in the country. This page keeps New York campuses with a recorded optional, flexible, free, or blind testing policy so NYC and upstate applicants can compare in-state options without a score.
Test-optional colleges in New York
Click any school for its profile and a free admission-chance estimate.
| University | Location | Acceptance Rate |
|---|
| Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | 4% |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | 7% |
| New York University | New York, NY | 8% |
| University of Rochester | Rochester, NY | 36% |
| Binghamton University | Vestal, NY | 38% |
| Jewish Theological Seminary of America | New York, NY | 45% |
| Barnard College | New York, NY | 8% |
| Beth Hamedrash Shaarei Yosher Institute | Brooklyn, NY | 90% |
| Alfred University | Alfred, NY | 48% |
| Canisius University | Buffalo, NY | 82% |
| Central Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitz | Brooklyn, NY | 88% |
| American Musical and Dramatic Academy | New York, NY | 25% |
| Adelphi University | Garden City, NY | 78% |
| The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art | New York, NY | 19% |
| Culinary Institute of America | Hyde Park, NY | 92% |
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | New York, NY | 50% |
| CUNY Brooklyn College | Brooklyn, NY | 54% |
| CUNY City College | New York, NY | 58% |
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center | New York, NY | 39% |
| CUNY Hunter College | New York, NY | 54% |
| Clarkson University | Potsdam, NY | 77% |
| Colgate University | Hamilton, NY | 17% |
| Associated Beth Rivkah Schools | Brooklyn, NY | 100% |
| CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | New York, NY | 57% |
Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY test-optional?
SUNY campuses set policy individually and have shifted over recent cycles. Use the per-campus policy on this site, then confirm on the campus admissions page before you submit.
Do NYC private colleges require SAT scores?
Several remain test-optional; a subset of highly selective privates have brought scores back. Compare your SAT to each school's IPEDS median before you decide.
Can I apply to New York colleges with only a GPA?
At test-optional and test-free campuses, yes. Your GPA, coursework, and essays carry more weight when no score is on the file.
Next steps
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