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Top 10 Colleges and Universities That Do Not Require the SAT
By
Cece Gilmore
Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.
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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.
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Maria Geiger is Director of Scholarship Services at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
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Many colleges and universities have switched to “test-optional admissions,” meaning that they do not require the SAT, ACT, or any other standardized testing for admission. So, what are the top colleges and universities that do not require the SAT? Read more below in our helpful guide to find out!
What does “test-optional” mean?
Test-optional means the school leaves it up to the student to decide if they want to submit standardized test scores with their application. Most test-optional colleges still encourage students to submit their SAT, ACT, or other scores. Therefore, a student who sends their SAT score might be able to strengthen their application by including high scores. However, at test-optional institutions, not submitting your SAT score will not hurt admission’s chances.
What does “test-blind”or “test-refusal” mean?
Colleges and universities that are test-blind do not accept standardized test scores from applicants. A growing number of individual colleges/universities as well as entire school systems are test-blind. Keep in mind that some schools have a temporary moratorium on submitting test scores which may or may not change.
Students who do not plan on submitting their test scores may have a preference for test-blind schools. That’s because at these schools, they will be on totally equal footing with other applicants in terms of tests.
At test-optional schools, on the other hand, students who submit stellar test scores may receive preference over applicants who don’t submit any scores. Keep in mind that this is not always the case; each school may have its own protocol surrounding ACT/SAT scores in its admissions office.
If I have SAT scores, should I submit them?
If you do take the SAT, you are not required to submit it to a test-optional school. Therefore, there is no true harm in taking the SAT even if you are applying to only test-optional schools. This is because if you do submit a high SAT score, it might help your application. So, not submitting test scores will not hurt your application, but you may lose out on the opportunity to make your application stronger. In addition, some scholarships, including those offered by private organizations, may require SAT scores.
Related: How to improve your SAT score
So, how do you know if you should submit your SAT score to a test optional school?
Submit SAT scores if:
- Your SAT score is high or near the 75th percentile of admitted students to the school
- Other aspects of your application are not that strong such as GPA, class rank, AP or IB test scores, etc.
- The school recommends submitting your SAT score if you have them
Do not submit SAT scores if:
- Your SAT score is low or below the 50th percentile of admitted students to the school
Ultimately, you should submit your SAT score if you believe it is high enough to help you! If not, the beauty of test-optional schools is that you do not have to worry about not submitting your SAT score because it will not hurt your chances.
Expert Perspective
Sara Elaine Hart | Director of the Walentas Scholars Program , Former High School Counselor
How this list of top colleges and universities that do not require the SAT was created
The following list of top colleges and universities that do not require the SAT was created by using Scholarship360’s Top Colleges for Students in 2025 list. Most of the colleges and universities on this list are prestigious universities that have low acceptance rates. This list is in alphabetical order and in no way reflects preference or recommendation.
Top 10 colleges and universities that do not require the SAT
Columbia University
Columbia University is test-optional for applicants to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering. Columbia University is an Ivy League research university located in New York City, New York. A distinctive core curriculum, a highly sought-after literature department, and intimate learning environments makes Columbia a top choice for students who want to attend college in the Big Apple.
- Test optional: Yes
- Test optional until: Indefinitely
- Acceptance rate: 4%
University of California – Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles is a public university located in Los Angeles, California. Business, law, and engineering programs are just a few of the many prestigious academic programs at UCLA.
- Test optional: Yes
- Test optional until: Extended through 2026
- Acceptance rate: 9%
Duke University
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina. Duke is well known for its medical and engineering programs, as well as its renowned basketball program!
- Test optional: Yes
- Test optional until: Extended through 2026
- Acceptance rate: 7%
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. It’s known for it’s prestigious programs in architecture, commerce, and business.
- Test optional: Yes
- Test optional until: Extended through 2026
- Acceptance rate: 19%
University of Notre Dame
Located in Notre Dame, Indiana, the University of Notre Dame is known for its strong traditions in both academics and athletics. Known as one of the most prestigious Catholic universities in the world, their Fighting Irish football team is legendary.
- Test optional: Yes
- Test optional until: Extended through 2026
- Acceptance rate: 12%
Princeton University
Princeton University is an Ivy League university located in Princeton, New Jersey. One of the oldest universities in the United States, Princeton is renowned for its emphasis on independent research.
- Test optional: Yes
- Test optional until: Extended through 2026
- Acceptance rate: 6%
Rice University
Rice University is a private research university located in Houston, Texas. Applied science and engineering programs are what Rice is most known for.
- Test optional: Yes
- Test optional until: Extended through 2026
- Acceptance rate: 8%
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a private research university located in Chicago, Illinois. U of Chicago is well known for its ideal city location as well as its rigorous academics.
- Test optional: Yes
- Test optional until: Indefinitely
- Acceptance rate: 5%
University of Michigan
The University of Chicago is a private research university located in Chicago, Illinois. U of Chicago is well known for its ideal city location as well as its rigorous academics.
- Test optional: Yes
- Test optional until: Extended through 2026
- Acceptance rate: 18%
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University is a private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee. Vandy offers advanced degrees in medicine, engineering, nursing, business, and much more.
- Test optional: Yes
- Test optional until: Extended through 2027
- Acceptance rate: 6%
If these top schools are not for you…
This is a list of the 10 top schools that are currently test optional. However, there are hundreds of other colleges and universities that are also test optional. Therefore, be sure to review a larger list of test optional institutions to find your perfect fit!