Let's face it -- some strong students just don't do well on standardized tests. More and more schools are recognizing this fact, and the list of test-optional colleges continues to grow. Other excellent colleges require standardized test scores, but their average scores are well below what we see for the Ivy League and elite liberal arts colleges.
Of the 20 colleges and universities in the list below, many are highly selective schools with test-optional admissions policies. Others are colleges that offer top-notch academics, but are likely to admit students with mid-range SAT scores.
Smith College
redjar / Flickr
Smith is one of the top women's colleges in the country, and it also features test-optional admissions. Smith is a member of the five college consortium along with Amherst, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and UMass Amherst. Students at any of these five colleges can easily take classes at the other member institutions. Smith has a beautiful and historic campus that includes the 12,000 square foot Lyman Conservatory and the Botanic Garden.
- Location: Northampton, Massachusetts
- SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 590 / 710
- SAT Math (Middle 50%): 560 / 670
- Test-Optional? Yes
Texas A&M at College Station
Blue Ag09 / Flickr
If you have a strong GPA or high class rank, you don't need to report SAT or ACT scores when applying to Texas A&M. The university has many strengths in engineering and agriculture, but the liberal arts and sciences are also extremely popular among undergraduates. In athletics, the Texas A&M Aggies compete in the Division I Big 12 Conference.
- Location: College Station, Texas
- SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 520 / 630
- SAT Math (Middle 50%): 560 / 670
- Test-Optional? Yes
University of Hawaii at Manoa
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Manoa's strengths are many, including highly ranked programs in astronomy, oceanography, cancer research, and Pacific Island and Asian studies. The university has a diverse student body representing all 50 states and 103 countries. UH at Manoa is the only college in Hawaii to have a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.
- Location: Manoa, Hawaii
- SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 480 / 580
- SAT Math (Middle 50%): 510 / 610
- Test-Optional? No
University of Iowa at Iowa City
Cbenning / Wikimedia Commons
Iowa has strong programs in nursing, creative writing and art, to name just a few. Some of the University of Iowa's graduate programs are consistently ranked among the top in the country. The Iowa Hawkeyes compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference, and historically the football, basketball and wrestling teams have enjoyed great success.
- Location: Iowa City, Iowa
- SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 520 / 650
- SAT Math (Middle 50%): 550 / 670
- Test-Optional? Yes
University of Texas at Austin
Silly Jilly / Flickr
UT Austin does not require SAT or ACT scores from students who have a high enough GPA or class rank. The university is one of the top public universities in the country. It has numerous selling points including a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a top business school, and membership in the Division I Big 12 Athletic Conference.
- Location: Austin, Texas
- SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 530 / 660
- SAT Math (Middle 50%): 560 / 690
- Test-Optional? Yes
University of Montevallo
Courtesy of Matt Orton
Most students submit ACT scores, not SAT, but applicants with average scores won't find the admissions standards beyond their reach. As a public liberal arts college, Montevallo is a true value. The campus is charming, and students can expect strong student-faculty interaction.
- ACT Composite (middle 50%): 19 / 24
- ACT English (middle 50%): 19 / 25
- ACT Math (middle 50%): 17 / 23
- Test Optional? No
Ursinus College
PennaBoy / Wikimedia Commons
Ursinus is a highly selective college, but they do not require SAT scores if an applicant has a strong enough GPA and high class rank. Ursinus is a top-rate liberal arts college with a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio, generous financial aid, an excellent observatory and art museum, and a new performing arts building. In 2009, the college was ranked #2 for "up-and-coming" colleges by US News & World Report.
- Location: Collegeville, Pennsylvania
- SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 550 / 660
- SAT Math (Middle 50%): 560 / 660
- Test-Optional? Yes
Wake Forest University
Jijithecat / Wikimedia Commons
Wake Forest is one of the most selective colleges to move to test-optional admissions. The university combines the small classes and low student/faculty ratio of a private liberal arts college with the excitement of Division I athletics as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
- Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 610 / 700
- SAT Math (Middle 50%): 630 / 710
- Test-Optional? Yes
Washington College
Courtesy of Washington College
Founded in 1782 under the patronage of George Washington, Washington College has a long and rich history. The college was recently awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for its many strengths in the liberal arts and sciences. The college's scenic location provides students with opportunities to explore the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the Chester River.
- Location: Chestertown, Maryland
- SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 520 / 630
- SAT Math (Middle 50%): 520 / 610
- Test-Optional? Yes
