In the post-pandemic era, many colleges and universities are continuing the trend of “test optional” for the admissions process.
When higher education officials designate their campuses as “test optional,” SAT or ACT career readiness test results are considered for admissions only if students submit those test scores during the application process.
The SAT was launched in 1926, and the ACT test was introduced in 1959. Since COVID-19, college admission processes that historically required results from these two time-honored test traditions have shifted away from that practice.
Newer to admission equations is the concept of “superscores,” which are a student’s best combined score by section, regardless of test date, to get the best composite scores.
For example, suppose a student takes the SAT in December and scores a 1200, with a 600 Verbal and 600 Math. Then, the student takes the SAT in May and scores a 1200 again, but this time with a 650 Verbal and 550 Math. The student’s “superscore” would be a 1250, because the best sections are a 650 Verbal (from May) and a 600 Math (from December), creating a combined total of 1250.
For ACT test results, the system works similarly, with colleges combining the student’s best score in each of the four sections (English, math, reading, science), regardless of test date, to create the best combined “superscore.”
Webster University
Currently, Webster University is still a test-optional institution. At the time of application, students may decide whether they wish for ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admission. For students submitting test scores as part of their application file, Webster University will accept self-reported test scores.
Webster University applicants can list test scores on their Common Application, and these test scores will meet the requirement for admission. All freshmen admitted, and who ultimately enroll at Webster University, must submit official test scores prior to the start of their first term. Official test scores will be required prior to the start of the term for reporting purposes. Scores listed on an official high school transcript are considered official.
Washington University
Washington University adopted a test-optional policy for applicants through 2024. If applicants select to submit scores, standardized SAT and ACT tests are accepted.
Washington University policies state the staff does not require a writing test if students submit ACT scores or the optional essay if they submit SAT scores.
For the ACT, Washington University considers an applicant’s highest section scores across all test dates submitted. If applicants take both the ACT and SAT, whichever set of scores is most advantageous to those applicants will be what is considered.
Washington University officials superscore applicants’ ACT or SAT scores from all test dates submitted, and individual section retakes on the ACT are accepted. The last test date accepted will be the December testing, or October for those applying for an early decision.
Saint Louis University
At Saint Louis University, ACT and SAT scores also are still optional. Applicants may submit test scores as part of their application, but students who don’t “will not be disadvantaged in any way,” according to university officials.
Lindenwood University
Lindenwood University also is a test-optional institution.
“Test-optional allows us to consider a student’s strengths rather than focusing solely on their standardized test scores, as we know numbers rarely tell a student’s full story,” Lindenwood University officials state. “Our goal is to open the door to quality education for individuals who may not otherwise qualify.”
University of Missouri
University of Missouri campuses also extended the “Test-Optional Admissions” pilot program for students applying through 2024. However, University of Missouri-seeking students applying as test-optional will be required to submit an official high school transcript and complete one short essay question as part of the application for admission.
Truman State University
Truman State University remains a test optional through fall 2024, too.
New first-year students are welcome to apply to Truman using the traditional or the test-optional application. Once submitted, administrators state applications are reviewed without test scores, even if test scores previously were sent to the university or if the test scores are on high school transcripts. However, those applying to be nursing majors at Truman must apply with a test score.
Truman admission policies indicate that admission staffers superscore both ACT and SAT tests, if submitted. Students must turn in official score reports for the tests to be superscored. Some high school transcripts include official score reports on them, so they can use those as well when reviewing applications.
Missouri State University
Missouri State University does not require an ACT or SAT score from prospective students who have a high school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater and have completed its required high school courses. For those who don’t meet those requirements, alternative admission options are available.
Southeast Missouri State University
Southeast Missouri State University is a test-optional school as well. No essay is required either. Based on awarding more than $24 million in scholarships each year, Southeast Missouri officials announced the university has expanded the amount of financial aid for which students without a test score are eligible.
St. Louis Community College
St. Louis Community College uses a “multiple measures approach” to student assessment and course placement, which means that standardized testing is not the college’s primary way of determining a student’s readiness for college-level coursework.
Students applying to the community college can use a combination of high school GPA and standardized test scores to determine course placement. For example, students can use standardized test scores for reading and English, and a high school GPA plus a standardized test score for math.
St. Louis Community College also may waive the reading and/or English portions of the placement test if students provide documentation of certain achievements.
Missouri Baptist University
Missouri Baptist University has a test-optional admission policy for undergraduate students, too, through which students can choose whether to submit test scores such as the ACT, SAT or Classic Learning Test.
However, prospective students who do not submit test scores will need to take Missouri Baptist University’s placement test, the Accuplacer, before registering for classes. Standardized test scores are still recommended for course placement.
Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University no longer requires submission of SAT or ACT scores for students with a high school GPA of 2.75.
“The best indicator of college success is how hard you worked in high school, not how well you scored on a test,” Souther Illinois University officials say.