Colleges that Don’t Require SAT or ACT in Maryland

You don’t have to get perfect scores on your ACTs or SATs to get into a great college. Not all admissions processes are created equal. One major point of difference among colleges these days is how admissions officers consider your SAT scores. More and more schools are de-emphasizing SAT scores as part of your application with test-optional and test-flexible policies. One college has even eliminated SAT scores completely! There are now more than 1,000 accredited, bachelor-degree granting institutions that have changed their approaches to standardized test scores. Keep in mind that the majority of colleges, especially the more prestigious schools, do still require (and strongly consider) SAT scores. Let’s take a look at the different score policies and the schools that no longer require applicants to submit their SAT scores for admission.

colleges that don’t require sAT 2022

Some of the nation’s best-value colleges—including several famous and elite schools—have “test optional” admissions policies. That means they will consider your test scores if you submit them, but they won’t hold it against you if you don’t.

To make up for the lack of test scores, however, you will likely have to submit something extra, such as a graded paper you wrote for high school.

Here are Money’s picks for the 10 best value colleges that welcome applicants who don’t want to submit test scores, below. Then, read our tips on getting into a great school even if you don’t have great test scores.

11. Loyola University Maryland (tie)

Loyola University Maryland Loyola University Maryland
Acceptance rate: 58%
MONEY Best Colleges rank: 109
Location: Baltimore, Md.

10. Bates College (tie)

15. Bates College Early earnings: $46,700 Mid-career earnings: $105,000 Phyllis Graber Jensen—Bates College
Acceptance rate: 24%
MONEY Best Colleges rank: 109
Location: Lewiston, Maine