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
9. St. Lawrence University
- Acceptance rate: 46%
- MONEY Best Colleges rank: 101
- Location: Canton, N.Y.
8. Union College
Union College Union College
- Acceptance rate: 37%
- MONEY Best Colleges rank: 96
- Location: Schenectady, N.Y.
7. College of the Holy Cross
College of the Holy Cross College of the Holy Cross
- Acceptance rate: 33%
- MONEY Best Colleges rank: 89
- Location: Worcester, Mass.
6. Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Hobart and William Smith Colleges Kevin Colton—Kevin Colton
- Acceptance rate: 49%
- MONEY Best Colleges rank: 75
- Location: Geneva, N.Y.
5. Bryant University
Bryant University
- Acceptance rate: 77%
- MONEY Best Colleges rank: 68
- Location: Smithfield, R.I.
4. Providence College
Providence College Providence College
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- MONEY Best Colleges ranking: 64
- Location: Providence
3. Fairfield University
Fairfield University Fairfield University
- Acceptance rate: 71%
- MONEY Best Colleges rank: 56
- Location: Fairfield, Conn.
2. Bowdoin College
Bowdoin College Michele Stapleton
- Acceptance rate: 15%
- MONEY Best Colleges rank: 56
- Location: Brunswick, Maine
1. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worchester Polytechnic Institute Matthew Atanian
- Acceptance rate: 52%
- MONEY Best Colleges list: 48
- Location: Worcester, Mass.