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Boston College will become test optional for first-year applicants during the 2020-2021 admission cycle due to ongoing concerns about future test dates and the availability of test centers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the University announced today. It intends to return to using standardized testing once the pandemic has subsided.
Director of Undergraduate Admission Grant Gosselin said that high school students who are unable to submit standardized test results this coming year, or who choose not to, will not be disadvantaged in BC’s selection process. For those students who do submit standardized testing results, Boston College will use the scores as one component in the holistic review of applications.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented high school students with unprecedented challenges surrounding their academic and personal pursuits,” said Gosselin. “The limited availability of standardized tests this year has added an additional level of stress to many students who have been unable to register for testing. We hope this decision puts those applicants’ minds at ease, and will allow them to focus on the other important aspects of their college search and application process in the months ahead.”
Gosselin said that in reviewing applications that do not include standardized test results, the Undergraduate Admission Committee will place greater emphasis on other required application credentials, including academic performance, rigor of coursework, placement in class, personal statements, recommendations, and co-curricular involvement. Students who wish to further quantify their academic successes are welcome to submit non-required credentials such as Advanced Placement scores, predicted IB scores, or SAT Subject Test results.
“At Boston College, standardized testing provides meaningful context as we evaluate candidates with varying degrees of curricular rigor across more than 6,000 high schools from which we receive applications each year,” said Gosselin.
“Furthermore, our research routinely demonstrates that the inclusion of standardized testing in our holistic review process provides meaningful predictive value toward ensuring student success. To that end, we expect to restore standardized testing as a requirement for applicants once the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have subsided.”
This past year, Boston College received nearly 30,000 applications for the 2,300 seats in the Class of 2024. The average SAT for admitted students was 1453, and the average ACT was 33. Boston College admitted students from 49 U.S. states, two U.S. territories, and 60 countries around the world.
For more information, visit the Undergraduate Admission website.
Jack Dunn | University Communications | June 2020
What entrance exams do you need to take to get into college? Most colleges or universities, including Saint Louis University, accept the SAT or ACT. Many, SLU included, are now test optional.
If you choose to take a college admission tests the score it can increase your eligibility for merit scholarships. Here are our answers to the most common questions about college entrance exams.
While many universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, some will only consider one, so start off by checking the admission requirements of the colleges that interest you. If, like at SLU, scores from both college admission exams are accepted, learn a little bit more about each test to see which is best suited to you.
Can't decide? It is becoming more common to take both the SAT and the ACT, but it is certainly not required. Consider your ability to prepare for tests while balancing your school work and other activities. It may go without saying, but you'll do best on a test you are ready to take.
College admission exams are usually given early in the morning, so you might want to choose a testing site close to home so you are able to get as much sleep as possible the night before. If your high school offers college admission exam testing, consider taking your SAT or ACT there; you already know how to get there and are familiar with the building, which can take some stress out of test day.
Hint: Your local college or university might also be a test site — SLU is. And as a bonus, taking the test on campus gives you another chance to see what college life is like outside of a campus tour. Find out where you can take the ACT and where you can take the SAT.
College admission exams are typically offered every few months. In order to be considered for scholarships at many colleges and universities, you'll need to apply for admission (and include your SAT or ACT test score) by Dec. 1 of your senior year.
Give yourself enough time to prepare for the test, but don't wait until the last minute in case you want to take the SAT or ACT a second time to try getting a better score. Check out the test requirements of the colleges or universities you're thinking about attending or learn about SLU's application deadlines and admission requirements.
There are lots of tools to help you with ACT and SAT preparation. Check to see if your high school offers a college admission exam prep course, or talk to your parents about investing in a review course or a tutor. It might also be helpful to take practice questions like the PSAT or PACT first to see which exam suits you best or in which areas of the test you need improvement.
No matter how you decide to prepare, make sure to understand the different parts of the exams and skills they test. Both the ACT and SAT websites offer sample questions.
There might be a few extra steps for you if you currently attend high school in a country other than the U.S. Learn about SLU's admission requirements for international students.
Keep Exploring Be A Billiken
Admission and merit scholarship consideration for students who apply as test-optional is based on several factors, including high school GPA, grades in coursework required for university admission, and rigor/performance in advanced courses (AP, IB, Honors, etc.).
Consideration for students applying with a test score includes all the above plus their highest composite ACT or SAT score.
Learn more about our test-optional policy:
Can I switch my testing plan after submitting my Common Application?
Students who submit standardized test results to Boston College and indicate on their applications that they wish to have scores considered will be unable to switch their application to test-optional at a later point in time. Once scores become part of a student's file, they cannot be removed.
Students who apply as test-optional candidates and later wish to have the Admission Committee consider their standardized test results may request to do so in writing at bcapplicant@bc.edu. For full consideration, students should contact us directly as close to our deadlines as possible.
Does this policy apply to international students?
Yes. International students are still required to demonstrate English language proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, or Duoligo English Test results. This English language proficiency requirement may be waived for students who speak English as their native language, have attended a US high school for at least three years in a non-ESOL curriculum, or submit standardized test results including scores of 650 or greater on the SAT EBRW or 29 or greater on the ACT English section. Learn more here.
Does this policy apply to home-schooled students?
Yes. However, because the Admission Committee has little context in which to evaluate home-schooled students’ academic results, standardized test results are extremely helpful to the Admission Committee. Home-schooled applicants are strongly encouraged to submit standardized test scores that allow us to put their applications in context with others in our pool. Other quantitative measures that students may also benefit from submitting include AP exam scores and/or college coursework. Official college transcripts should be submitted for all college courses completed.
Does this policy apply to athletic recruits?
Yes. The NCAA has removed the test score requirement for athletic eligibility in Division I sports. Recruited athletes are responsible for ensuring their NCAA eligibility.
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a 3 1/2 hour standardized test that is comprised of studying comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning questions. The purpose of the LSAT is to show law schools that applicants possesses skills in each of the areas that are essential to a student’s success in law school.
The LSAT is an integral part of the law school admission process and is required on all applications. The test is administered four times each year through LSAC at designated testing centers.
Divided into five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions, the LSAT focuses on five specific sections that have been allocated accordingly, (1) studying Comprehension Section
(2) Analytical Reasoning Section
(3) Two Logical Reasoning Sections
In addition to these four sections is an unscored fifth section that would complete the multiple-choice questions. The unscored section, also known as the variable section, typically is used to pretest new test questions or prepare new test forms. This section of the test will not be disclosed until you receive your results. The placement of each section throughout the test will be spastic and vary based on the test. Furthermore, a 35-minute, unscored writing sample is administered at the end of the test. The unscored writing sample is sent to each law school as part of the application.
The LSAC describes the design of the LSAT to be, “to measure skills that are considered essential for success in law school: the studying and comprehension of complex texts with accuracy and insight; the organization and management of information and the ability to draw reasonable inferences from it; the ability to think critically; and the analysis and evaluation of the reasoning and arguments of others.”
All students should only take the LSAT once they feel fully prepared.
The test is administered four times a year leaving flexibility for students who do not feel fully prepared. Students who have selected a test date should begin preparing at minimum 3 – 6 months prior to the test date.
Students are able to access free LSAT preparation materials through CamelLink and LSAC.org. These preparation materials include sample questions with explanations, test preparation videos, the ability to familiarize yourself with test instructions and question types, and practice tests. The use of these materials is highly encouraged.
We recognize changes to test availability and testing environments due to the COVID-19 pandemic left many students with inequitable access to standardized tests. Miami has chosen to make test scores optional for students applying to the university through spring 2026 to ensure equitable opportunity for admission, scholarships, and honors programs. Also, some applicants may feel their standardized test scores do not accurately reflect their academic potential. Our test-optional admission policy allows you to choose whether your SAT or ACT test scores will be considered as part of your application — letting you decide how best to describe your academic history.
Miami will review your application WITHOUT test scores and render an admission decision based on the materials we have on file.
Miami has always taken a holistic approach to evaluating students for admission. Standardized test scores have historically been just one indicator, among many, in our application review process. In the absence of a test score, we will review your entire application holistically, including your core high school curriculum (English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, and various electives); grades earned; grade trends; course rigor; application essays; co-curricular and extracurricular activities; talent; and other achievements or mitigating factors.
Admission to Miami University is selective. Our strongest candidates choose rigorous high school coursework (within the context of their high school’s offerings), and students' academic performance has always been our primary focus in reviewing applications for admission. Our strongest applicants challenge themselves beyond core high school graduation requirements. Because high schools vary by size, academic program, and grading scale, we do not have rigid GPA admission requirements. The large majority of our incoming first-year students receive As and Bs in core classes. A complete list of required application materials can be found on our application information webpage.
Through your application for admission, we will evaluate whether we believe you are well prepared for academic success at a challenging liberal arts university and whether, through your experiences and background, we can expect you to be an active member of the Miami community. Admission to honors programs, Nursing, and the Farmer School of Business will be test optional, but will remain highly competitive, and programs in the College of Creative Arts have talent requirements.
While we recommend students submit as much information as possible with their application, the test score is just one factor in Miami’s overall admission evaluation. If you believe your test scores are indicative of your academic achievement, we will be happy to consider them. However, if you have a strong academic record demonstrated by above-average grades in challenging courses, but do not feel your test results are a good reflection of your academic performance, you can choose not to submit them, or to not have them used in the admission review. You may use the table below for context.
*Middle 50% means 25% of students are above this range and 25% are below. Refer to our admitted student statistics webpage for more information.
Students who apply test-optional will be considered for merit scholarships based on a holistic review of all other information provided with their application. Students are automatically considered for Miami’s merit scholarships when they apply by our priority deadline of Dec. 1.
Students who apply test-optional will be considered for all honors programs.
If you provide ACT or SAT test scores, we will use them in your candidacy for admission, scholarships, and honors programs. Miami superscores, using the highest test scores submitted. For the ACT, the highest scores for each subscore from different exams will determine a combined highest composite score. For SAT the best Evidence-Based studying and Writing (ERW) and Math (M) subscores will be used to calculate a maximum single score. We will use the national concordance table to determine whether the SAT best or ACT best is the better overall score.
Grades submitted at the time of application will be used to review your application for admission and merit scholarships. Miami does not require a mid-year official high school transcript nor a mid-year school report. We do require an official transcript from students who have confirmed enrollment, following their high school graduation. We reserve the right to rescind an offer of admission due to poor academic performance in senior year courses.
If you have taken the ACT or SAT, yes. Score submission is requested for placement in appropriate first-year coursework and research purposes, but your scores will not negatively impact your admission decision or financial aid. Students who confirm their enrollment should submit scores by May 2 to facilitate course registration during orientation. Confirmed students who do not submit scores will be required to complete Miami's math placement test prior to their orientation session.
Visit the ACT or College Board (SAT) website(s) to request an official score report for Miami University - Oxford. When requesting scores, please use Miami’s code (listed below). Both testing agencies charge a fee to send score reports, but both offer fee waivers to qualified students. Learn more about ACT fee waivers and College Board (SAT) fee waivers.
Please reach out to your Miami admission representative, email admission@MiamiOH.edu, or call the Admission Office at 513-529-2531.
In 2015, UMass Lowell was the first public school in New England to go test optional. Our No Test Option is available to students applying now.
It’s better for students. Standardized tests can provide a useful snapshot, but they are just one indicator of a student’s potential. The outcome of one test shouldn’t disqualify a great student from studying here.
Not even a little. UMass Lowell will continue to increase selectivity as we grow. We want to enroll the best students, and the No Test Option is in line with that philosophy.
We cannot deliver a one-size-fits-all answer here. Choose the option that best reflects you. If you aren’t sure, ask your college counselor for advice.
Applicants who scored a 1120 or higher on the SAT or 23 or higher on the ACT are good candidates to submit test scores as part of the application process.
Applicants applying under the No Test Option should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and evidence of outstanding academic success throughout high school.
Applicants with a 3.0 GPA or better, with SAT or ACT scores below our suggested minimum scores are strongly encouraged to consider applying as a No Test applicant.
Just choose the No Test Option on your application.
Students can complete a form in their applicant portal to request to change to the No-Test Option. Requests to change from a test submitting student to the No Test Option must be made prior to notification of an admission decision.
Our admissions committee would like to offer you an opportunity to support your No Test Option application by submitting an additional 250-550 word essay that offers insights into your personal experience and background. Although an additional essay is not required, we would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about you and your potential contributions to the university. You may choose one of the following options:
Yes. Students will be automatically considered for a scholarship when reviewed for admission.
Most applicants can, but test scores are required for some home-schooled and international applicants.
Home-school applicants with a minimum of 12 transferrable college credits are eligible to participate in No Test. Please visit our Transfer Dictionary for information on transferrable credits. Home-school applicants applying for fall 2021 admission with less than 12 transferrable college credits may appeal the test score requirement. These applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
International first-year applicants: You may use the No Test option and waive the SAT or ACT and English proficiency exams (TOEFL, Duolingo, IELTS, Pearson Versant) if your secondary school provides written verification that the means of instruction is in English, you are enrolled in an IB curriculum, attend an international American School, or are enrolled in a curriculum that leads to Cambridge International Examinations: IGCSE/O-Level and GCE/A level exam.
Yes, however, students must submit an English proficiency exam (TOEFL, Duolingo, IELTS or Pearson Versant) exam to demonstrate English proficiency before being considered for admission as a No Test applicant.
Whether a student chooses to send scores or not, our decision process will be similar. We focus on academic achievement, rigor of high school coursework, and what we know about your personal qualities. We will make a decision based on your whole application.
Yes.
Technically, yes. Transfer counselors will work directly with applicants who fall into this category. Please contact Transfer Admissions by email at: transfer@uml.edu.
Admission for nursing is uniquely competitive, however we do accept No Test applications to our nursing program.
Given the competitive reality of nursing admission, we need to manage our application pool for nursing differently than the general application pool. One of the ways we do this is by requiring nursing applicants to apply by the January 5 Early Action II deadline.
Another way we manage this application pool is by elevating the criteria for admission based on the strength of the application pool and based on our enrollment goals. Because those variables change from year to year, we cannot provide a specific minimum threshold for GPA for consideration for nursing, but we can say that the suggested minimum of a 3.0 is likely to be significantly less than the actual GPA we will be able to consider for nursing. In prior years, a 3.5-3.75 has been a realistic range for minimum consideration as a No Test applicant. Nursing students can use this range as a reasonable expectation to help decide if applying No Test is right for you.
