Since the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous colleges have made the requirement of SAT/ACT test scores optional material to include in admission applications. Keep in mind though, admission requirements for colleges are subject to change each admission cycle. Always be sure to check directly on a college’s website you are applying to for their most up-to-date admission requirements.
California is one of the most popular states in the U.S. and a state with many schools that do not require SAT/ACT for admission. For further information on some of these schools, feel free to visit Niche for their 2023 Best Test Optional Colleges in California list, where you are able to categorize by 2-year or 4-year colleges, majors, student body size, and more. There are over 80 colleges in California that do not require SAT/ACT. The top 5 colleges included in this list are.
Harvey Mudd College
If you are asking yourself if you should or should not submit your SAT or ACT scores, consider these key factors:
Is your test score below your school’s average?
Does the school recommend that you send your scores?
Did you perform better on your AP or IB tests than SAT/ACT tests?
Does your GPA or class rank meet the minimum requirement?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to consider applying to the school test optional. This will give you a chance to be considered for admission without the worry of how your test scores will be perceived by admissions officers.
If you do want to submit test scores, familiarize yourself with those colleges’ requirements. Some schools superscore. Superscoring occurs when students submit more than one set of test scores for the SAT or ACT. It involves taking the highest score you received from each section to determine your superscore. For example, if you took the SAT twice and received a 580 then a 610 in math and a 600 then a 590 in reading, the school will take the 610 and 600 to get your superscore of 1210. If this sounds like a route you would like to explore futher, go for it.
Make sure to do your research and find the best fit for you.
