Our friend Sarah Loring de Garcia created an amazing open-source list of many of the schools that have become ACT and SAT test-optional for international students.
Wait, whaaat? I maybe don’t have to take the SAT or ACT?
That’s right. You can apply to tons of U.S. schools without ever having to take a standardized test. (This was already true for many domestic students — click here for the most updated list of test optional schools — and recently it’s becoming more true for international students.)
Why does this really matter? Because many students either can’t afford to take the test, don’t have access to testing centers, or — let’s be honest — don’t feel like their SAT or ACT scores are a good measure of who they are and what they’ll contribute to a college campus.
Let’s cut down on those educational barriers, OK?
Without further ado:
How to use this list:
Click Control + F to search for your school of interest.
Check which column matches you:
International Students at an International High School
International Students at US High School
US Citizens at International High School
Take a look at the box in your column -- there are a few options:
Optional
Flexible
Required
See Policy
Make sure to double-check the school’s policy on their website. (Oh look, a link is provided right there…)
What does Test-Optional mean?
More and more colleges are becoming test-optional, meaning they do not require students to submit standardized test scores (ACT, SAT) but still provide the option to do so.
Without test scores to guide their admissions decisions, test-optional colleges will be looking more closely at a student’s:
grades,
the college interview,
…and other supplemental information.
What does Test-Flexible mean?
Test-Flexible basically means that it depends. You’ll need to check the school’s testing policies to see if you qualify to opt-out of submitting your test scores. Some examples of these qualifications are your income, location, type of school you attend (U.S., International), whether you’re a native English speaker, or your residency status.
If I have test scores available, should I submit them to a test-optional school?
Generally speaking, yes. Include anything that will help colleges get a better picture of who you are. Especially if the school lists test scores as “optional but recommended.” Especially if you got a good score.
Unless you can’t afford the tests, don’t have access to a testing center, or you just cured cancer and now have your pick of the ivy league litter, you should probably take the test.
Want to learn more about the test optional movement? Check out this podcast with Bob Schaeffer from FairTest.org.
Want more advice for international students? Check out my podcast episodes here and here.
Need help choosing a college? Check out my step-by-step guide.
If you’ve decided to take the test anyway, check out all my test prep resources here.
Additional CEG Resources for International Students
