The ACT & the SAT are the two most common college entrance tests used by numerous colleges/universities today.
Students typically take either of these tests (and sometimes both) during the winter/spring of junior year and/or fall/winter of senior year. Certain colleges require students to take these at least one of these tests as a part of the college application process. For other colleges, testing is optional and is completely up to the student. When considering applying to college, students should find out the school's testing policy by contacting the school directly or visiting their website.
Blue Ridge Community College - SAT and ACT scores are not required to enroll at Blue Ridge Community College. If a student has test scores, they can be used for placement purposes when a student creates a class schedule.
Christopher Newport University - Test Optional for All Students (Will accept SAT, ACT, or CLT)
College of William & Mary - An SAT or ACT is completely optional. (The test can be reported directly from the testing agency or self-reported on application. All enrolling students may submit an official SAT or ACT score report.)
George Mason University - George Mason University uses self-reported SAT and/or ACT test scores throughout the initial admissions process to make both admissions and scholarship decisions. These decisions are contingent upon receipt of official test scores, sent directly from the testing agency, prior to the first day of classes for the semester in which the student intends to enroll. The Office of Admissions reserves the right to reevaluate an applicant’s admissions or scholarship decision upon receipt of official test scores. This reevaluation may result in a change of admissions or scholarship status. Students who choose not to provide self-reported scores on the application will be required to either contact the Office of Admissions to provide self-reported scores, or submit official test scores, directly from the testing agency, before an admissions or scholarship decision can be made. Applicants may also apply as Score Optional if they meet the requirements.
James Madison University - JMU no longer requires SAT/ACT scores. If you choose to submit a test score, your official test results must be sent to us electronically from the testing agency and arrive by the application deadline. If you do not submit test scores, you will not be penalized in the application, scholarship or Honors College review processes. Student-athletes who do not want test scores used during the admissions application review, do not need to submit them directly to the Office of Admissions. For NCAA Division I athletic eligibility purposes, JMU Intercollegiate Athletics will receive your test scores directly from the NCAA Clearinghouse.
Longwood University - Students applying for Fall 2021 admission are not required to submit an SAT/ACT score (nursing applicants are excluded). For those who choose to submit a score, the highest critical reading and math scores from the SAT will be evaluated. The Writing score is not considered for admission.
Norfolk State University - All applicants under the age of 21 must submit Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) scores or American College Testing (ACT) scores.
Old Dominion University - Beginning with fall 2020 applicants, Old Dominion University uses self-reported ACT or SAT scores to make admission and scholarship decisions. Students submitting self-reported scores are required to submit official scores if they are admitted and choose to enroll. The Office of Admissions reserves the right to reevaluate an applicant's admission or scholarship decision upon receipt of official test scores. This reevaluation may result in a change of admission or scholarship status. Our "Test Optional" program allows high school students in a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum seeking first-time entry to the university the option to be considered for admission without regard to SAT or ACT results. Students selecting to be reviewed by the test optional program may still be considered for merit-based scholarships by submitting SAT or ACT test scores even if they wish for them not to bear on their admission application. Not all applicants may be eligible to be considered for review under the test optional program, nor does selection of test optional guarantee admission to the university.
Radford University - We are excited to announce, beginning with Fall 2021 applicants, Radford University will not require standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) for admission. Students may choose to submit test scores as part of their application; however students that choose to apply test optional will not be at a disadvantage in the review process.
University of Mary Washington - Standardized test results can be sent directly to UMW (SAT CEEB 5398, ACT 4414). Notify Admissions if you’ve taken the SAT or ACT using something other than your full legal name. UMW superscores your EBRW (evidence-based reading and writing) and math scores regardless of test date and we will take ACT scores attached to your strongest composite score. Read about our test choice policy.
University of Virginia - For the 2020-21 application year, UVA has adopted a Test Optional admission policy. The submission of standardized test scores is not required for admission as a first year or transfer applicant to the University during this admission cycle. This policy is for both domestic and international applicants. Students who wish to include testing as part of their application may continue to do so, but those who do not will be at no disadvantage in the application review.
UVA - Wise - The University of Virginia’s College at Wise will make it optional for freshmen to submit SAT and ACT standardized tests for the fall 2021 admissions cycle due to scheduling difficulties the COVID -19 pandemic caused high school students this spring. This move will allow applicants the option of submitting SAT and ACT scores, but no longer require them for their applications to be considered for admission at UVA Wise.
Virginia Commonwealth University - Freshman applicants (high school graduates and GED holders) under the age of 22 must submit SAT or ACT scores and, if applicable, an official copy of their GED scores. Electronic submission is recommended.
Virginia Military Institute - For the 2020-21 application cycle, VMI will be Test Optional, meaning candidates do not have to submit either an SAT or ACT score. The absence of test scores will not be viewed as a negative in the application review process. However, candidates who do wish to submit a score should use the SAT code 5858 and/or ACT code 4418.
Virginia State University - SAT/ACT test scores are required for all students who are under 21 years of age applying as first term freshmen. The total score is determined by adding the critical reading and math scores. The writing score is not used in the admission decision process. When the test is taken more than once, the highest score achieved in each category is the one used in the calculation. We encourage you to take the test more than once. VSU does certain test optional criteria.
Virginia Tech - Virginia Tech is test-optional for the 2020-2021 school year. If you would like for your scores to be reviewed with your application, please select that on your application for admission. Please note that if you do not want to include test scores in the review of your application that it will not impact your admission decision.
Averett University - Test optional. If you are unable to take the March or April SAT/ACT, we want to make sure you are aware of Averett's test optional policy. Students with a 3.0 or higher GPA can easily be admitted without test scores by submitting a graded writing sample. Test scores. If you are unable to get an official copy of your SAT or ACT scores sent to us, we will also be accepting unofficial copies of these scores. You can send us screenshots from your College Board account or scanned copies.
Bluefield College - ACT, CLT, or SAT scores must be submitted (Bluefield College Code Number for SAT is 5063 and the Bluefield College Code Number for the ACT is 4340.)
Bridgewater College - Bridgewater’s commitment to building connections for life gives students more opportunities to flourish. At BC, we take a personalized and holistic approach to our students’ education and we have chosen to apply that approach to our admissions process as well. If students feel their grades and overall performance in the classroom are better indicators of their academic ability than their ACT or SAT score, or if they have been unable to schedule a test date prior to submitting their admission application to BC, we encourage students to take advantage of our test-optional admissions policy.
Christendom College - College Board Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) , American College Test (ACT), or Classic Learning Test (CLT) scores are required.
Eastern Mennonite University - Beginning March 2020, EMU waived its test score requirement for fall 2020 admission and subsequent enrollment semesters (including spring 2021 and fall 2021). EMU continues to thoroughly review a student’s application, transcript(s), and any additional supporting application materials to make an admission decision. If more information is needed, your admissions counselor will reach out to you and let you know about the additional steps. Certain scholarships/grants may still have a test score requirement; in these instances, it will be specifically noted on the scholarship application. Students may still submit SAT/ACT scores for consideration in the application review process through the test source (SAT/College Board code: 5181; ACT code: 4348).
Emory & Henry College - We will be test-optional through the end of this admission cycle for the fall 2020 entering class due to the COVID-19 interruption at testing sites. Emory & Henry College accepts either the ACT (4350) or SAT (5185) and will compile a superscore based on best sub-scores.
Ferrum College - Ferrum College accepts either the ACT (4352) or SAT (5315). Sending your scores each time you take the SAT and/or ACT can benefit you by allowing Ferrum College to consider you for all available enrollment-related opportunities.
Hampden-Sydney College - Due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 outbreak, Hampden-Sydney College will offer a test-optional admission policy for the class entering the fall of 2021. We understand that this is an uncertain and difficult time with the cancellation of College Board and ACT test dates this past spring. We do not want that uncertainty or the possibility of postponement of future test dates to add undue stress to the admission process for our applicants. Hampden-Sydney College has always believed that the measure of your intelligence and potential requires a deeper look. We know that your life experiences, work-ethic, and future aspirations all play a role in the man you are and the man you wish to become. That is why we believe so strongly in the interview process. While all prospective applicants are encouraged to take the SAT or ACT and submit their standardized test scores as a part of their admission file, students may apply for admission without submitting standardized test scores and will not be penalized. If you chose to apply via our test optional plan, you must confirm your intent to do so on your application for admission. Your application will not be considered unless you submit your college essay and you will be required to interview with a member of the Office of Admission.
Hampton University - Students with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 Unweighted or rank in the top 10 percent of their class, have the option to choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). Applicants choosing not to submit standardized test scores are strongly encouraged to submit at least one recommendation from a teacher in a core subject area. Home-schooled applicants, students attending schools outside the United States, and students wishing to be considered for merit based scholarships must submit standardized test scores. If you submit both the ACT and SAT, the University uses the most favorable score. Your SAT is based on a mix and match of your highest Evidence Based Reading/Writing and Math scores. Your ACT score is based on your highest composite.
Hollins University - If you choose to submit your SAT or ACT scores, they will be reviewed as part of our holistic application review process. You may self-report scores on your application for admission, send a screenshot of scores to huadm@hollins.edu, or send us an official score report.
Liberty University - In order to be admitted to Liberty, most prospective undergraduate students need to submit recent SAT, ACT, or CLT scores. You can choose to submit any or all of these.
Lynchburg College - SAT/ACT scores are not required for the 2021-2022 year. Students are welcome to submit test scores, if available, but those scores will not impact an admissions decision.
Mary Baldwin University - Test optional. Scores may be sent, but there is no disadvantage if student doesn't submit a score.
Marymount University - Marymount University is Test-Optional. We will consider your SAT or ACT scores if you submit them, but you are not required to do so.
Randolph College - Randolph College recommends a GPA of 2.5 or above and a competitive SAT V+M (or ACT equivalent) score for admission. Applicants with a cumulative GPA 2.5 or higher qualify for our test-optional application and are not required to submit test scores. However, scores will be accepted if a candidate believes their SAT or ACT performance will enhance their application for admission.
Randolph-Macon College - R-MC will provide a test-optional admissions choice for first-year students entering in Fall 2021 with future application cycles under review.
Regent University - Deliver your SAT/ACT/CLT scores to Regent. Applies if the student has been out of high school for less than five years.* If your testing date was recently cancelled, please complete the Standardized Test Hardship Waiver.
Roanoke College - Standardized test scores will be optional for all students applying to Roanoke College.
Shenandoah University - SAT and ACT test scores are an OPTIONAL part of the application process. If you believe your SAT or ACT scores provide evidence of your academic preparedness, you are invited to submit scores. It is not required.
Southern Virginia University - Contact SVU.
Sweet Briar College - Test optional with GPA of 3.0 or higher — Sweet Briar accepts either the SAT or ACT. Official scores must be submitted directly to the College. Sweet Briar’s SAT code is 5634, and the ACT code is 4406.
University of Richmond - The University of Richmond is planning a temporary change in its admission practice by providing a test optional admission path for first-year students entering in 2021. Students who wish to do so may still choose to submit standardized test results to support their applications for admission.
Virginia Union University - ACT or SAT scores are required.
Virginia Wesleyan University - For the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters, Virginia Wesleyan University, including the Batten Honors College, has adopted a Test Optional admission policy. The submission of standardized test scores is not required for admission to the University, nor to receive a merit scholarship. This policy is for both domestic and international applicants. Applicants who are able to take a standardized test and who feel their test scores reflect their academic ability and potential may submit testing and these scores will be considered during our holistic application review. The CEEB code for Virginia Wesleyan is 5867. The ACT code is 4429.
Washington & Lee University - Due to current challenges surrounding standardized testing, W&L is suspending the standardized testing requirement for first-year undergraduate applicants to the Class of 2025.