No Test Option FAQ

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 give 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 Exams: 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.

Test Optional

Santa Clara University is extending its “test-optional” policy for first-year and transfer students until 2024. Scores on the SAT or ACT are not required for students applying to Santa Clara University for the 2024 term. As a test-optional university, students still have the option to submit any standardized test score results they’ve received. A student who chooses not to submit standardized test scores will be at no disadvantage in our admission or merit scholarship review processes.

For the 2022 application cycle:

Where does an applicant select having ACT/SAT scores reviewed or not?

On the Common Application Supplement Questions for SCU, the following question will be required of all first-year applicants: Do you want your test scores considered?

Are other test scores like SAT II Subject Tests, AP exam scores, IB exam scores, A-levels exam scores, etc. required in the admission review process?

Santa Clara does not require submission of these scores for admission application evaluation. If students would like to report scores, they have the option to share scores through their Common Application.

How do we evaluate applications?

At Santa Clara University, we review applications holistically, meaning that we will review your application individually, taking into account your academic credentials as well as your personal qualities. Important required pieces of your application include your transcript, course rigor, unweighted GPA, extracurricular activities, Common App essay, supplemental questions, and demonstrated interest. Test scores are treated as optional information, similar to a resume or an additional letter of recommendation.

What if I’m applying for Fall 2025 or later?

Santa Clara University is still reviewing the test-optional policy for future years.

Can an applicant who is deferred or waitlisted change their testing choice?

An applicant with a deferred or Wait List decision will have the opportunity to submit supplemental information, including test scores, an updated transcript, letter of interest, or additional letters of recommendations. It will not be required or expected to submit test scores.

What should I know as an international student?

You still have the test-optional choice. All international applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum level of English language. You can view our Undergraduate English Proficiency website to see the several ways to demonstrate English proficiency in the application for admission, which include proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo or standardized tests like SAT or ACT.

Does Santa Clara Superscore?

Yes. Students who choose to submit their test scores have the option to submit multiple scores. SCU is interested in your best achievement, so sending us multiple tests, if available, allows us to see subsections regardless of test date or test type (ACT/SAT).

How does this affect merit scholarships and institutional financial aid awards?

It doesn’t! All students are reviewed for merit scholarships, whether they applied with or without a test score. About the top 15% of our applicants receive merit scholarships on the basis of a holistic review process. A student who chooses not to submit standardized test scores will be at no disadvantage in our merit scholarship review processes. It’s up to you.

Students who choose to have their scores considered must take the exam by the appropriate application deadline:

 *We cannot ensure October ACT test results will reach our office in time for Early Action and Early Decision I review.

We accept the following options to complete the test scores requirement by the application deadline:

If you receive updated test results after submitting the Self-Reported Test Scores form, you can self-report these newer scores by filling out the form again.

If you are offered admission to Santa Clara University and choose to enroll, official test scores that match your self-reported scores will need to be received by your deposit deadline. In order for test scores to be considered official, they must be sent directly from College Board or ACT. Santa Clara University reserves the right to revoke admission if an applicant’s self-reported scores do not match their official score report.

For enrolling students who did not select to have test scores considered in the admission review process, SCU will ask for official scores after matriculation if scores are available. The scores will be used for exam of the test optional program.