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Updated August 2021
Over 1660 colleges and universities are test-optional or test-blind for Fall 2022. It can be challenging to monitor all the changes, especially for the schools you are interested in, and it can be even more confusing to truly understand these policies. While some are straightforward, other schools may have additional requirements for test-optional students or only allow specific students to apply test-optional. For more information about test-optional, test-flexible, and test-blind policies, be sure to check out this blog.
Below are all 14 SEC schools' testing policies for Fall 2022. These policies include "Test-Optional," "Test-Flexible," and "Test Required." For more information on test-optional admissions, check out this post.
Test-Optional
LSU is test-optional for Fall 2022. has not decided its test-optional status for Fall 2022. Last admissions cycle, LSU was test-optional. Students can choose whether or not they wanted their test scores to be considered with their application. Test-optional students do not need to submit any additional documents, and they will be considered for university-administered scholarships as long as they apply by the priority deadline (December 15). For more information on Lousiana State University, please visit the undergraduate admissions website.
Texas A&M will be test-optional for Fall 2022. Students are not required to submit scores, but scores will be considered if a student does. According to the FAQs, students are "encouraged" to send scores, and they note scores will only "be used to benefit you in the admission process. You will not be penalized for low test scores or no test scores." If students would like to submit scores, they must be received by January 15 for consideration. For more information on Texas A&M, please visit the undergraduate admissions website.
Alabama will remain test-optional for Fall 2022. Students can choose whether or not to submit test scores and have full consideration for admissions if they do not. Alabama will superscore test scores for admissions but not scholarship consideration if a student submits multiple scores. Test optional students will not be considered for the automatic merit awards since those are based on a combination of GPA and test scores, but they can apply for competitive scholarships. More information will be released this summer regarding the competitive merit scholarship process. For more information on the University of Alabama, please visit the undergraduate admissions website.
The University of South Carolina is test-optional for Fall 2022. Freshman admission will be based primarily on high school courses and grades. Students will have full consideration for the Honors College and merit scholarships awarded by the Office of Admission. However, If a student attends a school that provides a written evaluation instead of grades or who is enrolled in an unaccredited or non-state recognized online/virtual high are required to submit scores. For more information on the University of South Carolina, please visit the undergraduate admissions website.
Vanderbilt was one of the first SEC schools to continue their test-optional policy for Fall 2022. Test-optional students will have full consideration for all majors and scholarships. However, according to their website, "Vanderbilt strongly encourages students to submit scores each time they take either the SAT or the ACT." If students do choose to submit test scores, Vanderbilt will superscore, only considering the highest section scores for either the SAT or ACT. For more information on Vanderbilt University, please visit the undergraduate admissions website.
Test-Flexible
Auburn is test-flexible for Fall 2022. Students must have at least a 3.6 GPA to apply without an SAT or ACT score. They will still be considered for Achievement Scholarships ($1,500-$2,500 for residents; $3,000-$5,500 for non-residents) but will be ineligible for Merit Scholarships ($1,500-$10,500 for Alabama residents; $3,000-$16,500 for non-residents). For more information on Auburn University, please visit the undergraduate admissions website.
MSU is test-optional for admissions, but they *strongly* encourage students to submit scores for scholarship eligibility. MSU automatically awards merit aid based on a combination of GPA and test scores, and test-optional students will NOT be considered for these scholarships. However, students may submit the General Scholarship Application to be reviewed holistically for scholarship consideration. For more information on Mississippi State University, please visit the undergraduate admissions website.
Arkansas will continue its "test-flexible" policy for Fall 2022. Students with a GPA of 3.2 or higher can be admitted to the University without a test score. Students with a GPA of a 2.75-3.19 may take the Next Generation Accuplacer test (available online) and meet minimum standards. For students with a GPA below a 2.74, they must apply for the Transitions Academic Program, which requires an ACT or SAT score. Additionally, all admitted students must have either an ACT, SAT, or Next Generation Accuplacer score on file by May 1, 2022, to enroll. This is a state requirement and is used for placement. Also, most merit-based scholarships and fellowships require an SAT/ACT score. For more information on the University of Arkansas, please visit the undergraduate admissions website.
The University of Kentucky will remain test-optional for Fall 2022, and the policy extends through the 2024-2025 application cycle. While students will receive full consideration for undergraduate admission and scholarships, some selective majors/programs will have additional requirements for test-optional students. Additional requirements include, but are not limited to, minimum grades in reading, writing, and math subject areas, a separate application, a portfolio of past work, or an interview. Be sure to check with your intended undergraduate college for more information. For more information on the University of Kentucky, please visit the undergraduate admissions website.
The University of Mississippi will consider students who do not submit test scores for admission, with this caveat: "*Although we are not requiring a standardized test score for admission for the 2021-2022 academic year, ACT/SAT scores are still very important for scholarships, some aid programs and for academic placement." Test scores are required for home school students. Additionally, the University of Mississippi will superscore the SAT and the ACT for admissions consideration. For more information on the University of Mississippi, please visit the undergraduate admissions website.
The University of Missouri will remain test-optional for Fall 2022. Students who apply via the test-optional pathway will need to submit a personal statement and a resume and may need to complete additional steps to be eligible for scholarships or the Honors College. Test-optional students will not be eligible for the Stamps Scholarship. Test scores are required for home school students, students graduating from a non-accredited school, and student-athletes that are subject to the NCAA eligibility standards. For more information on the University of Missouri, please visit the undergraduate admissions website.
The University of Tennessee is test-optional for Fall 2022. However, students need to submit an additional essay for consideration: "We believe Vol is a Verb and leadership is a willingness to act. Provide an example of how you’ve demonstrated leadership to make a positive impact in your community (family, work experience, school, community, service efforts, etc.). Describe the impact of your efforts and why it was meaningful to you."
Students must have at least a 3.8 weighted GPA to be considered for Honors & Scholars. Also, if a student attends a school that provides a written evaluation instead of grades will be required to submit scores, and International students have additional requirements. For more information on the University of Tennessee, please visit the undergraduate admissions website.
Test Required
Last fall, the University of Florida was NOT test-optional for admissions. Similar to UGA, this decision was made by the Board of Governors and not the University. The Board of Governors did not update the policy, so the University of Florida will require test scores for Fall 2022. For more information on the University of Florida, please visit the undergraduate admissions website.
UGA is NOT test-optional for Fall 2022. The Board of Regents has announced that they do not plan to extend the test-optional policy to next year. All students interested in applying to UGA must submit test scores. UGA does superscore the SAT and ACT, and it only considers the Math and English sections of the ACT. For more information on UGA, please visit the undergraduate admissions website.
Are you wondering if you should take the SAT or ACT for admissions this fall? Have questions or want to talk about your specific situation? Contact Allison or visit Grand Fit Educational Consulting for more information.
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