ACT & SAT

Most colleges and universities used to require submission of SAT or ACT scores when you apply for admission. However, over the past few years, the rising trend made by many schools has been to adopt a "TEST OPTIONAL" policy.

What does TEST OPTIONAL mean? At its most basic definition, test optional means that you do not need to submit ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admission to a particular school. While you may submit test scores if you want, you are not actually required to do so. Your school will make its admission decision based on your application, transcript (course history, course rigor, GPA, grades), essay(s), if required, and letter(s) of recommendation.

Most Oregon universities have gone TEST OPTIONAL. Incoming freshmen are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores to be considered for admissions. You will need to check your schools' admissions requirements to find out if ACT/SAT scores and SAT Subject Tests are required as part of their admission process.

It's good practice to take the ACT and/or SAT in the spring of your junior year. If you aren't satisfied with your scores, it would benefit you to study and take practice tests over the summer and retake the test(s) in the fall of your senior year.

Some schools may require that you take a specific test (either ACT or SAT), so make sure to check the school's website before you register for testing. It's also recommended that you find out if the school(s) to which you are applying require the Essay portion and/or Subject Tests

DID YOU KNOW...if you're planning on attending community college, it is not necessary to take the ACT or SAT. Community colleges use a college placement test (Accuplacer or ALEKS) or transcript review process that assesses your reading, writing and math skills to determine appropriate class placement when you register for college classes.