List of 200+ Universities That Don’t Require the ACT Exam

Many students dream of going to college. It’s a big step towards a bright future. But, getting into college can be hard. One of the hurdles students face is standardized tests like the ACT. These tests are used by colleges to see if students are ready for college-level work. However, not everyone is good at taking these tests, which can make getting into college feel harder.

Thankfully, things are changing. Some colleges are now saying that you don’t need the ACT exam to apply. This is great news for many students. It means they can show their skills and strengths in other ways. Colleges are starting to look at the whole student, not just their test scores. This approach is more fair and gives more students a chance to go to college.

This change is part of a bigger movement in education. It’s about understanding that each student is unique. Some students do well in tests, but others might show their abilities in different ways. Maybe they are great in art, sports, or community service. Colleges are beginning to appreciate these different talents more and more.

So, what does this mean for students who are applying to college? It means they have more options. They can choose colleges that focus on their whole story, not just a number from a test. This can take away a lot of the stress and pressure that comes with college applications.

In this article, we will talk about these universities. We will look at why they have decided to stop requiring the ACT. We will also see what other things they look at when students apply. This is important information for anyone thinking about college. It shows that there are many paths to success, and not having an ACT score won’t stop you from achieving your dreams.

Universities That Don’t Require the ACT Exam

Here’s a list of some universities that don’t require the ACT exam for the Fall 2024 admissions cycle:

Sr. No.	University Name
1	Bryn Mawr College PA
2	Agnes Scott College GA
3	American University DC
4	Arizona State University AZ
5	Augsburg College MN
6	Augustana College IL
7	Azusa Pacific University CA
8	Bard College NY
9	Barry University FL
10	Bates College ME
11	Beloit College WI
12	Benedict College SC
13	Benedictine College KS
14	Bennett College NC
15	Bennington College VT
16	Berklee College of Music MA
17	Boise State University ID
18	Bowdoin College ME
19	Bryant University RI
20	Burlington College VT
21	California College of the Arts (San Francisco) CA
22	California Institute of the Arts CA
23	Cambridge College MA
24	Carroll University (Wisconsin) WI
25	Cazenovia College NY
26	Centre College KY
27	Champlain College VT
28	Christopher Newport University VA
29	Clark University MA
30	College of the Atlantic ME
31	College of the Holy Cross MA
32	Colorado College CO
33	Colorado School of Mines CO
34	Columbia College Chicago IL
35	Connecticut College CT
36	Cornell College IA
37	Curry College MA
38	Denison University OH
39	DePaul University IL
40	Drew University NJ
41	Earlham College IN
42	Embry-Riddle- Daytona Beach FL
43	Emmanuel College MA
44	Fairfield University CT
45	Fairleigh Dickinson University NJ
46	Fashion Institute of Technology NY
47	Flagler College FL
48	Florida Institute of Technology FL
49	Franklin Pierce University NH
50	Franklin University OH
51	Furman University SC
52	Gallaudet University DC
53	George Mason University VA
54	George Washington University DC
55	Gettysburg College PA
56	Goshen College IN
57	Goucher College MD
58	Green Mountain College VT
59	Guilford College NC
60	Gustavus Adolphus College MN
61	Hamilton College – NY NY
62	Hampshire College MA
63	Hartwick College NY
64	Hawaii Pacific University HI
65	Hilbert College NY
66	Hiram College OH
67	Hobart and William Smith Colleges NY
68	Hofstra University NY
69	Humboldt State University CA
70	Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis IN Optional
71	Iowa State University IA
72	Ithaca College NY
73	James Madison University VA
74	Johnson & Wales University (Charlotte)NC
75	Johnson & Wales University (Denver)CO
76	Johnson & Wales University (North Miami)FL
77	Johnson & Wales University (Providence) RI
78	Juilliard School NY
79	Kalamazoo College MI
80	Keuka College NY
81	Knox College IL
82	La Sierra University CA
83	Lake Erie College OH
84	Lamar University TX
85	Lawrence University WI
86	Lebanon Valley College PA
87	Lewis & Clark College OR
88	Loyola University Chicago IL
89	Loyola University Maryland MD
90	Luther College IA
91	Lynn University FL
92	Marist College NY
93	Marlboro College VT
94	Marquette University WI
95	Marymount Manhattan College NY
96	Marywood University PA
97	McDaniel College MD
98	Mercyhurst University PA
99	Merrimack College MA
100	Messiah College PA
101	Miami University OH
102	Michigan State University MI
103	Middlebury College VT
104	Miles College AL
105	Mills College CA
106	Minnesota State University, Mankato MN
107	Mount Holyoke College MA
108	University of Washington
109	Harvard College
110	Vassar College
111	Oregon State University
112	University of Pennsylvania
113	Dartmouth College
114	Tufts University
115	Davidson College
116	Haverford College
117	University of Chicago IL
118	Muhlenberg College PA
119	National University CA
120	New England College NH
121	New York Institute of Technology NY
122	New York University NY
123	North Carolina State University NC
124	Northeastern University MA
125	Northern Arizona University AZ
126	Northern Kentucky University KY
127	Oakland University MI
128	Oakwood University AL
129	Oklahoma City University OK
130	Old Dominion University VA
131	Pace University, New York City NY
132	Pace University, Westchester Campus NY
133	Pacific Union College CA
134	Peirce College PA
135	Pitzer College CA
136	Pratt Institute NY
137	Prescott College AZ
138	Providence College RI
139	Quinnipiac University CT
140	Ringling College of Art and Design FL
141	Rocky Mountain College MT
142	Roger Williams University RI
143	Rollins College FL
144	Roosevelt University IL
145	Saint Joseph’s University PA
146	Saint Leo University FL
147	Saint Peter’s University NJ
148	Salisbury University MD
149	Salve Regina University RI
150	Sarah Lawrence College NY
151	Savannah College of Art and Design GA
152	School of the Art Institute of Chicago IL
153	Seattle University WA
154	Seton Hill University PA
155	Skidmore College NY
156	Smith College MA
157	Southern Methodist University TX
158	St. Cloud State University MN
159	St. Edward’s University MD
160	St. John’s College ME
161	St. John’s College NM
162	St. John’s University – Manhattan Campus NY
163	State Uni of New York – Stony Brook NY
164	State Uni of New York, “Alfred State” NY
165	State Uniof New York College, Plattsburgh NY
166	Stonehill College MA
167	Suffolk University MA
168	Syracuse University NY
169	Trinity College CT
170	Tulane University LA
171	Union College NY
172	University at Buffalo, The State Un of NY
173	University of Arizona AZ
174	University of Cincinnati OH
175	University of Colorado at Boulder CO
176	University of Dallas TX
177	University of Denver CO
178	University of Findlay OH
179	University of Houston TX
180	University of Iowa IA
181	University of Kansas KS
182	University of Miami FL
183	University of Michigan, Flint MI
184	University of Montana, Missoula MT
185	University of New Mexico NM
186	University of New Orleans LA
187	University of North Carolina at Greensboro NC
188	University of Northern Iowa IA
189	University of Oregon OR
190	University of Portland OR
191	University of Rhode Island RI
192	University of Rochester NY
193	University of San Diego CA
194	University of Southern Mississippi MS
195	University of St. Thomas MN
196	University of the Pacific CA
197	University of the Southwest NM
198	University of Toledo OH
199	University of Tulsa OK
200	University of Washington WA
201	University of Wisconsin, Superior WI
202	University of Wisconsin, Whitewater WI
203	Ursinus College PA
204	Utica College NY
205	Wagner College NY
206	Wake Forest University NC
207	Washington Adventist University MD
208	Washington and Jefferson College PA
209	Wesleyan University CT
210	Western New England University MA
211	Westminster College MO
212	Wheaton College IL IL
213	Wheaton College MA
214	Whitworth University WA
215	Widener University PA
216	Wilberforce University OH
217	Wilmington University DE
218	Wilson College PA
219	Winona State University MN
220	Wittenberg University OH
221	Worcester Polytechnic Institute MA
222	Xavier University OH
223	York College NE
224	Yale University
225	Case Western Reserve University
226	Pomona College
227	Princeton University
228	University of Virginia
229	Amherst College
230	Boston University
231	Rhodes College
232	Trinity University

This list includes a variety of institutions, from Big League universities to state colleges, each offering a range of academic programs and unique campus experiences. Keep in mind that while these universities have test-optional policies, they may still consider ACT scores if submitted. It’s always a good idea to check the specific admission requirements of each university for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

For a more comprehensive list of universities and details about their admission policies, you can visit The College Curators and Yocket websites.

What are Test-Optional Colleges?

1. Understanding Test-Optional Colleges

Test-optional colleges let you choose if you want to send your ACT scores. You don’t have to take the ACT if you don’t want to. This means you can focus on other parts of your application, like your grades and activities.

2. The Difference Between Test-Optional and Test-Blind

Test-optional is not the same as test-blind. Test-blind means the college won’t look at your ACT scores at all. Test-optional means you can send your scores if you want, but it’s not necessary.

3. Why Colleges Choose to Be Test-Optional

Colleges choose this way to find different kinds of students. They know that being good at tests is not the only way to be smart. They want to see all of your skills and talents.

4. What This Means for Your College Choices

With test-optional colleges, you have more choices. You can apply to many different schools. This gives you a better chance to find a college that fits you well.

5. How to Make the Most of Test-Optional Policies

To make the most of this, focus on what you are good at. Show your best in your grades, activities, and essays. Let the college see your true self, not just test scores.

Your List of Elite Universities That Don’t Require the ACT Exam This Year

Here’s a simple list of some elite universities that don’t require the ACT exam this year:

1. Columbia University: A very famous school in New York City. They have lots of different things to study.

2. Stanford University: This school is in California and is known for being very good, especially in technology and business.

3. Northwestern University: Located near Chicago, this university is known for great programs in many areas like journalism and engineering.

4. Boston University: In the city of Boston, this university offers a lot of different subjects and has a big campus.

5. Brown University: This is an Ivy League school in Rhode Island. It’s famous for letting students choose what they want to study in different ways.

6. California Institute of Technology (Caltech): A top school in California, especially known for science and engineering.

7. Yale University: Another Ivy League school, located in Connecticut. It’s very old and respected, with lots of history.

8. University of Chicago: In Chicago, this school is famous for its strong programs in subjects like economics and political science.

9. Princeton University: Located in New Jersey, it’s one of the oldest and most famous universities, known for its research.

10. Harvard University: Probably the most famous university in the world, located in Massachusetts. It has a lot of different programs and is very old.

These universities are known around the world for their high-quality education and have decided that students don’t need to take the ACT exam to apply. Remember, even though these schools don’t require the ACT, they look at many other things like your grades, what you do outside of school, and your essays. Always check their websites for the latest information on their application requirements.

Key Takeaways

Shift in University Admissions: Many universities are moving away from requiring the ACT exam, focusing instead on a more holistic assessment of applicants.

Benefits for Diverse Learners: This change in admissions policy benefits students who may not excel in standardized testing but have strengths in other areas.

Test-Optional vs. Test-Blind: It’s important to understand the difference between test-optional (where submitting ACT scores is your choice) and test-blind (where ACT scores are not considered at all).

More Opportunities for Applicants: The shift to test-optional policies means students have more universities to consider, increasing their chances of finding a suitable match for their skills and interests.

Emphasis on Overall Application: With the ACT becoming optional, other aspects of the college application, like grades, essays, extracurricular activities, and personal experiences, gain more importance.

Reduced Stress for Students: The elimination of mandatory ACT testing can reduce anxiety and pressure on students during the college application process.

Finding the Right University Fit: Students have the opportunity to find universities that value their unique skills and interests, beyond just test scores.

Showcasing Personal Talents and Interests: Applicants can highlight their individual talents, hobbies, and achievements, which can now play a more significant role in their college applications.

Importance of Academic Performance: While ACT scores might be optional, academic performance in school remains a crucial component of the college application.

Encouragement for Holistic Development: This trend encourages students to develop a well-rounded profile, focusing on personal growth, community involvement, and diverse interests alongside academic achievements.

FAQ

We hope you found this article helpful in understanding the universities that don’t require the ACT exam. Our aim was to provide you with clear and straightforward information, making your college application process a bit easier. Remember, every student has a unique path to success, and not having an ACT score doesn’t limit your potential or your dreams.

If you’re looking for more resources to help with the ACT or other aspects of college preparation, we have plenty of articles on our website. These articles offer practical tips, strategies for studying, and insights into the college admission process. They’re designed to help you prepare effectively, improve your skills, and approach your educational goals with confidence.

We encourage you to explore these resources and use them to your advantage. Whether you’re gearing up for the ACT, looking for application tips, or seeking ways to highlight your unique talents, our website has something for everyone. Good luck on your educational journey, and remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way with valuable information and guidance.