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Common Ground News

Are Cal State schools test optional?

Author

David Ramirez

Updated on March 10, 2026

Are Cal State schools test optional?

GRADES IN “A-G” COURSES AND TEST SCORES

Test scores are required unless you have a grade point average (GPA) above 3.00 and are a resident of California. The CSU uses a calculation called an Eligibility Index that combines your high school grade point average with the score you earn on either the SAT or ACT tests.

Also to know is, are Cal states test optional?

The grades you earn in high school are the most important factor in CSU admission decisions. SAT/ACT test scores aren't required to establish the admission eligibility of California residents with a high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or above (nonresidents must have a GPA of 3.61 or above).

Similarly, what colleges are becoming test optional? Colleges and Universities That Became Test-Optional for Applicants in 2020-2021

  • Adelphi University.
  • Amherst College.
  • Angelo State University.
  • Arcadia University.
  • Babson College.
  • Barnard College.
  • Baylor University.
  • Bellarmine University*

Likewise, people ask, what colleges in California are test optional?

  • Stanford University. 4 Year. Stanford, CA.
  • California Institute of Technology. 4 Year. Pasadena, CA.
  • University of Southern California. 4 Year.
  • Pomona College. 4 Year.
  • University of California - Los Angeles. 4 Year.
  • Harvey Mudd College. 4 Year.
  • Claremont McKenna College. 4 Year.
  • University of California - Berkeley. 4 Year.

Are colleges going test optional for 2021?

Editor's note: More than two-thirds of U.S. four-year colleges and universities have decided to make the SAT or ACT optional for admission in the fall of 2021, some on a temporary basis, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Do Cal States accept SAT Subject Tests?

While some colleges require that all applicants submit a number of SAT Subject Tests, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo does not. However, Subject Tests can improve your candidacy and some of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's departments may require SAT Subject Test scores in their area of study.

Is Harvard test optional?

Harvard announced that it is going test optional in admissions for one year, for applicants seeking to enter in the fall of 2021, because of the difficulties students face in taking the SAT and ACT. Students who do not submit test scores will not be at a disadvantage," the university said.

Is SDSU test optional for 2021?

Applicants to the 23-campus California State University won't have to submit scores from the SAT or ACT for admission in fall 2021, nor for the following winter and spring terms, according to an announcement released Friday.

Are SATS Cancelled in California?

SACRAMENTO — The University of California on Thursday voted to phase out the SAT and ACT as requirements to apply to its system of 10 schools, which include some of the nation's most popular campuses, in a decision with major implications for the use of standardized tests in college admissions.

Will colleges go test optional?

As spring and summer testing dates for the SAT and ACT have been canceled due to COVID-19, many colleges across the nation have announced that they will make the tests optional for those entering college in 2021.

Is the SAT required for 2021?

More than 1,240 of the nation's 2,330 bachelor's degree-granting schools have said they will not require students to submit ACT/SAT scores when they apply for fall 2021 admission, according to an update from The National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest).

Does Cal State require essay?

CSU schools do not require essays. You can do one application for all CSU schools. Eligibility Index and Applying for for CSU schools. On the main CSU website you can run the Eligibility Index to see if your grades and test score make you eligible for admissions.

Do Cal states require extracurriculars?

CSUs do mainly look at your academic achievement, like your SAT/ACT scores, GPA, and class grades. However, there for some schools there is a question that asks if you do participate in extracurricular activities, and if I remember correctly it might give a couple ranges of hours per week to choose from. That's it.

What colleges are not test optional?

Cornell University (NY)(2020-2021 only) Creighton University (NE)(2021 only) Dartmouth College (NH)(2021+) Davidson College (NC)(2021-2024)

Is Baylor test optional?

Due to testing disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Baylor University will be test optional for 2020-2021. Read more about our Test Optional policy. When you apply for freshman admissions at Baylor, you might submit ACT or SAT scores.

Is Rollins test optional?

About the Test Score Waived Option

Rollins College is a selective college that offers candidates the opportunity to be considered for admission without submitting SAT or ACT scores. We have been a proud Test Score Optional school since 2008.

What colleges are test optional for 2022?

List of Colleges not requiring SAT/ACT Scores 2021 or until 2024
  • Abilene Christian University (TX)(2021 only)
  • Adelphi University (NY)(2021 only)
  • Alabama A&M University (AL)(2021 only)
  • Alabama State University (AL)(2021 only)
  • Albion College (MI)(2021 only)
  • Alfred University (NY)(2021 only)
  • Amherst College (MA)(2020-2021)
  • Anderson College (IN)(2021+)

Why are schools going test optional?

By eliminating the pressure to produce perfect SAT or ACT scores, test-optional colleges are allowing greater opportunity for students to focus on academic performance and, to take it a step further, pursuing courses and activities that match their interests.

Is Yale 2021 optional?

Yale has adopted a one-year test-optional policy for first-year applicants in the 2020-2021 admissions cycle and will not consider SAT Subject Tests.

Is NYU test optional 2021?

The simple answer is yes – NYU is test optional for students applying in the 2020-2021 admissions cycle. As of now, this only applies to first year applicants applying for entry in Fall 2021.

Is Duke optional 2021?

Students with their sights set on Duke University for Fall 2021 won't have to submit SAT and ACT scores with their applications this year. Duke announced Wednesday that it will be “test-optional” for students applying for admission to the first-year undergraduate class in the 2020-21 admissions cycle.

Is Auburn test optional for 2021?

info. Auburn is test-flexible for summer and fall 2021.

Does LSU require SAT for 2021?

Applicants Submitting SAT. The SAT scores of the applicants are also considered by Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College for their admission. Apart from other things, the candidates need to know that SAT scores are compulsory to be considered for admission to the university.

Is Umich test optional 2021?

For the 2020-21 application cycle, students who are unable to provide standardized test scores are encouraged to apply and will not be disadvantaged in the application process. Students will be considered regardless of their ability to test or provide test scores.

Which colleges are test blind?

Notable schools with test-blind policies include Hampshire College (which was test blind prior to COVID-19), Caltech (which plans to implement a two-year pilot program), Catholic University, and Loyola University New Orleans. Yale University is also Subject Test blind for the 2020-21 admissions cycle.