Key takeaways
- Students can choose to submit or not submit their ACT/SAT scores at a test-optional college, though some schools may recommend it.
- Test-flexible colleges accept more tests than just the ACT or SAT.
- Test-blind schools don’t consider scores as part of their admission processes and won’t look at any results submitted.
The SAT and ACT go hand in hand with college applications, but did you know not all schools require the tests? Some colleges give more weight to other aspects of your submission, accept more testing options, or won’t look at your test results even if you submit them. Below, we dive into the definitions behind test-optional, test-flexible, and test-blind admissions so you can make a game plan for your standardized tests and college applications.
What’s the difference between test-required, optional, flexible and blind?
This chart shows the different testing requirements colleges have.
| Admissions testing policy | Testing requirements | Should you submit your ACT/SAT? |
| Test required | School requires ACT or SAT scores to apply | Yes, always |
| Test optional | Not required, but sometimes recommended by the college | Yes, if recommended and your scores will help improve your application |
| Test flexible | College accepts ACT, SAT, IB Exam, AP Exams, and CLTs | Yes, if your scores are high enough to elevate your college application |
| Test blind | Institution does not consider ACT or SAT scores for admission | No |
What does test optional mean?
A “test-optional” college leaves the decision of whether to submit SAT/ACT scores up to the student. These schools put more focus on other parts of a student’s application, including grades and extracurriculars. More than 2,000 colleges are test-optional.
However, some test-optional schools still recommend that you submit your results. If you don’t and you’re tied with a student who did send in their SAT/ACT score, they could receive an acceptance letter over you.
What is test flexible?
Colleges with a “test-flexible” policy accept more test results beyond the SAT/ACT, such as the International Baccalaureate exam, Advanced Placement (AP) exams, and Classic Learning Test (CLT). A school can be both text-flexible and test-optional.
What does test blind mean?
A “test-blind” school will not consider ACT/SAT scores as part of its admissions process, whether students submit their results or not. You might also see these colleges referred to as “test-free.” In 2026, there are over 75 test-blind colleges and universities.
How do you learn more about your colleges’ testing policies?
You can learn more about your colleges’ SAT/ACT policies by visiting their website and application pages. You can also review a list of the current test-optional and test-free schools on the FairTest website. Always verify the information is up to date with your college.
Should you take the SAT/ACT?
Even if you’re applying to colleges that don’t require the SAT/ACT, it’s generally recommended that you still take the exam. It could give your application a boost and you may decide later to apply to a school that does require one of the tests.
Want to learn more about what your colleges are looking for from applicants? Head over to College Match to discover average accepted ACT/SAT scores, acceptance rates, and more.
