Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) have traditionally been a cornerstone of U.S. college admissions. But a growing number of universities now offer test-optional admissions—and some even provide scholarships without requiring SAT or ACT.
These institutions assess applicants holistically, emphasizing academic records, essays, extracurriculars, and leadership. For students with strong profiles but no standardized scores, this opens new doors to admission and funding.
Here are ten U.S. universities offering significant scholarships that don’t require test scores for entry or merit awards in 2025.
10 U.S. Universities Offering Scholarships Without SAT or ACT
1. University of Chicago
A leading research university offering test-optional admissions and a range of merit and need-based scholarships, including full-tuition support for families earning under $125,000.
Deadline: Early Decision – November 1; Regular Decision – January 3, 2025 (2025 cycle).
Eligibility: Holistic review process, test-optional, requires strong academic transcripts, essays, teacher evaluations, and optional creative supplements. Families earning under $125K may qualify for full-tuition aid.
How to Apply: Submit the Common Application or Coalition Application, optional test scores, essay, high school transcript, two teacher evaluations, and financial aid forms (CSS Profile, FAFSA for U.S. citizens).
2. University of California, Berkeley
UC Berkeley is currently “test-free” for Fall 2025—SAT/ACT is not required or considered. Merits scholarships are based on GPA, coursework, essays, and achievements.
Deadline: November 30, 2024 (for Fall 2025 enrollment).
Eligibility: California residents and international applicants submit transcripts, personal insight questions, and academic record; GPA is the primary scholarship criterion.
How to Apply: Use the UC Application, submit grades and essays; no test scores needed.
3. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Like Berkeley, UCLA is test-free and offers scholarships based on academic performance, leadership, and personal background.
Deadline: November 30, 2024 (UC Application cutoff).
Eligibility: High school academic excellence and notable extracurriculars and essays.
How to Apply: Complete the UC Application and personal insight responses. Scholarship consideration is automatic with admission.
4. Stanford University
Stanford is test-optional through at least 2025. It provides need-based financial aid as well as institutional scholarships.
Deadline: Restrictive Early Action – November 1, 2024; Regular Decision – January 2, 2025.
Eligibility: Strong academic transcripts, essays, recommendations; no SAT/ACT required; US or international families meeting financial criteria are eligible for aid.
How to Apply: Common Application or Coalition App, SAT/ACT optional, school report, teacher recommendations, and financial aid forms (CSS/IDOC).
5. Yale University
Yale is test-optional and meets full demonstrated need for all students—including internationals.
Deadline: Single-Choice Early Action – November 1; Regular Decision – January 2, 2025.
Eligibility: Holistic application review with transcripts, essays, and recommendations; financial aid is need-based, and test scores are optional.
How to Apply: Common App, YCCC supplement, optional test scores, transcripts, recommendations, and financial aid forms (CSS, international forms).
6. Johns Hopkins University
Test-optional, including for 2025. Offers merit- and need-based scholarships assessed without SAT/ACT.
Deadline: Restrictive Early Action – November 7; Regular Decision – January 3, 2025.
Eligibility: Academic excellence, strong essays, involvement; SAT/ACT optional; demonstrated need may enable financial packages.
How to Apply: Coalition App or QuestBridge, high school transcript, recommendation letters, optional test scores, and financial aid documents.
7. Wake Forest University
One of the first top-30 universities to go test-optional. Offers merit awards like the Achievers Scholarship—automatically available when applying test-optional.
Deadline: Early Decision I – November 1; Early Decision II – January 1, 2026; Regular Decision – January 15, 2026.
Eligibility: Grade point average, essays, and extracurriculars are core; no SAT/ACT required; strong profiles can receive up to $20,000/year in merit grants.
How to Apply: Common App with optional test scores, resume, essay, and teacher recommendation.
8. Berea College (Kentucky)
Every admitted student receives a full-tuition scholarship. Students earn room and board through required work-study. International students are included.
Deadline: Rolling admissions, but recommended by mid-February 2025.
Eligibility: Financial need, academic competence; international applicants are accepted (~8% of class) but only one per country typically.
How to Apply: Berea College application, high school transcripts, financial need documentation (equivalent of FAFSA), and TOEFL/English proficiency if English is not primary.
9. Clark University Global Scholars Program
Targeted merit scholarships worth $15,000–$25,000/year for international students; IELTS/TOEFL may be waived if educated in English; SAT/ACT not required.
Deadline: January 15, 2025 (for Fall admissions).
Eligibility: International freshmen; strong GPA, leadership, and essays; English proficiency via transcript or test alternate; no SAT/ACT necessary.
How to Apply: Common App with Clark supplement, including essays, transcript, and optional English scores.
10. Amherst College
Need-based financial aid is test-optional and need-blind, meaning no SAT/ACT required and aid meets 100% of demonstrated need.
Deadline: Early Decision I – November 1; Early Decision II – January 1, 2026; Regular Decision – January 1, 2026.
Eligibility: Holistic admission, full financial need met; U.S. and international students considered equally.
How to Apply: Common App with Amherst supplement, optional test scores, transcript, teacher recommendations, and financial aid forms.
Tips for Test-Optional Applicants
1. Highlight academic rigor – your GPA, class load, and advanced coursework become crucial.
2. Write strong essays – personal insight and supplemental essays carry more weight.
3. Secure recommendations – two teacher recs plus often a counselor recommendation.
4. Show leadership – extracurriculars, work, community involvement all count.
5. Apply early when possible – early rounds often come with priority for scholarships.
Conclusion
The test-optional movement has opened pathways at top U.S. universities for students without SAT/ACT scores. These ten institutions offer admission and substantial funding based on holistic profiles, not test metrics alone.