Colleges in the South that are Test Optional

As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, so do the admission requirements of colleges and universities across the country. In recent years, the concept of test-optional and test-flexible admissions have gained significant traction, offering students more diverse pathways to showcase their academic potential. With so many students looking to apply to southern colleges and universities, best highlighted in the September 2024 Wall Street Journal article entitled “Sorry, Harvard. Everyone Wants to Go to College in the South Now” and outlined by data junkie Tony Altimore via X in his data subsets by conference, sport, graduation rate, and increase in popularity, it is important to research policies, programming, and fit to see which southern school is right for you.

However, many state universities in southern states returned to requiring testing as part of their admissions process due to state and system-wide mandates like the one impacting the entire UNC system. In this article, we explore colleges in the South that remain committed to test-optional and test-flexible admission policies. Of course, this list is subject to change so please check out FairTest.org for the most up-to-date list of colleges that are test optional.

Virginia:

• William & Mary,

• Roanoke College,

• University of Lynchburg,

• Virginia Military Institute,

• James Madison University,

• Virginia Tech through Fall 2028,

• Virginia Commonwealth University - testing needed for the Honors College guaranteed admissions programs,

• George Mason University,

North Carolina:

• Elon University,

• Wake Forest,

• UNC-System (UNC-Asheville, UNC-Wilmington, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Charlotte, UNC-Greensboro, UNC-Pembroke, UNC-School fo the Arts, Western Carolina University, Winston-Salem State University, North Carolina School of Science & Mathematics, Appalachian State, East Carolina University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, NC A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, NC State, - not test optional but would consider a minimum SAT score of 930 or higher starting in 2026)

• Davidson College,

• Duke University - this policy may change in 2025, so check Duke’s website for up to date information,

• Warren Wilson College,

• Johnson & Wales - Charlotte,

• Catawba College,

• High Point.

South Carolina:

• Furman University,

• College of Charleston,

• Clemson,

• Coastal Carolina,

• Converse College,

• Winthrop,

• Wofford.

Georgia:

• Emory University - this may change for Class of 2026 check Emory’s website for updates,

• University System of Georgia Test Optional Policy applies to a number of schools, but candidates must maintain certain GPA minimums 3.2 at Kennesaw State, 3.4 at Augusta University, 3.0 at Savannah State University to be considered.

• Berry College,

• Clark Atlanta (HBCU),

• SCAD,

• Spelman College (HBCU).

Florida:

• Flagler College,

• Rollins College,

• University of Tampa,

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University,

• Stetson,

• Lynn University,

• Eckerd College,

• Ringling College of Art and Design,

• Nova Southeastern,

• Barry University,

• Beacon College.

Alabama:

• Auburn University - Students who apply test optional must have a GPA above 3.6,

• The University of Alabama,

• Alabama A&M

• Tuskegee University - Students who apply test optional must have a GPA above 3.0.

Tennessee:

• Vanderbilt University,

• Belmont University,

• Sewanee - The University of the South,

• Rhodes College,

• Fisk University.

Mississippi:

• University of Mississippi - optional for nonresident students with a GPA of 3.2 or higher, strongly recommended otherwise,

• Mississippi State University - optional for admission but encouraged for scholarships,

• Jackson State University.

Kentucky:

• University of Louisville,

• Alice Lloyd College,

• Berea College,

• Eastern Kentucky University,

• University of Kentucky - good through the Class of 2028,

• Western Kentucky University.

Arkansas:

• University of Arkansas (test optional depending on high school GPA of 3.2 or higher)

• University of the Ozarks

In a time when students are seeking more personalized and equitable pathways to higher education, these colleges are leading the charge by embracing test-optional admissions. By evaluating applicants based on a holistic understanding of their accomplishments, potential, and character, these institutions are setting a precedent for a more inclusive and dynamic higher education environment. Of course, building any college list, region, internship opportunities, extracurricular experiences, housing, class size, cost, size, and more should be essential factors in determining which schools align with each student's needs, but it is really nice to know that not every institution will require testing as part of their admissions process.

To learn more about test optional colleges in the south or any other related topics, email hello@collegeflightpath.com or book a free 15-minute call.

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