Colleges in the South that are Test Optional

By Lynne Fuller, Founder of College Flight Path

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

• University of Virginia

North Carolina:

• Elon University - required for direct Nursing admissions

• Wake Forest

• Davidson College

• Duke University

• Warren Wilson College

• Johnson & Wales - Charlotte

• Catawba College

• High Point

• UNC-System (UNC-Asheville, UNC-Wilmington, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Charlotte, UNC-Greensboro, UNC-Pembroke, UNC-School for 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) Students with a weighted GPA between 2.5 and 2.8 must submit scores. Students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher have the option to submit their scores.

South Carolina:

• Furman University

• College of Charleston

• Clemson

• Coastal Carolina

• Converse College

• University of South Carolina

• Winthrop

• Wofford

Georgia:

• Emory University

• Berry College

• Clark Atlanta (HBCU)

• SCAD

• Spelman College (HBCU)

• The University System of Georgia (USG) is reinstating test-score requirements for freshman admissions in the fall of 2026. Specifically, SAT or ACT scores will be required for applicants to seven institutions: University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Georgia College & State University, Augusta University, Kennesaw State University, and Georgia Southern University. The other 19 USG institutions will continue to be test-optional.

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 - reinstating Standardized Testing Starting Fall 2026

• Barry University

• Beacon College

• University of Miami - reinstating Standardized Testing Starting Fall 2026

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

• University of Tennessee System requires standardized tests for all campuses, including UT Knoxville, for first year applicants.

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 - not required but encouraged

• University of Kentucky - good through the Class of 2028

• Western Kentucky University - must be higher than 2.5 GPA to be test optional

Arkansas:

• University of Arkansas - must be higher than 3.2 GPA for test optional

• 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, book a free 15-minute call, or engage in our Self-guided Senior Flight Log Application course.

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