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.
However many of the state universities in the south have gone back to requiring testing as part of their admissions process. In this article, we will explore colleges in the South that remain committed to test-optional and test-flexible admission policies. Of course this list is subject to chance so please check out FairTest.org for the most up-to-date list of colleges that are test optional.
Virginia:
University of Virginia (UVA) - good until the Class of 2025; William & Mary, Roanoke College, University of Lynchburg, Virginia Military Institute, James Madison University, Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University, Washington & Lee - good until the Class of 2024, George Mason University, University of Richmond - good until Class of 2024
North Carolina:
Elon University, Wake Forest, UNC-Asheville, Appalachian State University, Davidson College, Warren Wilson College, East Carolina University, Johnson & Wales - Charlotte, NC State - Raleigh, UNC-Wilmington, Catawba College, and High Point.
South Carolina:
Furman University, College of Charleston - good until Class of 2025, Coastal Carolina, Converse College, University of South Carolina - good until Class of 2024, Winthrop, and Wofford.
Georgia:
Emory University, Kennesaw State, Berry College, Clark Atlanta (HBCU) - good until Class of 2024, Morehouse College (HBCU), SCAD - good until Class of 2024, Spelman College (HBCU) - good until Class of 2024,
Florida:
University of Miami, 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:
University of Alabama, Auburn University - Students who apply test optional must have a GPA above 3.5, University of Alabama - good until Class of 2024, Alabama A&M
Tennessee:
Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Sewanee - The University of the South, Middle Tennessee State University, Rhodes College, East Tennessee State University
Mississippi:
University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, University of Southern Mississippi
Kentucky:
University of Louisville, Alice Lloyd College, Berea College, Eastern Kentucky University, University of Kentucky - good through Class of 2024, Western Kentucky University
Arkansas:
University of Arkansas and 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.
