Colleges that don't require ACT/SAT Scores?

Question

I am 22 and I have just started to look to get into college, but all of the require ACT/SAT scores. I have never liked the test, truth be told, I went an joined the military on the day I was to take my ACT.

Anyways, are there any colleges out there, that does not require them, and don't require that you have great high school grades either. Cause I am not even sure where I ranked in my HS class, it has been a while ago.

Also, I did not stay in the military long enough for it to count, I really don't think a month really counts >.<

Thank You for your time.

Never said that I had below a 2.0, I just didn't have great grades in HS. Esp. my final year in HS, because of outside problems that effected my schooling.

Answer 1

Bard College, NY *
Bates College, ME *
Bennington College, NY *
Bowdoin College, ME *
Connecticut College, CT *
Dickinson College, PA *
Drew University, NJ
Franklin and Marshall College, PA *
Gustavus Adolphus College, MN
Hamilton College, NY *
Hampshire College, MA *
Hobart and William Smith Colleges, NY *
College of the Holy Cross, MA
Juniata College, PA
Knox College, IL
Lawrence University, WI
Lewis and Clark College, OR
Middlebury College, VT *
Muhlenberg College, PA
Mount Holyoke College, MA *
Pitzer College, CA
St. Lawrence University, NY
Sarah Lawrence College, NY *
Union College, NY
Ursinus College, PA

None of these schools require the SAT or ACT for admissions.

The schools I have starred have highly selective admissions, and will require outstanding letters of recommendation, high school GPA, and abilities beyond the norm.

Best wishes to you.

Answer 2

There are currently over 700 four year colleges and universities that do not require the ACT or SAT for admissions purposes. The number is steadily growing. Many others downplay their importance in admissions. You can find a complete list of schools that are SAT/ACT optional at FairTest, www.fairtest.org

You may also want to consider starting by taking some courses at a local community college - they do not require the SAT or ACT, and, if you do well in those classes, it will be a plus when it comes to apply to a four year school. Many community colleges have transfer agreements with four year schools, and, in that case, you may have even more options that won't care about your test scores or high school grades.

I'd also suggest that you get in touch with the guidance office of your high school - they may be able to give you a bit of advice as to what direction you should head.
Best of luck with your college plans!
Carolyn Lawrence, www.AdmissionsAdvice.com

Answer 3

Three things.

1. Congratulations on going back to school! It is a terrific idea.

2. Most community colleges will let you in, even with lower scores or grades. You could apply at these, and if you work hard and get good grades there, you can transfer to a bigger university.

3. I agree with you that the standardized tests suck. But they are a reality that you have to face if you want to go to a major university. The thing is that you can study for them and retake them if you are not happy with your scores. The fact is that everything that is on those tests is going to be knowledge that is necessary for you to pass your general courses anyway. So you may as well take the tests.

So I highly recommend for someone in your situation to start with community college, study for and retake the SAT, and talk to the academic advisors at the college for addition information and help! It is a lot of work, but it is necessary, and it is worth it! Good luck!

Answer 4

I work at a university and I am not familiar with any colleges that do not require ACT or SAT scores for someone your age. Many university's have what is called an "institutional ACT". It is an ACT test that you can take at the university you are applying to, but it is only applicable at that one university. The score cannot be applied to admissions elsewhere. You will also need to obtain a copy of your high school transcript in order to apply for college. If you high school GPA is truly that low, below a 2.0, then you will need to go a community college for a few semesters to raise your GPA and then you will be able to apply to a 4 university. I do not know of any 4 year college that will admit you with a GPA below a 2.0.

Answer 5

I started at a community college, then transferred to a state university, and they did not require my test scores. I actually have never taken the SAT's. Of course, this was 1999. It's possible that things have changed.

Answer 6

http://www.fairtest.org/optinit.htm

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2006-04-04-standardized-tests_x.htm

http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=2540225