8 Best Test-Optional Colleges in New York 2025

The landscape of college admissions continues to change, with many institutions shifting away from mandatory standardized test scores. For prospective students, this means a greater focus on a holistic review of their academic and personal achievements.

New York, a state renowned for its diverse and prestigious educational opportunities, offers some of the best test-optional colleges that embrace this progressive approach. This article explores some of the top test-optional schools in New York and provides insights into their admissions policies, academic offerings, and what makes them stand out.

What Does Test Optional Mean?

Test-optional refers to a college admissions policy where applicants have the choice of whether or not to submit standardized test scores (like the SAT or ACT) as part of their application. This means that submitting scores is not a requirement for consideration, but applicants who feel their scores strengthen their profile can still choose to include them.

Test-optional institutions typically follow a holistic review process, evaluating a student's high school transcript, academic rigor, essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and other personal qualities to gain a comprehensive understanding of their potential and fit for the institution. This approach aims to reduce barriers and provide opportunities for a broader range of students.

Top 10 Test-Optional Colleges in New York

If you're exploring schools that don't require SAT scores, New York offers an impressive array of institutions. Here's a detailed look at 10 of the best test-optional colleges in the state, ordered from the most affordable estimated tuition to the most expensive, along with key information about their programs and policies.

1. CUNY Brooklyn College

Part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, Brooklyn College is an academically strong institution celebrated for its beautiful campus and active student life. If you're applying here, you'll find that Brooklyn College is test-optional. This means the college looks at your application holistically, taking into account your high school record, the difficulty of your academic program, your essays, and your extracurricular involvement, without requiring SAT or ACT scores from you.

For an affordable, high-quality education, Brooklyn College stands out. It offers several undergraduate and graduate programs spanning the liberal arts, sciences, business, education, and performing arts. Plus, if you need a flexible learning solution, you'll find some online courses and even fully online degree programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,930 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

2. CUNY Hunter College

Hunter College is test-optional, so you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. Admissions decisions are based on a thorough review of your academic achievements, coursework difficulty, personal essays, and strong letters of recommendation.

Hunter College excels in liberal arts, sciences, health professions, and social work, offering numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college also provides opportunities for internships and cultural experiences throughout New York City, with some online courses and programs available to support your flexible learning needs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,930 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

3. CUNY Queens College

Queens College, part of the CUNY system, offers a strong academic experience in a diverse environment. The college is test-optional, so you can choose whether to include your SAT or ACT scores. Admissions evaluators conduct a holistic review of your application. They focus on your high school academic performance, the rigor of your curriculum, your essays, and your involvement in extracurricular activities.

The college provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in liberal arts, sciences, social sciences, and education. If you're looking for flexibility, Queens College also offers various online courses, providing accessible learning opportunities for many students who prefer remote study or need to balance other commitments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,930 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

4. SUNY Oswego

SUNY (State University of New York) Oswego provides a supportive learning setting with a strong commitment to your success. As a test-optional institution, SUNY Oswego considers your application through a complete review process. The school will look at your academic performance, essays, recommendations, and participation in activities outside of class instead of solely relying on SAT or ACT scores. This means you have the flexibility to show your strengths in various ways, ensuring your application gets a well-rounded assessment.

SUNY Oswego offers many undergraduate and graduate degrees in arts, sciences, education, business, and communication. The college is well-known for its hands-on learning, including internships, research projects, and creative work, which prepare you for future careers. If you're looking for flexibility, various online courses and programs are also available, making it easier to fit your studies into your life.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,070 per year
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

5. SUNY Plattsburgh

You'll find that SUNY Plattsburgh offers a welcoming community feel with many academic choices. SUNY Plattsburgh has a test-optional policy, meaning you won't be required to submit SAT or ACT scores. The college performs a thorough review of your application, placing importance on your high school transcripts, how challenging your courses were, your personal essays, and letters of recommendation.

SUNY Plattsburgh offers bachelor's and master's degrees in liberal arts, sciences, business, education, and health fields. While it's mainly a residential campus, some online options are available for specific courses and programs, which can make your education more accessible, no matter where you are.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,070 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

6. Marist University

Marist University has strong academic programs in communication, fashion, business, and science. It also has a test-optional admissions policy, allowing you to decide whether or not to submit your test scores. The admissions committee performs a thorough, holistic review of your application, considering your academic performance, the rigor of your high school coursework, your essay, and your impactful extracurricular involvement.

Marist offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees that can help you achieve your career goals. If you are seeking flexible learning formats, the college also provides various online undergraduate programs and graduate degrees, allowing you to complete your education from anywhere.

• Estimated tuition cost: $48,800 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

7. St. John's University

St. John's University, a Catholic institution with campuses across New York City, offers you an engaging urban educational experience. For most undergraduate programs, the university is test-optional. St. John's focuses on your academic record, essay, recommendations, and participation in activities outside of class to understand your potential for success.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including notable strengths in business, pharmacy, and education that might interest you. St. John's commitment to community engagement and global citizenship is a central part of its mission, and they offer numerous online programs and courses for your convenience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $51,410 per year
• Accreditation: MSCHE

8. Ithaca College

Ithaca College is test-optional, meaning you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. Instead, Ithaca College looks at your academic transcripts, essays, recommendations, and participation in activities outside of class to assess your application.

While primarily a residential campus, Ithaca College does offer limited online undergraduate courses. For graduate studies, more extensive online options are available, giving you greater flexibility in pursuing advanced degrees.

• Estimated tuition cost: $56,752
• Accreditation: MSCHE

Online Test-Optional Colleges

We've also listed some affordable test-optional colleges that offer online degrees to New York residents.

Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College in Connecticut is test-optional for undergraduate admissions, meaning you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. The college focuses on a holistic review process, evaluating your prior academic achievements, any college credits earned, and professional experiences. This makes it a flexible option if you are an adult learner or looking to transfer existing credits.

This college specializes in online education, offering fully remote bachelor's degree programs across various fields. You can choose from degrees in areas like business administration, general studies, health care administration, and psychology. The online format is designed to be convenient and affordable, providing accessible learning opportunities from a state near New York.

• Estimated tuition cost: $329 per credit hour
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is test-optional for undergraduate admissions; you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. SNHU reviews applications holistically, focusing on your high school transcript and other academic achievements. The university also has no undergraduate GPA requirement for admission, making it accessible to a wide range of students.

SNHU offers over 200 online bachelor's degrees, providing a wide variety of program choices. Popular online bachelor's programs include business administration, psychology, nursing, criminal justice, and graphic design. The online format provides flexible learning opportunities, allowing you to complete your degree from anywhere.

• Estimated tuition cost: $330 per credit hour
• Accreditation: NECHE

How We Rank Schools

Our ranking of these test-optional colleges in New York is based on a meticulous selection process that considers several key criteria to ensure relevance and value for prospective students.

• Accreditation: We prioritize institutions that hold regional accreditation, typically from the MSCHE. This ensures that the degrees earned are recognized and respected by employers and other academic institutions.
• Admissions requirements: Our primary focus is on schools with clear and student-friendly test-optional policies. We also consider the comprehensiveness of their holistic review processes, looking for institutions that genuinely evaluate applicants on a broad range of factors beyond test scores.
• Affordability: Tuition cost is a significant factor, and we've ranked schools from the lowest estimated annual undergraduate tuition for in-state (where applicable) or general tuition for private institutions, to help students identify options that align with their financial considerations.

Why Do Colleges Use Test-Optional Admissions?

Colleges adopt test-optional admissions policies for a variety of reasons, primarily driven by a desire to promote equity, diversity, and a more holistic evaluation of applicants. Many institutions recognize that standardized tests may not accurately reflect your full academic potential, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds who may lack access to test preparation resources or face systemic barriers.

By going test-optional, colleges aim to reduce the stress associated with high-stakes testing, broaden their applicant pools, and attract a more diverse student body that brings varied experiences and perspectives to campus. This shift allows admissions committees to focus more on your entire academic record, personal qualities, and unique talents.

How Does a Test-Optional Policy Affect College Admissions?

A test-optional policy fundamentally shifts the focus of college admissions from a single data point to a more comprehensive evaluation of your applicant profile. Instead of standardized test scores serving as a primary filter, admissions committees place greater weight on factors like your high school GPA, the rigor of your coursework, compelling essays, strong letters of recommendation, and meaningful extracurricular involvement.

This approach can lead to larger and more diverse applicant pools, as students who might have been deterred by test requirements feel more confident applying. However, it also means that other elements of your application must be exceptionally strong to stand out in a potentially more competitive pool.

Benefits of Applying to Test-Optional Colleges

Applying to test-optional colleges offers several significant benefits for you as a prospective student. First, it can dramatically reduce the stress and anxiety associated with preparing for and taking high-stakes standardized tests. This allows you to dedicate more time and energy to your academic studies and extracurricular pursuits, which are often more reflective of your true passions and abilities.

Second, test-optional policies can level the playing field, making higher education more accessible to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds who may not have had access to expensive test preparation.

Third, it empowers you to present your best self, highlighting your strengths in areas like writing, leadership, or unique talents, rather than being solely defined by a test score. This can be particularly beneficial for students who experience test-taking anxiety.

Tips for Test-Optional College Admissions

Even without the requirement of submitting standardized test scores, a strong application to a test-optional college still requires strategic planning and careful presentation of your strengths. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process effectively.

Should You Submit Your Test Scores?

The decision to submit your SAT or ACT scores to a test-optional college is a personal one that should be based on your individual circumstances and scores.

When To Submit Test Scores

You should consider submitting your test scores if they are strong and align with or exceed the average scores of admitted students at your target institutions. A good score can serve as a compelling piece of evidence that reinforces your academic capabilities and can make your application more competitive. Additionally, some test-optional colleges may still consider scores for specific merit scholarships or specialized programs, so submitting a strong score could open up additional opportunities for you.

When Not To Submit Test Scores

It's generally advisable not to submit your test scores if they are significantly below the average range of admitted students for a particular college, or if you feel they do not accurately reflect your academic abilities. In such cases, focusing on other strong elements of your application, like a high GPA, rigorous coursework, an exceptional essay, and impactful extracurriculars, will present a more favorable overall profile for you. Remember, test-optional means your application will be evaluated comprehensively without the scores.

FAQs About Test-Optional Schools in New York

As more colleges embrace test-optional policies, many questions arise for students and families navigating the admissions process. Here are five frequently asked questions about test-optional schools in New York, along with their answers, to help you make informed decisions about your college applications.

Do Test-Optional Schools Accept Lower GPAs?

Test-optional schools evaluate applications holistically, meaning they look at many factors beyond just GPA and test scores. While a strong GPA is always beneficial, test-optional policies can be particularly helpful for you if you have a slightly lower GPA but can show your academic readiness through challenging coursework, compelling essays, strong letters of recommendation, and significant extracurricular involvement. The easiest colleges to get into with a low GPA are often more willing to consider the context of your high school experience and what you bring to the campus community.

Is It Harder To Get Into Test-Optional Schools?

The difficulty of getting into test-optional schools can vary. While these policies often lead to an increase in application volume, potentially increasing competition, they also provide a wider range of students with the opportunity to apply.

For you, if you have strong academic records and compelling personal stories but lower test scores, test-optional policies can make admission easier by removing a significant barrier. However, for those who rely heavily on high test scores to compensate for other weaknesses in their application, it might be perceived as harder, as other aspects of their profile will face more scrutiny.

Can Applying as Test-Optional Affect Scholarship Opportunities?

In many cases, applying test-optional does not negatively impact your eligibility for general academic or merit-based scholarships. Many institutions that adopt test-optional admissions extend this policy to their scholarship considerations, evaluating you for financial aid based on the same holistic criteria used for admission.

However, it is crucial to check with each individual college's financial aid office, as some specific, highly competitive scholarships or departmental awards might still have a test score component. Always confirm the scholarship criteria directly on the university's official website.

How Do Test-Optional Colleges Evaluate Applicants?

Test-optional colleges use a comprehensive, holistic review process. This means they assess your application by looking at your entire profile, not just a few numbers. Key factors include the following:

• the rigor of high school courses you've taken (e.g., AP, IB, honors classes)
• your overall high school GPA
• the quality and depth of your personal essays
• insightful letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors
• your significant involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, or work experience

The goal is to understand your intellectual curiosity, character, potential contributions to the campus, and your readiness for college-level work.

Which New York Colleges Are Test-Blind?

While many New York colleges are test-optional, meaning scores are considered if submitted but not required, fewer institutions are fully test-blind, where scores are not considered at all, even if you provide them. The City University of New York (CUNY) system, which includes colleges like Brooklyn College, Hunter College, and Queens College, has historically leaned towards test-optional or even test-blind for some admissions cycles, though specific policies can change.

For the most up-to-date list of test-blind colleges, you should always check the official admissions websites of individual institutions, as policies are subject to change.

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