Testing policy terminology has proliferated in college admissions, creating real confusion. Here is a precise breakdown of each type.
Test-Optional
Test-optional schools allow applicants to decide whether to include SAT or ACT scores. Your application is considered complete whether you submit scores or not. Most liberal arts colleges and many mid-tier universities remain test-optional. However, at most test-optional schools, the majority of admitted students do submit scores — so 'optional' does not mean 'irrelevant.' Strong scores remain advantageous at test-optional schools.
Test-Flexible
Test-flexible schools require a standardized test but offer alternatives to the SAT or ACT. These might include AP exam scores, IB exam scores, SAT Subject Tests (when they existed), CLEP exams, or other standardized assessments. NYU was a notable test-flexible school before shifting policy. The idea is to accommodate students who may perform better on subject-specific tests than on general aptitude tests.
Test-Blind
Test-blind schools do not accept or consider standardized test scores even if submitted. The University of California system — Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, and others — permanently eliminated standardized test consideration in 2021. Cal State is also test-blind. At these schools, submitting your SAT or ACT score has zero effect on your application.
The Current Trend: Test Requirements Returning
As of 2025–2026, the test-optional trend that accelerated during COVID-19 is reversing at the most selective schools. Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown, Cornell, UPenn, Johns Hopkins, and others have all reinstated test requirements. Check each school's current official policy before applying — it may have changed since you last checked.