The days when the SAT and ACT were essential components of every application are over. 2,000 schools are now test-optional or test-free.

The common app and supplemental essays are more important than ever as test-optional and test-free applications have fewer options to gain insight about and evaluate the applicant.

Over 90% of schools have retained their test-optional or test-free application standards that were added after the surge in this policy during the pandemic.

FairTest.org maintains an nationwide list of test-optional and test-free schools. It is updated annually.