SMU to remain test-optional for Fall ‘22 and Spring ‘23

DALLAS (SMU) – SMU will remain test-optional for first-year undergraduate applicants seeking admission and scholarships for both fall 2022 and spring 2023. 

The decision extends for another year a temporary policy announced last spring allowing high school students to apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. 

“The University recognizes that many talented students continue to have limited opportunities to take the SAT and ACT during the pandemic,” said Wes Waggoner, SMU associate vice president for Enrollment Management. “SMU is looking for academically talented students – not just those who can find one of the limited number of seats to take these tests. We hope this allows students to consider SMU even if they aren’t able to take the exam or retake the exam to improve their scores.”

“This has been a stressful year for students. Finding a place to take one of these tests, or worse, driving hours to do so, should not add to that stress.” Waggoner said. “This does not change our commitment to admitting students who will excel at SMU. We just think it makes sense to support students at this difficult time.”

In making admission and scholarship decisions, SMU considers many factors including high school grades, rigor of coursework, personal essay, letters of recommendation, and a record of personal achievements in addition to SAT or ACT scores. Under this policy, applicants who choose not to submit ACT or SAT scores will be evaluated on the other factors.

SMU will not give preference to a student who submits test scores, but should a student feel like their score provides a good indication of their academic ability, the admission committee will consider that score along with the other factors. Waggoner said the University is also aware that many extracurricular activities continue to be affected by the pandemic, and a potential gap in activities on a student’s application will not affect admission.