Test-Optional FAQ

The University of Cincinnati recently announced that it will extend its test-optional admissions policy. Over the last two years, the decision to move to test optional has increased access to University of Cincinnati directly impacting diversity and opportunities for students.  

We have always taken a holistic approach to evaluating students for admission. Standardized test scores have historically only made up a small part of our decision process. In the absence of a test score, we will continue to look at all factors on your application holistically including the completion of a core curriculum that includes English, math, science, social studies, and various electives, grades earned, a student’s decision to take rigorous coursework such as AP, honors, or dual credit where it is offered, application essays, extracurricular activities, and other achievements. 

A complete list of required application materials can be found on our application information web page. View a full list of application requirements >>

Our goal when reviewing an application is to more fully understand who the applicant is, how likely they are to be academically successful in an Uptown campus program, and what attributes the student will bring to our campus community.  

Therefore, we do not have a formula for whether or not you should choose to have your test scores considered as part of the admissions process. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if the test score is an accurate and relevant representation of your academic strength and ability.

All programs at University of Cincinnati will consider students for admission with or without a standardized test score as part of their application.

International students will be required to provide proof of English ability, as outlined on the international admissions web page.

Students who apply test-optional by our Dec. 1 Early Action Deadline will be considered for scholarships. Similar to the admission review process, scholarship decisions will also be based on a holistic review of all application materials.

Students will be able to tell us in their application whether they want their test score to be included or excluded from the admission review process. This can be found in the “General” section of UC’s Common Application questions. 

If you indicate on your application that you do not want your test scores considered, your test scores will not be included as part of your admission review regardless of whether you send them to us from a testing agency. 

Test scores that will be considered for admission must be received on an official score report sent by either the ACT or College Board. Self-reported scores and scores from a student’s transcript will not be considered for admission.  

We’ve never thought a test score makes one applicant unique from another – after all, many students receive the same score. Ultimately we want to review your application and learn about who you are. Write an essay that shows your personality, demonstrate your hobbies and interests in your list of activities, and request letters from recommenders that can speak to your unique strengths.

No. Students have various reasons for not sending their test score, from not believing it is an accurate reflection of their academic ability to not having a chance to take the test at all. Applications without a test score will be reviewed in the same way as those with a test score.