ACT, SAT Scores Now Optional For OU Admissions Application

ACT and SAT scores may be a thing of the past at the University of Oklahoma. Instead, for the next five years, the university will be aiming for a more holistic approach, while keeping test scores optional.

“One of the biggest factors for us is, have you taken a challenging high school curriculum that really prepares you for college or university,” OU admissions lead Craig Hayes said. “It also allows us to take into account extracurricular activities plus the essay and letter of recommendation.”

“For this year it simplifies things,” Yukon High School guidance counselor Nancy Rogers said. “Students are struggling to be able to take an ACT or an SAT. Many of the test sessions have been canceled for the SAT and ACT this fall, so that’s been difficult. Students are pretty stressed.”

The University said in the beginning, dropping the test requirement was in direct response to COVID-19 testing struggles. That changed when the state Board of Regents approved a five-year pilot.

"This is more than just a one-year fix. It’s a long-term solution to promote access for students,” Hayes said.

Rogers said the change places a greater emphasis for students to do well in high school courses.

“I was happy to see this because grades in high school are the best predictor of success in college. We’ve known that for a long time, so that allows us to focus more on that and I think it takes some pressure off students,” she said.

Both Rogers and the University suggest students still take the tests.

Rogers said outside scholarships may still need a test score. Students can still submit test scores if they choose, and students who don’t provide scores can do so in appeal if they are rejected.

OU said they’ll be monitoring student success over the next five years to make sure the holistic admittance is keeping up with academic standards.

“I think it would be something we would be interested in extending,” Hayes said.

Click here to learn more about OU’s test optional admittance standards.