CampusPin Glossary
Test-blind
An admissions policy under which SAT/ACT scores are NOT considered, even if submitted. The University of California system is the largest test-blind block.
Test-blind (also called score-free) means standardized test scores are not used in admissions decisions, regardless of whether the applicant submits them. The UC system, Cal State system, and a number of liberal-arts colleges use this policy. Submitting scores is pointless and may even be ignored automatically.
Test-blind schools place more weight on GPA, course rigor, essays, recommendations, and demonstrated activities.
See also
Test-optional
An admissions policy under which applicants choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Scores still help when strong but don't hurt when omitted.
Test-required
An admissions policy that requires SAT or ACT scores from every applicant. After the COVID-era pause, several elite schools reinstated this in 2024–2025.
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