Augustana seeks to remove barriers that may impede some students' ability to pursue an education at AU. Students who believe their standardized test scores do not accurately reflect their ability to be successful at Augustana may choose to apply using the test-optional method.
A test-optional admission policy allows students to apply for admission without submitting ACT or SAT scores. Applicants who choose not to submit scores will be reviewed based on other measures of academic performance, such as grade point average, high school courses and in some cases, short-answer essay responses.
Test scores will still be considered for students who do wish to submit them, and those scores will still add value to their applications. Test scores are simply no longer required of all students to be considered for admission.
Students who believe that their standardized test scores do not accurately represent their academic abilities may benefit from applying without submitting test scores. It is recommended that students choosing to apply without submitting test scores should have a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). If you have questions about whether or not this is the best option for you, contact your admission counselor.
NCAA student-athletes
Because of NCAA eligibility rules, AU student-athletes are required to submit official scores in order to be declared eligible for competition. These scores are submitted to both Augustana and the NCAA Clearinghouse.
International students
International students are still required to submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE) or college preparation test scores (ACT, SAT) for admission consideration.
Homeschooled students
*Other outside scholarships may require a standardized test score, including but not limited to Dakota Corps, South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship and more.