Test Optional
The University of Kentucky has implemented a test-optional policy. In March 2021, we announced that this policy is being extended for students applying for admission through the 2024-25 academic year. Read the announcement here. This allows most freshman applicants, as well as transfer applicants with fewer than 24 credit hours, the option to be considered for admission without submission of ACT or SAT scores.
We recognize the challenges that prospective students are experiencing because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in registering for and taking these standardized tests. To that end the Office of Undergraduate Admission is able to evaluate most applicants for admission without the use of test scores reviewing the rigor of high school coursework, activities and engagement outside the classroom as well as a written essay. Review the information below to learn more and decide on the best path for you.
Students who have already submitted ACT or SAT scores to UK can choose whether you want them considered in our admission process when filling out the application for admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will my admission application be reviewed if I choose not to have my test scores considered?
Some applicants may feel that their standardized test scores do not accurately reflect their academic potential. A test optional admissions policy allows the applicant to choose whether or not SAT or ACT test scores will be considered as part of the admission review – letting the applicant decide how best to tell their own academic journey.
The Office of Undergraduate Admission will review applications in a holistic manner – taking into consideration the rigor of high school coursework, activities and engagement outside the classroom as well as a written essay.
How do I know if test optional is the right option for me?
There is no right or wrong answer. Standardized scores have always been only one factor of admission consideration. As always, we want an application to submit anything that can help us in determining an offer of admission to the University of Kentucky.
May I change my mind after choosing not to have my test scores considered for admission?
Applicants are encouraged to consider this decision before submitting the application for admission. Applicants may submit test scores up until the Early Action deadline of December 1, 2022, or the Regular Decision deadline of February 15, 2023. Transfer applicants with fewer than 24 credit hours may submit test scores until the Spring 2023 admission application deadline of November 15, 2022, or the Fall 2023 application deadline of July 1, 2023.
Are there any colleges and majors at UK that will require a test score for admission into their program?
UK is fully test optional for admissions and scholarship. Each college with selective majors have different requirements for test-optional students. Learn more about those options here.
Do I need to submit ACT or SAT scores for scholarship consideration?
The University of Kentucky is committed to making scholarship opportunities available to students who qualify, whether they apply with or without test scores. As with any year, there are limited scholarship funds, so please be sure to apply early. Freshman students who apply by the Early Action deadline of December 1, 2022, will be considered. ] Transfer students with fewer than 24 college credit hours are not eligible for academic scholarships.
Is the test-optional policy applicable to students want to start at UK after the 2021-22 academic year?
Yes - in March 2021, UK announced an extension of the test-optional policy for students through the 2024-25 academic year. Learn more about the extension here.
What if I submitted my test scores but my unweighted GPA alone qualifies me for a higher scholarship award?
UK has a “no harm” policy for submitting ACT/SAT scores, meaning that submitting your scores to UK will not negatively impact your consideration for potential academic/competitive scholarship opportunities. If you submit ACT/SAT test scores but your unweighted high school GPA alone qualifies you for consideration for a higher scholarship award, the Office of Academic Scholarships will use your unweighted GPA alone for scholarship consideration.