FAQ: Test Score Optional

Standardized testing is one of the application requirements that can highlight academic preparedness.

At The University of Tulsa, we review applications holistically, meaning every component of the application is considered when assessing a student’s ability to be successful. There is no minimum test score required to be admitted, and there is no score that guarantees admission.

Testing Requirements

ACT or SAT scores are not required for first-year and transfer students applying for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Fall 2026 entry terms.

Reporting Test Scores

• Beginning Spring 2025, the ACT will phase in a redesigned exam with an optional science section. For students applying for admission to The University of Tulsa, this section will also become optional. Should you choose to submit an ACT test score, we will accept scores from both the original and redesigned versions of the ACT for the 2025-2026 application cycle.
• If you choose to submit ACT/SAT test scores as part of your application, we recommend that you self-report your highest scores in the testing section of the application and have official scores sent. We will review applications using either self-reported or official scores.
• If you choose to submit ACT/SAT test scores as part of your application, are offered admission, and choose to enroll, official scores will be required. In order for test scores to be considered official, they must be sent directly from the College Board or the ACT.

The University of Tulsa reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission if an applicant’s self-reported test scores do not align with those in the official score report.

No. We will consider the screenshot of scores from the testing agency to be official provided the screenshot shows your first and last name, the month/year of the test and all section scores. However, should there be any questions, the Office of Admission reserves the right to validate SAT and ACT results by requesting you to have an official score report sent directly from the testing agency to The University of Tulsa.

Superscoring is the practice of taking your highest section scores from multiple testing dates to create a new total score called the “superscore.”

We will superscore your test results for admission and scholarship decisions. If you’ve taken the ACT or SAT more than once, please send all scores to The University of Tulsa at apply@utulsa.edu. (Sending a screenshot of scores from the testing agency will suffice provided the screenshot shows your first and last name, the month/year of the test and all section scores.)

Simply log into ACT or CollegeBoard (for SAT) to take a screenshot of your test results. Then, send the screenshot to apply@utulsa.edu for your scores to be added to your application.

While we accept self-reported scores, we require some validating evidence. We accept copies of score reports or a screenshot of test scores as official provided the score report/screenshot shows your first and last name, the month/year of the test and all section scores. As long as your score copy or screenshot includes that information, you don’t need to pay to have scores sent from the testing agency. However, should there be any questions, the Office of Admission reserves the right to validate SAT and ACT results by requesting you to have an official score report sent directly from the testing agency.

We are test optional, but we are not test blind. This means that if test scores are present in your application materials, they will be reviewed and considered for admission and scholarships. UTulsa reserves the right to consider all materials submitted.

We suggest you submit your test scores to us as the more information you provide to us during the application process, the more information we’ll have to make accurate and fair decisions. Standardized test scores in the 80^th percentile or higher nationally are generally considered competitive for admission when accompanied by other criteria that indicate potential academic success. Should you have any questions regarding test scores, please contact your UTulsa admission counselor.

Tulsa utilizes a holistic review for every student regardless of the decision to submit test scores. For this reason, the review process will be similar for all applications and no preference will be given to those who submit, or do not submit, test scores. Tulsa considers many things during the review process including, but not limited to, strength of high school curriculum, grades within that curriculum, grade trends from year to year and within each discipline, writing ability, recommendation letters, co-curricular activities (including work and home responsibilities), community involvement, interest in UTulsa, and standardized test scores, if available. The more information that is provided to us in the application file, the more information we’ll have to make accurate and fair decisions. As the test score is just one piece of our holistic review, there is no score that will automatically guarantee, nor prevent, admission to UTulsa.

Only one of our programs – the Early Careers in Medicine program – requires submission of test scores. You can be considered for admission, scholarships, and all other special programs at UTulsa without submission of test scores. Every program, including ECM, uses a holistic review process. This includes the Honors Program and Presidential Scholarship.

Scores can be submitted at any time prior to the admission decision. Should you want to submit scores after your admission and scholarship decisions have been made, you may do so through February 1. However, there’s no guarantee that the added test score(s) will change those decisions.