Test Optional Admissions Policy

Spelman College will suspend the standardized testing requirement for students applying for the class of 2028. This policy applies to all new first-time application cycles, including early decision, early notification, and regular decision.

Students who choose to apply to Spelman without test scores will not be disadvantaged in the review process. Students are not required to disclose why they have chosen to apply without test scores. Instead, we encourage students to highlight other impressive elements of their high school careers. This could include curricular rigor, volunteer work, social justice involvement, internships or employment opportunities.

We understand that some students will still have access to standardized tests and would like for their scores to be considered. For these applicants, we will continue to accept SAT and ACT scores and review them as part of our holistic application review. We will continue to super score both the SAT and ACT to provide students who choose to submit test scores with the most favorable composite score.

• We understand that access to traditional extracurricular activities may be limited this year. Students will not be at a disadvantage.
• There are many other areas of your academic career that may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These scenarios may include cancellation of IB exams, Pass/Fail grading systems, and interruption in AP testing. Students will not be disadvantaged by these scenarios.
• This year, the Common Application provides a designated space for students to provide additional information on how circumstances related to the pandemic may have impacted you. We encourage you to share any information  that may help us better review your application.