Test Optional FAQs

We recognize changes to test availability and testing environments due to the COVID-19 pandemic left many students with inequitable access to standardized tests. Miami has chosen to make test scores optional for students applying to the university through spring 2026 to ensure equitable opportunity for admission, scholarships, and honors programs. Also, some applicants may feel their standardized test scores do not accurately reflect their academic potential. Our test-optional admission policy allows you to choose whether your SAT or ACT test scores will be considered as part of your application — letting you decide how best to describe your academic history. 

Miami will review your application WITHOUT test scores and render an admission decision based on the materials we have on file. 

Miami has always taken a holistic approach to evaluating students for admission. Standardized test scores have historically been just one indicator, among many, in our application review process. In the absence of a test score, we will review your entire application holistically, including your core high school curriculum (English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, and various electives); grades earned; grade trends; course rigor; application essays; co-curricular and extracurricular activities; talent; and other achievements or mitigating factors. 

Admission to Miami University is selective. Our strongest candidates choose rigorous high school coursework (within the context of their high school’s offerings), and students' academic performance has always been our primary focus in reviewing applications for admission. Our strongest applicants challenge themselves beyond core high school graduation requirements. Because high schools vary by size, academic program, and grading scale, we do not have rigid GPA admission requirements. The large majority of our incoming first-year students receive As and Bs in core classes. A complete list of required application materials can be found on our application information webpage.

Through your application for admission, we will evaluate whether we believe you are well prepared for academic success at a challenging liberal arts university and whether, through your experiences and background, we can expect you to be an active member of the Miami community. Admission to honors programs, Nursing, and the Farmer School of Business will be test optional, but will remain highly competitive, and programs in the College of Creative Arts have talent requirements.

While we recommend students submit as much information as possible with their application, the test score is just one factor in Miami’s overall admission evaluation. If you believe your test scores are indicative of your academic achievement, we will be happy to consider them. However, if you have a strong academic record demonstrated by above-average grades in challenging courses, but do not feel your test results are a good reflection of your academic performance, you can choose not to submit them, or to not have them used in the admission review. You may use the table below for context.

*Middle 50% means 25% of students are above this range and 25% are below. Refer to our admitted student statistics webpage for more information.

Students who apply test-optional will be considered for merit scholarships based on a holistic review of all other information provided with their application. Students are automatically considered for Miami’s merit scholarships when they apply by our priority deadline of Dec. 1.

Students who apply test-optional will be considered for all honors programs. 

If you provide ACT or SAT test scores, we will use them in your candidacy for admission, scholarships, and honors programs. Miami superscores, using the highest test scores submitted. For the ACT, the highest scores for each subscore from different exams will determine a combined highest composite score. For SAT the best Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math (M) subscores will be used to calculate a maximum single score. We will use the national concordance table to determine whether the SAT best or ACT best is the better overall score.

Grades submitted at the time of application will be used to review your application for admission and merit scholarships. Miami does not require a mid-year official high school transcript nor a mid-year school report. We do require an official transcript from students who have confirmed enrollment, following their high school graduation. We reserve the right to rescind an offer of admission due to poor academic performance in senior year courses.

If you have taken the ACT or SAT, yes. Score submission is requested for placement in appropriate first-year coursework and research purposes, but your scores will not negatively impact your admission decision or financial aid. Students who confirm their enrollment should submit scores by May 2 to facilitate course registration during orientation. Confirmed students who do not submit scores will be required to complete Miami's math placement test prior to their orientation session.

Visit the ACT or College Board (SAT) website(s) to request an official score report for Miami University - Oxford. When requesting scores, please use Miami’s code (listed below). Both testing agencies charge a fee to send score reports, but both offer fee waivers to qualified students. Learn more about ACT fee waivers and College Board (SAT) fee waivers.

Please reach out to your Miami admission representative, email admission@MiamiOH.edu, or call the Admission Office at 513-529-2531.

Graduate Student Admission Requirements

Prospective graduate students are encouraged to consult with their respective academic departments regarding the admission process before making a formal UW application.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS REQUIREMENTS | Pharmacy & Law

Are you seeking admissions to the following programs? Select the program below for special admission requiements and deadlines.

Advanced-degree applicants may be admitted to the University of Wyoming in one of the following categories:

Note: Students working toward a second bachelor’s degree are not considered graduate students and are subject to all undergraduate regulations.

Admissions Information

To be considered for admission, international students must have the academic, linguistic, and financial abilities to successfully complete the professional program. Specific requirements are as follows:

Academic RequirementsInternational applicants must fulfill the same undergraduate academic requirements as United States applicants.

Foreign TranscriptsInternational applicants are required to submit official foreign transcripts to an approved foreign transcript evaluation service for a course-by-course U.S. equivalency report. The official evaluation should then be sent to OptomCAS. We highly recommend that you contact the foreign transcript evaluation service as early as possible. The service may take several weeks to process your foreign transcript once it is received. Below is a list of commonly used and accepted evaluation services.

Testing and Interview Requirements

Visa InformationStudents who are outside the US and admitted to the UAB School of Optometry must generally obtain an F-1 or J-1 student visa to enter the US to begin classes. The UAB Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will assist you and provide the information necessary to obtain a visa after admission. Specific information on sponsorship and financial requirements can be obtained from:

International Student and Scholar ServicesMelvin H. Sterne Library917 13th Street SouthBirmingham, AL 35294Telephone (205) 934-3328This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.