Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Can I transfer colleges without submitting SAT scores?

I'm looking to transfer, but I really don’t want to submit my SAT scores because they're not very good. Are there colleges that don’t require SAT scores for transfer students?

11 months ago

Absolutely, many colleges do not require SAT scores for transfer students. Colleges understand that a student's performance in college-level coursework is often a better predictor of their future success at the institution than standardized test scores, especially for transfer applicants.

However, keep in mind that this varies greatly depending on the specific institution and program, and some colleges may still request SAT scores particularly for students with fewer college credits. For example, if you are planning to transfer after your first year, some schools may still wish to see your high school transcripts and SAT scores because you don't have as many college grades.

For the most accurate information, check each potential college's transfer admissions web page or contact their admissions office directly. They'll be able to tell you exactly what their requirements are for transfer students. Although it can vary, you'll generally need your college transcript, and possibly high school transcripts if you're an early transfer. Recommendations and essays are often required as well, especially at more selective schools.

It's also important to note that some institutions are "test-optional", which allows students to decide whether or not their test scores will be considered as part of their application. This means you could choose to not submit your SAT scores even if the option exists.

Also worth mentioning is that there are schools that are completely 'test-blind', meaning they won't consider test scores at all, even if you submit them. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, the Cal State and UC systems are test-blind for all students, including transfers.

Just remember, it's always a good idea to research each school's unique transfer policies, so you can make sure you're aligning with their expectations. Best of luck with your transfer process!

11 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.