I'm planning to transfer and prefer a test-optional institution. Do you know which colleges are transfer-friendly and won't require my SAT or ACT scores?
Absolutely, many colleges that have adopted a test-optional policy, which means they do not require transfer students to submit SAT or ACT scores, and some of them are also known for being quite transfer-friendly. Here is a list to get you started, although keep in mind there are many other good options out there:
1. New York University (NYU): Known for its strong programs across a wide array of disciplines, NYU has a generous transfer policy and does not require test scores.
2. George Washington University (GWU): Located in Washington, D.C., GWU offers a variety of programs and is known for its Political Science and International Relations programs. They're test-optional and welcome transfer students.
3. Wesleyan University: This liberal arts institution located in Connecticut is test-optional and known for its vibrant intellectual community.
4. University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison): A public school with strong programs in a variety of disciplines, UW–Madison doesn't need SAT or ACT scores from transfer students.
5. Southern Methodist University (SMU): This Dallas-based private university offers strong programs especially in Business and Engineering and doesn't ask for SAT/ACT scores from transfer applicants.
6. University of Southern California (USC): A private research university in Los Angeles, USC has a comprehensive transfer program and is test-optional.
Remember, each college may have different requirements for high school and/or college GPA, specific required coursework, essays, and recommendations. So it's always a good idea to check in with the admissions office or visit the transfer admissions website of the schools you're interested in for the most accurate information on all elements of your application, not just test scores.
Do note that, although an SAT/ACT score may not be required at these schools, there can still be instances where submitting one would be a good idea. For detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/. While this post is catered to first-year applicants, many of the considerations also apply to transfer students, especially if you're transferring early in college and don't have much college-level coursework to prove your abilities at this level of schooling.
Best of luck with your search!
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