Requirements for Transferring to Colleges without SAT or ACT

Are there any colleges that accept transfer students without needing SAT or ACT scores? I'm planning to transfer, but I'm worried because I didn't take these tests. Would love to hear about schools that prioritize other factors instead.

There are indeed colleges that accept transfer students without requiring SAT or ACT scores. A number of reasons might lead to this, such as a school generally having been test-optional prior to 2020 or having maintained their test-optional policies following the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, some schools have specific policies for transfer students where standardized test scores are not required if you've completed a certain number of college credits.

Colleges such as Loyola University Chicago, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and University of Southern California are currently test-optional and this policy extends to their transfer admissions. Remember, test-optional means that if you have the scores and feel they will add positively to your application, you can submit them; if not, your application will not be seen as incomplete or disadvantaged if it lacks these tests.

Nonetheless, keep in mind these policies can change from year to year, so always double-check the specific admission requirements for transfer students on the website of each college you're considering. Alongside this, remember that the absence of a test score might put more weight onto other aspects of your application like your college GPA, course rigor, essays, and recommendations letters. It's important to ensure these other components of your application are strong and well-rounded to improve odds of admission.

Also note that some schools may still ask for high school transcripts from transfer students, particularly those with fewer college credits. These forms will likely include your high school GPA and any AP courses taken, which can also impact admission decisions.

Given these varied requirements, focusing on academics and demonstrating your positive impact at your current institution will be beneficial as you navigate the transfer process.

It’s also worth noting many colleges prioritize other factors, like involvement and impact in your community or college, leadership experiences, employment, and other extracurricular involvement. Whether it's demonstrating deep involvement in a few activities or showcasing a breadth of interests, your activities list can help offset the lack of standardized test scores.