SAT/ACT scores

The UW is technically test-optional. However, test-optional can mean different things at different schools. At the UW, you will not be disadvantaged for sending low scores or for not sending scores. In fact, when reading your application, the reviewers will not see your test scores, if provided. However, test scores that fall above our middle 50% (see the freshman profile for more information) may be considered for a handful of students who may not otherwise be admitted. 

Historically, the SAT/ACT were a small consideration in the holistic review compared to curriculum quality and performance in courses. Moving forward, curriculum quality and performance in courses will remain the focus of our review of students’ academic preparation.

The UW’s holistic review considers far more than academic performance. Personal achievements and context are also important considerations. Read more about the factors that go into holistic review.

We recognize that some applicants would like their scores to be considered during the holistic review process. However, since access to exams was limited due to COVID-19, and in the interest of fairness to all applicants, we will not be using test scores at all during the holistic review.

Historically, the SAT/ACT have played a very small role in our review process. Removing them will have an inconsequential impact on the holistic review. Therefore, the relative weight or your essay, extracurriculars, curriculum, GPA, etc. will not change. Academic preparation and performance has always led the way in our admissions decisions, and we encourage you to continue to challenge yourself in the classroom.

Ultimately, that’s up to you. Sending your scores lets us know you’re interested in learning more about the UW and allows us to share important information about applying, visit opportunities, upcoming dates, deadlines and more. Please note, however, that demonstrated interest is not a factor in our holistic review process.

If you’re worried about sharing, keep in mind that low scores will not disadvantage you if you decide to apply for admission.

The Office of Admissions is responsible for admitting students directly to the College of Engineering and the Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering. Therefore, submitting test scores will not advantage you in direct admission to computer science or engineering. 

Sending test scores will not advantage you when applying to the Honors Program. The Honors Program holistic review has always focused on many factors, including:

• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in our specific interdisciplinary curriculum and values;
• Demonstrated cultural awareness or unique perspectives or experiences;
• Academic preparation and performance in courses; and
• Demonstrated commitment to community engagement.

As always, to be considered for admission to the University Honors Program freshman applicants must first be admitted to the University of Washington.

For more information, see the Honors Freshman Admissions webpage.

For admissions scholarships, test scores will not be required or considered. 

We are not aware of any departmental scholarships that will be requiring or considering test scores.

Home-schooled applicants and applicants who come from schools with non-standard grading practices that do not have letter or numeric grades are still required to submit SAT or ACT scores. Exceptions include home-schooled applicants with at least one year of college coursework (i.e. Running Start).

For admission to the UW, test scores are no longer required. To learn more about NCAA requirements we suggest visiting the NCAA eligibility center.

No, subject tests are not required and will not be used for admission consideration.

If you self-report your test scores within your application for admission, you may be asked to provide official scores from the testing agency if your scores are used in our admission decision. We anticipate that this will only impact a small handful of applicants and we will work individually with those students to ensure we have their official scores.

Test scores are no longer required for admission. However, if you submit multiple scores then, yes, we will superscore. We caution students and their families against placing too much emphasis on standardized tests, especially when they are no longer required. Taking either the SAT or ACT more than twice is probably a waste of time and money — as well as a source of unnecessary stress.

It is easiest to request that the UW receive your scores at the time you register for the test. After you have taken the test, you may still request that scores be sent by clicking the links below and following the instructions provided.

• SAT
  Send via the CollegeBoard. The UW’s four-digit code is 4854.
• ACT
  The UW’s four-digit code is 4484.

Please send your test scores by December 31 of the year you submit your application. Typically, listing the UW as a recipient when you sign-up for the exam is easiest.

If you self-report your test scores within your application for admission, you may be asked to provide official scores from the testing agency if your scores are used in our admission decision. We anticipate that this will only impact a small handful of applicants, and we will work individually with those students to ensure we have their official scores.