Test Optional

WHAT IS TEST OPTIONAL?

As a university committed to understanding your personal and academic qualifications, HPU considers each prospective student on a variety of factors. These include, but are not limited to: GPA, community involvement, academic achievement, leadership demonstration, extracurricular activities, a series of essay submissions and the rigor of their high school.

Since 2017, High Point University has consistently shown that we can determine a student’s ability to be successful in our classrooms and in our community without the use of standardized tests. Our record of success with test optional admissions has given us confidence that due to the disruptions in the lives of students around COVID-19 that all students who apply under our test-optional policy will be considered for all merit based scholarships. We know that demonstrated success across four years of a college preparatory curriculum in high school is the most important predictor of success at HPU.

So, what does all this mean for you?

You are more than a test score.

We want to know who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and who you hope to be. We want you to be proud of every milestone: from the classroom to the community, from leadership involvement to academic achievements, from entrepreneurial ventures to athletic accomplishments. We want to weave you into our unique community and help you develop into the person you have the potential to be.

If you’re applying to HPU, you’re already accepting your next challenge:

Choose to be Extraordinary!

And that says a lot.

So, the choice to include test scores is yours.

Test-Optional Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

May I submit my test scores if I would like to?

Students who believe their SAT scores represent a strong, positive component of their academic portfolio and are an accurate representation of their academic ability may still submit them as a core element of their application package.

Will academic scholarships be a part of the test-optional policy?

SAT and ACT scores are not required for students to earn academic merit-based scholarships.

My scores were automatically sent. Can I still apply test optional?

Yes. At the time of application, you will be able to indicate whether you would like High Point University to review your application under our test optional policy. Even if the testing agency or your high school have submitted your test scores, as long as you indicate your preference in the application, you may still apply test optional.

Will international students need to provide standardized test scores?

International students do not need to provide SAT or ACT scores unless they choose to use them as their proof of English Proficiency.

Will homeschooled students need to provide standardized test scores?

No, homeschooled students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores for consideration of admission and academic scholarships, but you can expect outreach from your Admissions Counselor to talk with you in more detail about your academic experience.

May recruited student-athletes apply test-optional?

Student-athletes are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores for consideration of admission and academic scholarships. However, scores will be requested of recruited athletes to calculate the Academic Index for the NCAA and the Big South Conference. If a student applies test-optional, these scores will not be reviewed in the admission process; however, Division I student-athletes ARE required to submit official scores to the NCAA Eligibility Center in order to be declared eligible for competition.

Should I apply test optional?

Of course only you can answer this question, however if you feel that your ACT or SAT score adequately demonstrates your academic ability, then feel free to apply with a test score. Alternatively, if you believe your academic history throughout high school, including the rigor of your courses, better demonstrates your academic talents, then consider applying test optional.

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with High Point University’s academic profile to inform this decision. If you still aren’t sure, we encourage you to contact your Admissions Counselor who will be able to offer guidance on the best path forward for you.