Submitting test scores for the SAT or ACT will be an optional — not required — part of the admission process for students applying this fall for a spot in Tulane University’s 2022 entering class.
Letter from the Dean of Admission
With the great uncertainty the world is still facing amid Coronavirus (COVID-19), we understand that high school juniors are feeling additional stress around the college admission process, particularly as it pertains to standardized testing. To respond to the needs of our prospective students in a fair and equitable manner, Tulane University has decided to go test optional for students applying in the Fall of 2021 for the Fall 2022 entering class (Class of 2026).
Whether or not an applicant should submit standardized test scores with their application is a decision that should be entirely left up to the applicant. If the applicant feels that their SAT or ACT score accurately reflects their academic aptitude, we welcome them to submit their scores. If an applicant feels that their score does not reflect their academic aptitude, there will be no penalty for this. Keep in mind that, even as we evaluate your application to determine your readiness for Tulane academics, we put equal weight on the components of your application that speak to your interest, passions, and engagements that may or may not be academically-related.
For more questions related to our temporary test optional policy, read our frequently asked questions below or reach out to me at deanofadmission@tulane.edu.
Satyajit Dattagupta, Vice President of Enrollment Management & Dean of Admission
Frequently Asked Questions
Tulane is responding to the extraordinary circumstances we find ourselves in with Coronavirus (COVID-19). We understand the stress juniors are feeling due to fewer test options and multiple test cancelations. To accommodate the needs of students applying to Tulane in the Fall 2021 for the Fall 2022 entering class, we feel this measure is appropriate.
The policy will only be in effect for students applying in the Fall of 2021 for the entering Fall 2022 class (Class of 2026).
All applicants will be considered for merit-based financial aid, regardless of whether or not test scores are submitted with the application.
Tulane accepts either the Common Application or Tulane application. When completing your application, indicate that you are submitting a test optional application. If you indicate that you’re submitting a test optional application, you may still submit test scores as a supplement to your application.
The Office of Undergraduate Admission takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications, meaning several components of an application are evaluated to determine academic fit for Tulane. These components includes grade point average (GPA), academic rigor, essays, letters of recommendations, who you are in and out of the classrooms (i.e. club involvement, employment, etc.), and standardized test scores.
English language proficiency is required for admission to Tulane. TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores are required if you are not a native speaker of English. At home administrations of these tests will be accepted. Successful applicants typically score 95+, 6.5+ or 115+ on TOEFL, IELTS or the Duolingo English Test respectively. For non-native English speakers who have taken the SAT or ACT, a 600+ on the SAT reading/writing or 27+ on the ACT English waives your requirement for a English proficiency score.
