Test Optional at NYU: What It Is and Isn’t

It’s important to remember that I’m only talking about NYU here. Even if other colleges and universities use the same language, like “test optional,” it may mean different things. Clarifying with each school what their testing policy means for you is important. For example, we offered a test “flexible” policy in the past. This meant we considered a number of different exams as standardized testing, not just the SAT and ACT. Within this test flexible policy, students applying to certain programs at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development and the Tisch School of the Arts could apply as test optional (here’s what I mean when I say you need to clarify!).

So what does “test optional” mean at NYU? It means you aren’t required to submit standardized test scores as part of your application when you apply to any school or program at NYU. However, you will still need to submit all other requirements:

• The Common Application
• A Self Reported Academic Record (SRAR)
• School profile (your school counselor submits this)
• A letter of recommendation
• Our (optional!) supplemental essay

You can! We still have our test flexible policy in place. This means you have options when it comes to submitting standardized testing. You can select from the following types of tests:

• SAT
• ACT
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
• Three SAT Subject Test Scores
• Three AP Exam Scores
• Three IB Higher-Level Exam scores
• A variety of international examinations (Many high schools outside of the United States require national testing to graduate from secondary school. We will use these scores as proof of high school graduation and standardized testing. Use our International Qualifications Tool to determine which scores are needed from the country you’re studying in.)

Remember, if you decide to submit standardized testing, you must fulfill the requirements outlined above.

Are you thinking, “I thought test optional meant I didn’t have to submit ANY testing”? While standardized testing is no longer required, there are still a few cases where students need to send specific types of test scores.

English is the language of instruction at all NYU campuses. Therefore, it’s important for students to have a strong understanding of the language to be successful in the classroom. As a result, students who indicate English is not their native language and haven’t spent at least three years of full-time study in an English-using curriculum at the time of application are required to submit English language testing scores.

English language exam results must be less than two years old when submitted with your application. Like our flexible standardized testing policy, we accept a number of different exams to fulfill this requirement:

• TOEFL iBT (We will accept results from the in-person version or the iBT Home Edition)
• Duolingo English Test
• IELTS Academic
• PTE Academic
• C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
• iTEP (In person or online)

Please note, we do not accept results from the IELTS Indicator, the TOEFL ITP Plus for China, TOEFL Essentials, or the PTE Academic Online.

Some curriculums around the world require students to take final exams or national exams to graduate. If you are in a curriculum requiring you to complete an exam in order to graduate high school, you are required to submit the results to NYU. Unsure if this is you? Use our International Qualifications Tool to understand what we need to satisfy your high school graduation requirements.