Standardized Testing Policy

Smith College has been test-optional since 2009 and remains test-optional today.

Our admission process is holistic.

At Smith we look at the whole applicant and do not rely on a test score to define your potential for academic success. Your academic record, extracurricular activities, essay, recommendation letters, personal accomplishments and characteristics, and engagement in your community are all carefully considered during our review and selection process.

Unsure about whether to submit your scores?

If you are unsure of whether you should submit your test scores, we advise you to base your decision on whether you feel that your standardized test scores accurately reflect your academic ability and potential, or highlight an academic strength. If you choose not to submit test scores, you will in no way be disadvantaged in the admission process.

Does the test optional policy apply to both US Citizens and International citizens?

The submission of SAT or ACT scores is optional for all applicants.

International applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency and may be required to submit testing. International citizens whose primary language is not English or have not attended a school at which English is the primary language of instruction will be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or the Duolingo English Test/DET. Applicants may be exempt from this requirement if they:

• Identify English as their first language;
• Have attended a school in which the primary language of instruction is English for the duration of their secondary school career;
• Have attended a school in the United States and been instructed in English for at least two years;
• Are enrolled in or have completed the IB Diploma Program or A level curriculum taught in English.

Please note that the test requirement is based on citizenship, not on where a student attends school.

Undocumented and DACA Students: Undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students follow the procedures and requirements for first-year or transfer admission. They are evaluated in the same way as U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents; SAT or ACT scores are optional.

U.S. Citizens: SAT or ACT scores are optional for U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents.

International Citizens: Smith College recognizes the challenges that students are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in response, Smith has adjusted the testing policy for international citizens. Submission of SAT or ACT scores will be optional.

International citizens applying for admission to Smith are required to demonstrate English proficiency. International citizens whose primary language is not English or have not attended a school at which English is the primary language of instruction will be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or the Duolingo English Test/*DET*. (While Smith will accept “MyBest” results on the TOEFL, we will also review all scores attained on single test dates.) Applicants may be exempt from this requirement if they:

• Identify English as their first language
• Have attended a school in which the primary language of instruction is English for the duration of their secondary school career
• Have attended a school in the United States and instructed in English for at least two years
• Are enrolled in or have completed the IB Diploma Program or A level curriculum taught in English.

Please note that test requirement is based on citizenship, not on where a student attends school.

Undocumented and DACA Students: Undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students follow the procedures and requirements for first-year or transfer admission. They are evaluated in the same way as U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents; SAT or ACT scores are optional.