Test-Optional Information
The University of Southern Indiana has adopted a test-optional admissions policy for students applying for 2021 terms and beyond. Students applying for admission can choose at the time of application whether to submit SAT and/or ACT scores for consideration.
USI encourages students to submit test scores if they feel it will benefit their admissions decision. While test scores can be a helpful tool in predicting collegiate student success, research shows that in some cases, standardized tests do not accurately reflect academic potential. By adopting a test-optional policy, USI allows each student to determine how to showcase their academic ability.
Review the Frequently Asked Questions below to learn more and help you decide how to apply for admission to USI.
Frequently Asked Questions
USI will continue to consider multiple facets of a student’s academic record to determine admission including high school curriculum and grades earned in academic coursework, strength of courses taken, and performance in honors, dual credit, and AP coursework.
Students who feel that their test scores support their academic ability can submit them. If students have a strong GPA but do not feel that test scores reflect their capabilities, they may choose to apply without test scores. Information regarding average GPA and test scores for fall 2019 is listed below to help provide guidance:
Average GPA: 3.48
Average SAT (critical reading + math): 1080
Average ACT: 22.7
Students who are homeschooled or attend a high school that does not provide traditional grades are required to submit test scores.
Students identify on their application for admission whether or not they want their test scores to be considered for admission.
Yes, students applying without test scores can still be considered for merit-based scholarships. SAT/ACT scores are still required for the Presidential Scholarship, Baccalaureate Doctor of Medicine (B/MD) Scholarship and a select number of USI Foundation scholarships awarded through AwardSpring.
If USI has received scores but the student indicates they do not want their test scores considered, scores will not factor into the admissions decision.
Each program that offers direct admission determines the criteria. Please check the web page for the specific program of interest to determine if test scores are necessary.
Students can submit their scores to USI at any time to add to their personal University record. If an admission decision has already been made, scores may be used to help with course placement at the time of class registration or for direct admission to specific academic programs.
Test scores can be used for course placement at the time of class registration even if they are not utilized for admission consideration. Students are welcome to submit test scores post-admission. However, scores are not required to determine course placement. Placement testing, dual credit, AP courses and other information can be used in lieu of standardized test scores for course placement.
Undergraduate Admissions