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Test Optional FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Miami University have a test-optional policy for standardized test (ACT/SAT) scores for the undergraduate admission process? 

We recognize changes to test availability and testing environments due to the COVID-19 pandemic left many students with inequitable access to standardized tests. Miami has chosen to make test scores optional for students applying to the university through spring 2026 to ensure equitable opportunity for admission, scholarships, and honors programs. Also, some applicants may feel their standardized test scores do not accurately reflect their academic potential. Our test-optional admission policy allows you to choose whether your SAT or ACT test scores will be considered as part of your application — letting you decide how best to describe your academic history. 

What exactly does test-optional mean?

Miami will review your application WITHOUT test scores and render an admission decision based on the materials we have on file. 

How will Miami review applications that do not include the optional standardized test scores?

Miami has always taken a holistic approach to evaluating students for admission. Standardized test scores have historically been just one indicator, among many, in our application review process. In the absence of a test score, we will review your entire application holistically, including your core high school curriculum (English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, and various electives); grades earned; grade trends; course rigor; application essays; co-curricular and extracurricular activities; talent; and other achievements or mitigating factors. 

Admission to Miami University is selective. Our strongest candidates choose rigorous high school coursework (within the context of their high school’s offerings), and students' academic performance has always been our primary focus in reviewing applications for admission. Our strongest applicants challenge themselves beyond core high school graduation requirements. Because high schools vary by size, academic program, and grading scale, we do not have rigid GPA admission requirements. The large majority of our incoming first-year students receive As and Bs in core classes. A complete list of required application materials can be found on our application information webpage.

How should I decide whether to submit test scores?

Through your application for admission, we will evaluate whether we believe you are well prepared for academic success at a challenging liberal arts university and whether, through your experiences and background, we can expect you to be an active member of the Miami community. Admission to honors programs, Nursing, and the Farmer School of Business will be test optional, but will remain highly competitive, and programs in the College of Creative Arts have talent requirements.

While we recommend students submit as much information as possible with their application, the test score is just one factor in Miami’s overall admission evaluation. If you believe your test scores are indicative of your academic achievement, we will be happy to consider them. However, if you have a strong academic record demonstrated by above-average grades in challenging courses, but do not feel your test results are a good reflection of your academic performance, you can choose not to submit them, or to not have them used in the admission review. You may use the table below for context.

MIAMI FIRST-YEAR STUDENT PROFILE - MIDDLE 50%*
GPA 3.59 to 4.18
ACT Composite Score 25 to 31
SAT Combined Score (ERW+M) 1220-1410

*Middle 50% means 25% of students are above this range and 25% are below. Refer to our admitted student statistics webpage for more information.

Will test scores be required for merit scholarships?

Students who apply test-optional will be considered for merit scholarships based on a holistic review of all other information provided with their application. Students are automatically considered for Miami’s merit scholarships when they apply by our priority deadline of Dec. 1.

Will test scores be required for honors programs? 

Students who apply test-optional will be considered for all honors programs. 

When must I decide whether to submit standardized test scores? Can I change my preference?

Miami's Common Application supplement asks whether you would like Miami to consider your test scores in our evaluation, and we encourage you to make a decision before submitting your application. If you change your mind after submitting your application, you will be able to update your test-score preference through your online Miami application status page. Any changes to your test score preference must be made by the application deadline. If you choose to submit test scores and we do not receive your scores by your application deadline, Miami will review your application WITHOUT test scores and render an admission decision based on the materials we have on file. Scores submitted after the application deadline may not be included in our review.

How are test scores considered during the review process?

If you provide ACT or SAT test scores, we will use them in your candidacy for admission, scholarships, and honors programs. Miami superscores, using the highest test scores submitted. For the ACT, the highest scores for each subscore from different exams will determine a combined highest composite score. For SAT the best Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math (M) subscores will be used to calculate a maximum single score. We will use the national concordance table to determine whether the SAT best or ACT best is the better overall score.

Being test-optional, will you consider senior (7th semester) grades in the application review?  

Grades submitted at the time of application will be used to review your application for admission and merit scholarships. Miami does not require a mid-year official high school transcript nor a mid-year school report. We do require an official transcript from students who have confirmed enrollment, following their high school graduation. We reserve the right to rescind an offer of admission due to poor academic performance in senior year courses.

If I confirm my enrollment at Miami, will I need to submit my ACT or SAT scores?

If you have taken the ACT or SAT, yes. Score submission is requested for placement in appropriate first-year coursework and research purposes, but your scores will not negatively impact your admission decision or financial aid. Students who confirm their enrollment should submit scores by May 2 to facilitate course registration during orientation. Confirmed students who do not submit scores will be required to complete Miami's math placement test prior to their orientation session.

How do I submit official scores to Miami - Oxford?

Visit the ACT or College Board (SAT) website(s) to request an official score report for Miami University - Oxford. When requesting scores, please use Miami’s code (listed below). Both testing agencies charge a fee to send score reports, but both offer fee waivers to qualified students. Learn more about ACT fee waivers and College Board (SAT) fee waivers.

  • ACT code for Miami University (Oxford campus): 3294
  • SAT code for Miami University: 1463

Who do I contact if I have questions about this policy?

Please reach out to your Miami admission representative, email admission@MiamiOH.edu, or call the Admission Office at 513-529-2531.