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Berea College

At Berea College, we have always been committed to a holistic assessment of a student’s potential.  For that reason, we offer test-optional admissions.

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We are still happy to accept and consider ACT or SAT scores from students who wish to share their scores as part of their application. All applications will be given the same consideration, regardless of whether a student chooses to submit test scores. However, homeschooled students and GED recipients are required to submit scores. See FAQs below for additional information.

Deciding whether to share your test scores

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If you’re wondering whether you should submit a standardized test score, we encourage you to consider the following:

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Still unsure? <a href="https://www.berea.edu/admissions/meet-your-counselor/">Contact your Admissions Counselor to talk it over.</a> Or, if you’ve decided what you want to do, <a href="https://www.berea.edu/admissions/applying-for-admission/">apply now.</a>

On the application, you will be asked “Do you wish to be considered test optional?” You will simply choose “I do NOT plan to submit test scores.” If you submitted your scores before applying and choose to apply with test-optional status, we will remove your test scores from consideration.

How do I apply without submitting my standardized test scores?

If you selected “I plan to submit my test scores’ and wish for your scores to be considered, you will need to request that they be sent directly to Berea College.
<ul>
<li>Visit <a href="http://actstudent.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">actstudent.org</a> (ACT scores) or <a href="http://collegeboard.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">collegeboard.org</a> (SAT scores) to send your official scores to us. Our ACT school code is 1492 and SAT school code is 1060.</li>
<li>Ask your School Counselor to email a copy of your full score report to: transcripts@berea.edu</li>
</ul>

How do I submit my scores?

At Berea, we seek students who stand to benefit from the Berea experience as much as Berea will benefit from having them as a member of our community. While our competitive process means we consider academic performance in determining who to admit, no one factor will earn a student a place in the class. If you decide to apply without a test score, we will consider the merits of your academic successes alongside the other relevant information you submit as part of your application.

How does the evaluation process work if I don't submit my score?

No. All applications will be given the same consideration and we will rely on your other academic and personal achievements and information when making a decision.

Will it count against me if I withhold my scores?

To ensure we have sufficient information to make a decision, we still require test scores from some applicants. These applicants include:
<ul>
<li>Homeschooled students</li>
<li>GED recipients</li>
<li>Early high school grads</li>
<li>Students who are given non-traditional grades (e.g. narrative transcript)</li>
<li>Non-native English speakers</li>
</ul>
Submission of ACT or SAT scores serve as further demonstration of your academic achievement and provides external validation of your chosen graduation path.  We encourage you to register now for a future test date if you have not yet taken an exam.
While scores are not required for students whose native language is not English, these students are encouraged to submit a writing sample as supplemental material for their application. Students may also choose to provide official scores from an English proficiency exam.
Berea reserves the right to require test scores from any applicant who does not fall into the categories listed above but whose application file cannot be properly evaluated without the addition of test scores.

Are any applicants required to submit standardized test scores?

Yes. As a NCAA Division III school, you do not need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Division III schools set their own admissions standards.

Are recruited student-athletes allowed to apply test-optional?

Students who wish to submit test scores may submit results from the ACT or SAT. No exam results more than 5 years old will be considered. AP exam results may be submitted for college credit prior to enrollment, but cannot fulfill the test score requirement for students who do not apply test-optional or for those who are required to submit scores.

What exams do you accept? (ACT, SAT, AP, etc)

Every Berea College student, regardless of their test score submission choice, is awarded the No-Tuition Promise. This means you will never pay tuition at Berea. The No-Tuition Promise is valued at more than $190,000.

Will I still be considered for scholarships?

Yes. International students are required to submit official scores from at least one of the following exams: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, ACT, or SAT.

Are international students required to submit standardized test scores?

No. Transfer students can select to be test optional on the application. However, transfer students who have not earned college credit or have not been enrolled in college in the last 5 years, should consider applying with test scores to provide recent evidence of academic ability.

Test-Optional Admissions

Deciding whether to share your test scores

Test Score Optional Applicant FAQs