What Test-Optional Means at Richmond
October 3, 2025
A Post by Olivia Kitt, Assistant Director of Admission
The conversation around being test-optional in the college admission process is ongoing, and the policy continues to evolve. In 2020, many institutions of all types broadened their requirements to allow students to apply without standardized test scores. However, in the most recent admission cycle, a few selective institutions decided to return to a test-required policy. This has led many to wonder what this means for college admissions and how test scores are being weighed in the overall decision, especially if an institution says it is test optional.
Richmond has a selective admission process and made the decision in 2020 to move to a test-optional policy. You might be wondering if we plan to follow those institutions that have decided to return to requiring test scores. For seniors applying to start in the fall of 2026, we will continue as a test-optional institution, allowing each applicant to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores for review. The exception to this policy is for students completing high school in non-traditional settings, who are required to submit test scores. Last application cycle, about 43% of our applicant pool chose to include their scores.
So, should you submit test scores? That decision is up to you. Ask yourself: Will this give Richmond a fuller picture of who I am and enhance my application? Take a look at your academic profile, consult with your high school counselor, and review our most recent student profile. Your test scores should be an asset to your application, so it’s worth weighing this decision carefully. If you choose not to submit scores, know that they are not the only way we determine academic fit. Equally important are the courses you choose to take in high school and how well you perform in them. Competitive applicants typically challenge themselves with five core subjects, including a second language—throughout all four years of high school, taking the highest level available to them. Just as important, they have maintained strong performance (mostly A’s and B’s) or shown a clear upward grade trend over time.
Keep in mind Richmond practices a holistic review process. This means we consider both academic and personal fit when reviewing your application, and every component of your application plays a role in our decision-making. No matter if you apply with test scores or without them, you can be confident that you’re in good company and that every part of your application will be carefully considered.
We look forward to reading your application soon!
Richmond has a selective admission process and made the decision in 2020 to move to a test-optional policy. You might be wondering if we plan to follow those institutions that have decided to return to requiring test scores. For seniors applying to start in the fall of 2026, we will continue as a test-optional institution, allowing each applicant to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores for review. The exception to this policy is for students completing high school in non-traditional settings, who are required to submit test scores. Last application cycle, about 43% of our applicant pool chose to include their scores.
So, should you submit test scores? That decision is up to you. Ask yourself: Will this give Richmond a fuller picture of who I am and enhance my application? Take a look at your academic profile, consult with your high school counselor, and review our most recent student profile. Your test scores should be an asset to your application, so it’s worth weighing this decision carefully. If you choose not to submit scores, know that they are not the only way we determine academic fit. Equally important are the courses you choose to take in high school and how well you perform in them. Competitive applicants typically challenge themselves with five core subjects, including a second language—throughout all four years of high school, taking the highest level available to them. Just as important, they have maintained strong performance (mostly A’s and B’s) or shown a clear upward grade trend over time.
Keep in mind Richmond practices a holistic review process. This means we consider both academic and personal fit when reviewing your application, and every component of your application plays a role in our decision-making. No matter if you apply with test scores or without them, you can be confident that you’re in good company and that every part of your application will be carefully considered.
We look forward to reading your application soon!