Test Optional

Students Required to Submit Test Scores

GW requires SAT/ACT scores from these groups:

• Applicants to the B.A./B.S.-M.D. program
  • If submitting ACT scores, the Science section is required
• Applicants who are homeschooled
• Applicants who attended secondary schools that provide only narrative evaluations rather than some form of grading scale
   

Choosing Whether or Not to Submit Test Scores for Consideration

SAT/ACT scores are an optional credential. You can decide if you want to submit your scores to GW as part of your application. If you feel your SAT or ACT scores are an accurate reflection of your academic abilities, you are welcome to submit them for consideration. There is no preference for SAT or ACT scores.

If you choose not to submit test scores, you will not be viewed negatively. Test scores are not required for consideration in special programs (except for GW's B.A./B.S.-M.D. program) or for merit scholarships.

If you choose to submit your test scores, the Admissions Committee will consider scores in a manner that is consistent with other documents that are often submitted, such as resumes and supplemental letters of recommendation from individuals other than a teacher or counselor.

GW does not evaluate the essay section of the SAT or ACT in the admissions process. The ACT Science section is not required, except for students applying to the B.A./B.S.-M.D.  Program.

Once You've Made a Decision

You need to indicate whether or not you will submit your scores on your application.

If you are planning to submit your scores, you must request that they be sent to GW directly from the College Board or ACT well in advance of the application deadline. After GW receives your application, you will have a limited window to alter your selection. After that time, your choice to submit scores cannot be changed.

If you indicate that you will not submit your scores, they will not be considered in the admission process even if they are included on your official high school transcript.

Score Consideration

GW will superscore both the SAT and the ACT, which means that the Admissions Committee will consider only the highest critical reading, math, and writing scores you’ve submitted, regardless of test administration. We will not recalculate a new composite score from subsection scores on various dates.

International Student Requirements

If you’re an international applicant (non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. permanent residents), you are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores for admission unless you are also part of one of the groups required to submit test scores.

Submitted test scores are one way to demonstrate required English language proficiency. Please review our international admissions requirements for more details.

Previously Submitted Scores

If you submit test scores to GW prior to applying but apply as a test-optional candidate (e.g., you take the SAT or ACT in 11th grade and send scores to GW but decide in your senior year to apply as test optional), your scores will not be considered as part of your application.

Incoming Student Requirements

GW will not require any matriculating (incoming) student who did not take the SAT or ACT to take the test before enrolling. However, GW will continue to analyze the correlation between standardized testing and academic success. Therefore, all incoming students will be asked to submit scores prior to enrolling at GW for their first year.