Test Optional

GW has been proudly test-optional for the majority of applicants since 2015. The best indication of whether a student will be successful at GW is their performance in high school—the grades they earn and the rigor of their coursework. This has always been the most important part of the application process at GW and this will not change, regardless of whether you choose to submit scores. This policy aligns with our admissions philosophy of holistic review, supports the university strategic plan on access, reflects the most current data analysis regarding the use of testing in admission, and is clear and easy to communicate and understand.

We hope this encourages students to consider GW even if their test scores do not match their high school performance.

Students Required to Submit Test Scores

GW requires SAT/ACT scores from these groups:

Applicants to the accelerated seven-year B.A./M.D. program
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 seven-year B.A./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.

Notifying the Admissions Committee

You need to indicate whether or not you will submit your scores on the member screen of your Common Application. If you are planning to submit your scores, you must request they be sent directly from the College Board or ACT well in advance of the application deadline. Once you make a choice on your application, it cannot be changed.

Scores on Your Transcript

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 still submit test scores.

You are still required to demonstrate English language proficiency if English is not your first language, as indicated on the Common Application. This requirement may be waived if you submit an SAT critical reasoning score of 650 or higher, evidence-based reading and writing of 650 or higher, or an ACT English score of 29 or higher.

If you spent your most recent four years in a school setting where English is the sole language of instruction in all academic subjects (excluding foreign language and ESL/ELL courses), you are exempt from the English language proficiency requirement.

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.

Matriculating Student Requirements

GW will not require any matriculating 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 entering students who have scores will be asked to submit them prior to enrolling to GW for their first year.