Standardized Test Score Submission Options
Sidebar
Fall 2025 and 2026: students may apply without test scores. For more information, visit our FAQs.
ACT/SAT Information
The University of Louisville remains test-score optional for admission for all majors, and there are pathways for admission to all of our programs without the ACT or SAT. Please review Program-Specific Admissions Criteria for more information about test-optional policies.
- UofL will accept either ACT (code: 1556) or SAT (code: 1838).
- UofL will accept scores from the high school transcript.
- UofL will use the highest composite on the ACT. The SAT is converted to an ACT composite score. We do not superscore.
- UofL recommends that students submit all test scores. Subscores will be used for placement and for determining college readiness in English, reading and math.
- UofL will accept the residual ACT test given on our campus. The residual ACT taken at UofL is only accepted as an official score at UofL.
- Fee waivers are available for ACT / SAT and other UofL fees.
For students who choose to submit ACT scores, UofL will no longer require the Science Reasoning portion. Additionally, no program at the University of Louisville requires the Science Reasoning portion of the test for admission to the major.
UofL will accept the composite scores as they are sent by the ACT, and we will not recalculate test scores by removing the Science Reasoning portion if the student chooses to take that section of the test. If the composite score sent by the ACT includes the Science Reasoning section as part of the calculation, that is the composite we will use. UofL does not accept SuperScores for admission or scholarship purposes
FAQs for Students Applying Without ACT/SAT Scores
We evaluate applicants using a holistic approach and factoring in variables beyond ACT/SAT scores. In the absence of test scores, our staff puts more emphasis on student’s grades and high school curriculum. Our goal is to consider all factors and make a decision centered around student success at the University of Louisville.
After initial review of a student's application, first-semester senior grades, a student involvement resume, and/or a personal statement may be required.
All academic programs will consider students without ACT/SAT scores for admission. The Dental Hygiene will eventually require that students have ACT or SAT scores on file for consideration into the upper division of the program, although scores are not required for admission into the lower division, where most first-year students start. Students should keep in touch with their admissions counselor for the latest information.
Our Honors Program, which requires a separate application, no longer considers ACT/SAT scores as a criteria for acceptance.
We are committed to making scholarship opportunities available to students, whether they apply with or without test scores. We strongly encourage students with qualifying test scores to submit their scores to automatically receive an award. Please visit the scholarship website for specific criteria and requirements. We look primarily at a student’s grades, high school curriculum and a student-involvement resume. For more information about the scholarship processes, students should reach out to their admission counselor.
The following scholarships do not require test scores:
- Trustees' Scholarships
- Woodford R. Porter Scholarship
- Kentucky students who have completed special programs (GSA, GSE, GSP)
- McConnell Scholars Program (KY residents only)
- Regional Scholars Award: out-of-state students admitted from our regional areas are awarded the $10,000
- National Scholars Program
The Office of Student Financial Aid manages a number of scholarships for new students that only require admission to UofL. In addition, they manage some automatic awards that are based on need and begin to be awarded November 1 (based on the FAFSA and admission). All students are encouraged to check in with their admission counselor to review financial options for college planning.
Submitting test scores, if you have them, is highly encouraged. Submitting scores will not hurt you in the admission process. However, ACT and SAT scores are optional for students, and there are pathways for admission to all of our programs without the ACT or SAT.
Review UofL's admission requirements to determine eligibility for admission to UofL or specific academic programs.
View in-state or out-of-state scholarships to determine eligibility with or without test scores.
If you have questions about applying with our without test scores, reach out to your personal admissions counselor for more information and guidance.
In making admission decisions, test scores will only be used to expedite or enhance your application. In addition, test scores below the minimum admission requirements will not be considered in the review of your application.
Yes! You can always ask your school counselor or ACT/Collegeboard to send scores to adetran@louisville.edu. If an admission decision has already been made on your application, you must contact your admissions counselor to request that your file be reviewed again.
Any student admitted without test scores will be required to take the Accuplacer Math and Reading tests. Those tests will be used to determine placement. Some subjects such as Biology and Chemistry have either test score requirements or separate placement tests that will be required. These tests are available online and can be taken any time before freshman orientation or earlier. We will work with students and review these results to recommend resources developed to help students be best prepared for the rigors of college. Also, a student can submit ACT/SAT scores post-admission. Some ACT or SAT sub-scores may be able to be used to meet the placement test requirement.