Test Optional
Applicants may choose to apply without test scores
Students May Choose to Apply Without Test Scores
TLU’s Admissions Committee has approved to continue to be a test optional institution for first-year students applying for Spring 2023 and Fall 2023.
How do students apply as test optional?
- On the admissions application - TLU Application, ApplyTexas, or Common Application - you will be asked if you want to apply test optional. If you do, please select "Yes."
Conditions to choosing test optional:
- Students who choose test optional may be asked for additional information: Your admissions representative or the admissions committee may request additional information from you such as a new writing sample or a letter of recommendation.
- International students: International students (students needing a visa to study in the U.S.) cannot apply test-optional. Though we do not require the SAT or ACT for them, they need to submit the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Transfer students who will be reviewed as first-year students will need to send scores.
- Reactivated students: Students who have applied for a previous semester but did not attend, and are now reapplying for spring 2023 or fall 2023, have the option to apply as test optional.
Other special circumstances:
- Denied students: We will not re-review denied students as test optional. They should go through the regular appeal process to appeal their decision and provide new academic information.
It is important to note that all admitted students are eligible to receive the same academic scholarships whether they apply as test optional or they submit their scores. The three academic scholarship levels are: Heritage, Academic Excellence, and Presidential (TLU Promise).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What does test optional mean?
A: Test optional means that a student may choose to not include their SAT and/or ACT test scores in the application file. The application file will still be reviewed for an admissions decision.
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Q: How will TLU review applications without test scores?
A: TLU has always used a holistic review process when reviewing applications for admission. In addition to a student’s academic record and essay, we look for students who demonstrate they want to be involved in an inclusive and diverse campus community and embody our core values of community, education, and faith.
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Q: Who “qualifies” to apply test optional?
A: Domestic first-year applicants who are applying to the institution for the first time and who have never formally matriculated at a college or university are eligible to apply test optional. Students applying as international applicants (will need a visa to study in the U.S.) are still required to submit official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), SAT or ACT test scores.
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Q: If I opt-in to test optional, how will my application file be reviewed? Do I need to send in any other documents aside from my application, essay, and high school transcript?
A: At TLU, all application files are reviewed holistically, meaning the admissions committee will review all aspects of an application, and each part of the application has equal importance. Not one single material, such as grades or the essay, will outweigh the others in the decision outcome. The admissions committee will read your entire application and will get to know you as a student. They’re looking to see if you are a good fit for TLU, and if TLU is a good fit for you. However, the admissions committee may request additional documentation from you to ensure that enough information is provided to make an admissions decision.
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Q: If I apply as a test optional student, am I eligible to receive an academic scholarship?
A: Yes, students who apply without test scores and gain admission will be evaluated for an academic scholarship. Test optional students are eligible for all academic scholarships – Heritage, Academic Excellence, Presidential, and TLU Promise.