Test Optional FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What does test-optional mean?
Miami will review your application WITHOUT test scores and render an admission decision based on the materials we have on file.
How does Miami review applications that do not include the optional standardized test scores?
Miami has always taken a holistic approach to evaluating students for admission. Standardized test scores have historically been just one indicator, among many, in our application review process. In the absence of a test score, we will review your entire application holistically, including your core high school curriculum (English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, and various electives); grades earned; grade trends; course rigor; application essays; co-curricular and extracurricular activities; talent; and other achievements or mitigating factors.
Admission to Miami University is selective. Our strongest candidates choose rigorous high school coursework (within the context of their high school’s offerings), and students' academic performance has always been our primary focus in reviewing applications for admission. Our strongest applicants challenge themselves beyond core high school graduation requirements. Because high schools vary by size, academic program, and grading scale, we do not have rigid GPA admission requirements. The large majority of our incoming first-year students receive As and Bs in core classes. A complete list of required application materials can be found on our application information webpage.
How should I decide whether to submit test scores?
Through your application for admission, we will evaluate whether we believe you are well prepared for academic success at a challenging liberal arts university and whether, through your experiences and background, we can expect you to be an active member of the Miami community. Admission to honors programs, Nursing, and the Farmer School of Business are highly competitive, and programs in the College of Creative Arts have talent requirements.
While we recommend students submit as much information as possible with their application, the test score is just one factor in Miami’s overall admission evaluation. If you believe your test scores are indicative of your academic achievement, we will be happy to consider them. However, if you have a strong academic record demonstrated by above-average grades in challenging courses, but do not feel your test results are a good reflection of your academic performance, you can choose not to submit them, or to not have them used in the admission review. You may use the table below for context.
| GPA | 3.59 to 4.20 |
|---|---|
| ACT Composite Score | 25 to 31 |
| SAT Combined Score (ERW+M) | 1220-1390 |
*Middle 50% means 25% of students are above this range and 25% are below. Refer to our admitted student statistics webpage for more information.
Are test scores required for merit scholarships?
Students who apply test-optional are considered for merit scholarships based on a holistic review of all other information provided with their application. Students are automatically considered for Miami’s merit scholarships when they apply by our priority deadline of Dec. 1.
Are test scores required for honors programs?
Students who apply test-optional will be considered for all honors programs.
When must I decide whether to submit standardized test scores? Can I change my preference?
How are test scores considered during the review process?
If you provide ACT or SAT test scores, we will use them in your candidacy for admission, scholarships, and honors programs. Miami superscores, using the highest test scores submitted. For the ACT, the highest scores for each subscore from different exams will determine a combined highest composite score. For SAT the best Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math (M) subscores will be used to calculate a maximum single score. We use the national concordance table to determine whether the SAT best or ACT best is the better overall score.
Do you consider senior (7th semester) grades in the application review?
Grades submitted at the time of application will be used to review your application for admission and merit scholarships. Miami does not require a mid-year official high school transcript nor a mid-year school report. Students who accept their Miami admission offer are required to provide an official, final high school transcript that confirms their graduation. We reserve the right to rescind an offer of admission due to poor academic performance in senior year courses.
If I confirm my enrollment at Miami, will I need to submit my ACT or SAT scores?
We recommend you submit your ACT/SAT scores. Along with the results of Miami's math placement test, ACT or SAT test scores provide insight for the math placement conversation during course registration at orientation. Your scores will not negatively impact your admission decision or financial aid.Students who have taken the ACT or SAT and accepted their Miami admission offer should submit scores by May 5. Regardless of whether we have test scores, all new undergraduate students are required to complete Miami's math placement test prior to their orientation session.
How do I submit official scores to Miami - Oxford?
Visit the ACT or College Board (SAT) website(s) to request an official score report for Miami University - Oxford. When requesting scores, please use Miami’s code (listed below). Both testing agencies charge a fee to send score reports, but both offer fee waivers to qualified students. Learn more about ACT fee waivers and College Board (SAT) fee waivers.
- ACT code for Miami University (Oxford campus): 3294
- SAT code for Miami University: 1463
Who should I contact if I have questions about this policy?
Please reach out to your Miami admission representative, email admission@MiamiOH.edu, or call the Admission Office at 513-529-2531.
