Starting in fall 2027, first-year students applying to undergraduate at Auburn University will be required to submit their ACT or SAT scores. This change will mark the end of the University's test-optional policy, which initially began during COVID-19.
Currently, Auburn University has a test-optional policy for certain eligible first-year applicants. This eligibility relies on applicants maintaining a minimum high school GPA of 3.6. Students who do not meet this GPA requirement are ineligible to apply as test-optional.
Jennifer Adams, vice president of public affairs, communication and marketing for the President's Office, provided more details in a statement for The Auburn Plainsman.
"For fall 2027 admission, all first-year applicants to Auburn University will be required to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of the undergraduate admissions process," Adams said. "The test-optional pathway began during COVID. It is a pilot program that will be sunset after the 2026 admissions cycle."
According to Adams, even though test-optional eligibility mandates a minimum 3.6 GPA, students who were admitted without test scores have higher GPAs on average than the required GPA.
"As a transition year, for fall 2026 admission only, a very limited number of exceptionally qualified applicants with at least a 3.6 high school GPA may be considered without test scores," Adams said. "For reference, the average GPA for students admitted without a test score was 4.2."
In fall 2021, when the test-optional pathway was first implemented, the Office of Admissions reported that the acceptance rate for first-year freshmen was approximately 71%. The Auburn Plainsman reached out for the acceptance rate of fall 2025 but did not receive a response. However, according to U.S. News and World Report, Auburn University now boasts an acceptance rate of 46%, only four cycles after fall 2021.
As applications become more competitive, as shown with the 25% decrease, many applicants have opted to disclose their test scores, with few deciding to use the test-optional track.
"Historically, the test-optional pathway has represented a very small portion of the incoming freshmen class," Adams said. "Fewer than 10% of enrolled first-year students have been admitted without a test score."
According to the Auburn University Admissions FAQ website, applying without a test score for fall 2026 will result in an extensive review of the other parts of the application and resume. Course rigor, grade trends, academic performance relative to the applicant's high school class, the learning opportunities provided during high school and whether the applicant excelled in one or more subject areas will be heavily scrutinized.
If an applicant is concerned about test results, Auburn University began accepting "superscores" for both the ACT and SAT in fall 2024. Superscores combine the best section scores from multiple testing dates, giving the students the best possible cumulative score achieved. Auburn University also does not give preference to the ACT or the SAT but recommends applicants send all test results.
If the applicant has not had the chance to take either the ACT or SAT or wishes to retake them, test scores can be submitted up until Jan. 10, even after their application is submitted. Once the applicant receives an admissions decision, their test optional status can no longer be changed.
Auburn University recommends reviewing their academic profile to help fall 2026 applicants make their decision for test optionality. In general, the University advises applicants to apply with a test score if they have a 3.59 or lower GPA, have secured a test result or have a GPA and test score within or higher than the University's middle 50%.
This change to require test scores will cause students to plan out their test strategy more carefully and consider their academic timeline in order to maximize their chance of admission. Using Auburn's resources, preparing ahead of time and retaking exams to maximize score potential gives future applicants the optimal chance of getting accepted.
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Ally Northridge, senior in political science, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since Fall 2024. Northridge previously served as a news writer and news reporter, and she is currently serving as the managing content editor.
