Auburn University is phasing out its test-optional admissions avenue for students. The university will continue with a "very limited number" in 2026, and full testing will return in 2027, with applicants then required to submit a SAT or ACT score, as they did before the COVID-19 changes.
A spokesman for the university told 1819 News, "The test-optional pathway began during COVID. It is a pilot program that will sunset after the 2026 admissions cycle. Historically, the test-optional pathway has represented a very small portion of the incoming class. Fewer than 10% of enrolled first-year students have been admitted without a test score."
According to the university's website, less than 5% of admissions will be accepted without test scores in 2026. Of those, "exceptionally qualified applicants with at least a 3.6 GPA may be considered".
For fall 2025, the average GPA for students admitted without a test score was 4.2.
Earlier this year, sources familiar with Auburn University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions told 1819 News that among the tactics being used to promote diversity, equity and inclusion goals was the switching of minority students who would otherwise not be accepted to the university due to low test scores to test-optional applications during the admissions process so that they were not immediately rejected.
A spokesman of the university denied those accusations, saying, "Auburn University does not consider race in its admissions decisions and adheres strictly to all applicable state and federal laws. Admissions policies are designed to ensure that all applicants are evaluated fairly, with a focus on academic rigor. Like other nationally ranked institutions, Auburn University attracts an applicant pool reflective of various backgrounds; from that applicant pool, only highly qualified students are admitted."
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