When you apply to Willamette, you can decide whether your standardized test results accurately reflect your academic ability and potential. If you choose to submit them, your test scores will be reviewed with other indicators of your academic ability.
We adopted our test-optional policy following a yearlong study by our Faculty Admission Committee. It found that success in an academically rigorous college preparatory curriculum was a stronger predictor of success at Willamette than standardized test performance.
Redesigned SAT
The College Board began administering a redesigned SAT in March 2016. If you include your SAT results as part of your application, you won’t be required to submit the optional written section (SAT Essay). Willamette will accept scores from tests administered before March 2016.
Superscoring
The Admission Committee will “superscore” both the SAT and ACT. If you submit scores from multiple SAT exams taken before March 2016, Willamette will accept the highest Math, Critical Reading and Writing scores. Willamette will also superscore the highest Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores if you submit scores from the redesigned SAT.
Willamette will not combine results from the Redesigned and pre-Redesigned SAT exams to create a new total score.
International Students
International applicants are required to provide either the TOEFL or IELTS to test English proficiency, but they have the option of applying without submitting SAT and/or ACT scores. Those who choose the test-optional process must participate in a half-hour video interview.
Visit our frequently asked questions for more information, or contact the Office of Admission at bearcat@willamette.edu or (503) 370-6303.
Note: If you apply under our test-optional policy, we’ll ask you to submit your SAT or ACT scores after you’ve committed to attend. This information will be used to evaluate the SAT in future application cycles.