University of Redlands
“Several years of internal data shows us that the high school grade point average is the greatest predictor of success and test scores haven't added significant additional predictive value.”
- Kevin Dyerly, vice president of enrollment
Beginning with the fall 2021 application cycle, University of Redlands will be test optional for most applicants. Students will now have the option to not submit SAT or ACT scores if they do not believe their test scores truly reflect their potential for success in college. In lieu of standardized test scores, the Admissions Committee will consider other components of the application such as quality of writing, strength of curriculum, course sequences, academic performance, contribution to the community, and community college courses taken, if applicable. We also recommend that a student’s academic letter of recommendation come from an English, math, social science, science, or foreign language teacher.
For students who choose to submit standardized test scores as part of their admissions application, they may do so by self-reporting their scores on the Common Application, having test scores printed directly on their high school transcript, or by sending official test scores through the testing agencies. Should a student opt to include their self-reported test scores on the Common Application, official test scores will be required prior to enrolling at the university.
The Office of Admissions maintains its commitment to a holistic application review process by considering all information from the Common Application including the personal essay, member questions, student's leadership, talent, involvement, commitment and service to the community, overall academic record, counselor and teacher letters of recommendation, and SAT or ACT test scores (if submitted). Click here to learn more about our testing policies.
Below are some frequently asked questions which will help you determine whether or not applying test optional is for you.
The decision to offer a test optional admissions process comes after a decade of internal analysis, including studying the results of the entering classes of 2017 and 2018 who took the redesigned SAT. Our analysis showed that students with the strongest high school GPAs persisted at higher rates and performed well in the classroom, regardless of test scores.
University of Redlands is committed to providing a personalized education that frees students to make enlightened choices. As a community who welcomes intellectually curious students of diverse ethnic, national, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds, choosing how you present yourself to the admissions committee not only aligns with our mission but also gives all students an opportunity to present their best selves in the college admissions process. We also know that for some students taking these exams or submitting scores can be a hardship.
As an institution committed to access for all, this is one step in an effort to remove barriers in the college admissions process.
To apply test optional, you will be prompted on the member question screen of the Common Application to indicate whether you would like your scores considered for admission or not. In lieu of your test scores, the admissions committee will consider other components of your application such as quality of writing, strength of curriculum, course sequences, academic performance, contribution to the community, and community college courses taken, if applicable. We also recommend that your letter of recommendation come from an English, math, social science, science, or foreign language teacher.
If you feel that your test score is not an accurate reflection of your academic record, you may choose to apply test optional. This means that your application will be reviewed holistically without standardized test scores. In lieu of standardized test scores, the Admissions Committee will consider other components of the application such as quality of writing, strength of curriculum, course sequences, academic performance, contribution to the community, and community college courses taken, if applicable. We also recommend that a student’s academic letter of recommendation come from an English, math, social science, science, or foreign language teacher.
No, all applicants are considered for both admission and achievement awards. Over 90% of our students receive some kind of financial assistance.
Once submitted, we are not able to change your answer to the test optional question. In order to ensure that all applications are reviewed correctly, we will honor the decision you made at the time you submitted the Common Application to Redlands.
At Redlands, you are more than a test score. We are committed to a holistic review process which means that the following are a part of the application review process: personal essay, member questions, student's leadership, talent, involvement, commitment and service to the community, overall academic record, counselor and teacher letters of recommendation, and SAT or ACT test scores (if submitted).
International students for whom English is not their native language or whose primary language of instruction is not English, will still need to show English proficiency using a standardized test. English Proficiency for the University of Redlands can be met with the following:
550 SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, 21 ACT English and Reading Sections, TOEFL minimum 80iBT/550 paper based, IELTS minimum 6.5, iTEP minimum 3.9.
For questions regarding international admissions, please contact Kenley Jones, Director of International Recruitment at kenley_jones@redlands.edu.
Homeschooled students add to the rich learning environment in our classes by bringing their unique and diverse learning experiences. Given the variance of home school curriculum across the nation, we encourage, but do not require, homeschooled students to either submit an SAT or ACT score.
Transfer students with fewer than 24 units may apply test optional.
For any questions regarding our transfer admissions process, please contact Kylie Mulder, Associate Director for Transfer Recruitment at kylie_mulder@redlands.edu.
