Test Optional FAQ

Western New England University evaluates each applicant holistically when reviewing candidates for admission. Adopting a test-optional policy allows us to consider your strengths that may be demonstrated in areas other than through an ACT or SAT score. Both our internal and external research show that your high school record, in particular your grades in challenging core subjects, is the most important academic component that predicts a student’s likelihood to succeed in a rigorous college curriculum.

If you are satisfied with your test scores and believe they are indicative of your academic achievement, then we are happy to consider them as part of your application. If you have a strong academic record, but do not feel your test results are a good reflection of your academic performance, you can choose not to submit them.

We strongly recommend that you carefully consider your decision to apply with or without test scores. You will be asked to indicate whether or not you are applying test-optional on the Western New England University Electronic Undergraduate Application, or if you are applying using the Common Application, on the Western New England University Member Screen. Once you have submitted your application, you will be unable to change your decision at a later time.

You must choose to apply either as test-optional or with your test scores. Students applying to Western New England University cannot submit more than one application. If a student submits more than one application, we will only recognize the first application received, and the admission decision will be based on that application alone.

If your scores are sent to us from the testing agency or are included on your high school transcript, you can still apply test-optional as long as you indicate your decision on the application. If you apply test-optional, your test scores will not be taken into consideration as part of the application review process.

Because Western New England University has always reviewed applications holistically, the review process for students who submit ACT or SAT scores and students who do not submit scores will be very similar. When considering an applicant for admission, we will closely evaluate your overall academic record, including grades earned in academic coursework, performance in honors, International Baccalaureate, Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement courses, and grades throughout your high school career. In addition, other factors will include optional letter(s) of recommendation, essay response, cocurricular activities, community involvement, academic trends, and other noteworthy achievements that you choose to make the admissions committee aware of.

Generally, students who stand out to the members of our Admission Committee will have taken four years in each of the core areas (English, math, natural science, and social science/history). If your high school offers Advanced Placement (AP), honors courses, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, or Dual Enrollment courses, your involvement in this type of rigorous high school curriculum will reflect positively on your application. We will carefully review the strength of your high school classes and your performance in them, which will also include any upward or downward trends over the course of your four years of secondary school studies.

Because we evaluate each application holistically and individually, there is no formula we can provide to help you decide. If a student feels that their test scores accurately reflect their academic achievements and the ability to be successful at Western New England University, the student may wish to submit their scores. However, if a student does not feel their scores are indicative of their academic ability and potential, a student may not wish to submit their test scores. If a student is unsure whether they should submit their test scores, we recommend visiting the campus and sitting with an Admissions Counselor where we can discuss the test-optional procedure and guide you in the right direction. To schedule a campus visit and/or an appointment with an admissions counselor, please click here.

Of course, every applicant presents a different combination of test scores, curriculum choices, grade point average, recommendations, out-of-class experiences, and personal traits. In general, weakness in one area can be compensated for by strength in another.

International students looking for full admission are required to submit standardized test scores to prove English proficiency and should consult International Admission for more information.

Yes. All applicants who decide to apply test-optional will still be taken in consideration for merit scholarships. If a student feels their test scores reflect their academic ability, they can choose to submit standardized test scores and will be evaluated under different merit scholarship parameters. Students who achieve very high standardized test scores are encourage to submit them, as there may be academic merit award incentive for those that score in the top range of our overall applicant pool.

Yes, you will still be eligible for the Honors Program; however, test scores may be required after a decision is made in order to determine eligibility for the Honors Program. 

The Honors Program at Western New England University is a great opportunity for highly motivated students. After a student is admitted to Western New England University, a separate application process is required for the Honors Program, which may include additional essay questions. Applicant responses to these questions are carefully considered. Find out more about the Honors Program.

No, but if you took the ACT or SAT, we ask that you submit your test scores after you enroll. The scores will be used to study the success of the test-optional pilot program and will not be used for any other purposes. You may print out a score report from College Board or the ACT website and submit them to the Admissions Office.

No. There is no negative impact on your application for admission or eligibility for academic scholarships should you decide not to submit test scores and indicate that choice on the Western New England University Electronic Application or the Member Section of the Common Application.

Students looking to transfer into Western New England University and are applying with less than 12 earned college credits after high school graduation will have the option to submit test scores. If you are satisfied with your test scores and believe they are indicative of your academic achievement, then we are happy to consider them as part of your application. If you have a strong academic record, but do not feel your test results are a good reflection of your academic performance, you can choose not to submit them. Those students who decide to not submit test scores will be required to submit an additional essay response where they can demonstrate their ability as a student and discuss why standardized test scores do not reflect those abilities. All transfer students who have completed 12 or more earned college credits after high school graduation will not be required to submit test scores for admissions.