OU Announces Test-Optional Admissions Policy

NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma will transition to a test-optional admissions process, beginning with students applying to enter the university in the spring and fall 2021 semesters.

The decision follows guidance issued by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education that acknowledges the impacts of COVID-19 on student access to standardized testing, such as the ACT and SAT.

OU will continue adhering to its holistic admissions process, which evaluates prospective students on four components: academic rigor and performance, activities and engagement, personal essay and letter(s) of recommendation.

“Through our holistic admissions process, we spend a great deal of time reviewing each individual application, looking for students who are going to be successful at OU ,” said Jeff Blahnik, senior associate vice president for the Division of Enrollment Management and executive director for the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. “We believe a student’s potential is not determined solely by a test score. Students come to the table with different strengths and, to be a great institution, we need to identify students who show academic promise and who will enrich our OU Family. Our goal as an outstanding public university is to provide academic excellence while remaining attainable and accessible.”

Students are still encouraged to submit test scores, as they allow for accurate course placement and in some cases could also improve a student’s opportunity to gain admission and scholarship.

Test scores can also maximize scholarship opportunities, but OU will consider students for scholarships holistically as well. To ensure maximum scholarship qualification and to guarantee the fastest notification of an award, students are encouraged to submit an ACT or SAT score. Students can send updated test scores through April 30 of their senior year to maximize their scholarship amount.

The OU application for fall 2021 opens Aug. 1 at apply.ou.edu. To learn more about OU’s test-optional admissions process, click here. To connect with the Office of Admissions and Recruitment, please visit admissions.ou.edu.