At the University of Oklahoma, we recognize that a student is more than a test score. That’s why when evaluating a student for admission, test scores are just one component considered in our holistic process. Since OU is dedicated to providing access to students who wish to attend, we are a test-optional institution. Submitting test scores is still a great option for applicants, but we encourage you to review the below details and FAQs and choose which option works best for you. You will also see details about self-reported test scores and superscoring.
OU is Test Optional
Admissions Decisions
Submitting scores from the ACT or SAT is optional for admission. At the time of application, students will share their plans regarding the submission or consideration of ACT or SAT as part of their application.
All students will have their application evaluated in a holistic manner. The University of Oklahoma considers four parts to a student’s application: academic rigor and performance, engagement, essay, and letters of recommendation.
If you apply test optional, your high school transcript will be the primary criteria for determining academic preparedness for OU. This includes your GPA as well as academic rigor. For example, taking college preparatory, honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses increase your rigor score – this is highly important to the admissions committee. Please note: Students who had only pass/fail or similar grading options during the spring 2020 term will not be penalized.
Many students will still provide scores and will be able to self-report their scores at the time of application. Students who submit a test score will be considered in OU’s holistic admission process, which considers several factors that predict academic success. Students who submit self-reported scores will need to have them verified before the point of enrollment at OU. Providing a test score allows for accurate course placement and maximizes your opportunity for scholarships at OU. In some cases it also could improve your opportunity to gain admission.
Scholarship Consideration
The University of Oklahoma will consider students for scholarships holistically. While test scores are not required for scholarship consideration, they are encouraged. To ensure the highest scholarship 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 to be considered for a higher scholarship amount.
Information about 2024 scholarship amounts is available. We encourage all students to file the FAFSA to maximize overall aid offering.
For consideration for our highly selective academic, nomination-based awards, we encourage students to submit a test score. If extenuating circumstances with regard to access to testing exist, we will evaluate on a case-by-case basis. To receive the Oklahoma State Regents’ Academic Scholars Program Award or Institutional Nominee scholarship from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, a student must have a test score on file.
Self Reported Test Scores
As part of the initial admissions and scholarship decision making process, the University of Oklahoma accepts self-reported ACT, SAT, PSAT, and PACT test scores from applicants. These decisions are contingent upon receipt of official test scores prior to course enrollment. Should we receive official test scores that do not match the self-reported scores, the Office of Admissions and Recruitment reserves the right to reevaluate and/or reverse an applicant’s admission or scholarship decision.
To confirm self-reported test scores, please have your official test score report sent to OU directly from ACT or the College Board (for SAT), as appropriate. Verified test scores must be received by OU prior to course enrollment at New Sooner Orientation.
The deadline to send official test scores and college transcripts with concurrent/dual credits is June 30.
We will use superscoring for admission and scholarship decisions and will retroactively superscore ACT and SAT exams for students entering OU as freshmen in fall 2025 all the way back to tests taken in September 2016. PSAT and PACT will not be superscored. This policy does not retroactively apply to current OU students.
