of U.S. colleges have some version of a test-optional policy.

Sounds like a win, right? Not exactly.

Test-optional doesn’t automatically make things easier or fairer. In a lot of cases, it’s actually made admissions more complicated.

Here’s the part that often gets overlooked: there’s a completely different option out there. You can earn a full, accredited bachelor’s degree abroad, in English, without worrying about standardized tests at all. The requirements are usually clearer, and the cost is often much lower.

What Are Test-Optional Colleges?

Test-optional schools let you choose whether to include SAT or ACT scores in your application.

If you send them, they’ll be considered. If you don’t, schools lean more on other parts of your application, like:

• GPA
• Course rigor
• Essays
• Extracurriculars
• Recommendations

At first glance, this feels flexible. And it is, but it also means there’s less clarity about what really matters in the decision.

Why So Many Colleges Went Test-Optional

The shift picked up speed during COVID-19, when testing wasn’t consistently available. Many colleges decided to stick with it afterward.

A few reasons why:

• Concerns about fairness and access to testing
• Questions about how well test scores actually predict success
• A push to attract more applicants
• Pressure to stay competitive with other schools

But here’s the catch: removing test scores didn’t simplify admissions. It just moved the emphasis somewhere else.

Pros and Cons of Test-Optional Admissions

Pros

• Less pressure around testing
• More access for students without test prep resources
• Students with strong grades but weaker scores can still apply confidently

Cons

• Less transparency about how decisions are made
• More focus on subjective factors like essays and activities
• Harder to know where you stand
• More applications overall, which lowers acceptance rates

When more students can apply without scores, it becomes tougher to stand out, and harder to predict your chances.

The Hidden Problem With Test-Optional Admissions

On the surface, test-optional sounds student-friendly. But it introduces a different challenge: uncertainty.

Students end up asking:

• Should I submit my scores?
• Will it hurt me if I don’t?
• What are schools actually prioritizing?

At many selective colleges, “test-optional” quietly turns into “test-preferred.” Students with strong scores submit them. Those without often wonder if they’re at a disadvantage.

So while the system looks more flexible, it’s also harder to navigate.

When Should You Submit Test Scores?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a general way to think about it:

Submit your scores if:

• They’re at or above the school’s average range
• They strengthen your overall profile
• You’re applying to more competitive programs

Consider not submitting if:

• Your scores are well below average
• Your GPA and coursework are strong
• You’d rather highlight other strengths

Still, you’re making a judgment call without full information. That’s the tricky part.

A Simpler Alternative: Studying Abroad Without Test Scores

Now let’s look at a different approach.

Across Europe, there are hundreds of universities offering full bachelor’s degrees tentirely in English no SAT or ACT required.

These are not study abroad programs.
They’re full degrees, accredited and recognized globally, including in the U.S.

And the admissions process is often much more straightforward:

• Clear
• Transparent
• Based on specific requirements
• More predictable

Instead of trying to “stand out” in a holistic review, many programs focus mainly on:

• Your high school GPA
• Required subjects (like math or science, depending on the program)
• Sometimes a short motivation letter

That’s it.

Top Test-Optional Universities 

Not all test-optional schools work the same way.

In Europe, many universities don’t require standardized tests at all, or they barely factor them in. In the U.S. and some other countries, test-optional exists, but admissions are still holistic and harder to predict. Here’s how that plays out in real life.

1. Trinity College Dublin – Ireland

• Tuition Range: €20,000–€28,000/year
• Policy Type: Test-optional (case-by-case)
• What Matters Most: Strong academic record and course alignment
• What to Expect: Competitive. Requirements are structured, but getting in is still tough

2. University of Groningen – Netherlands

• Tuition Range: €9,000–€15,000/year
• Policy Type: Test-optional (often not required at all)
• What Matters Most: GPA + specific subject requirements
• What to Expect: Clear admissions process. If you meet the criteria, your chances improve a lot

3. Maastricht University – Netherlands

• Tuition Range: €8,000–€16,000/year
• Policy Type: Test-optional (frequently waived)
• What Matters Most: Academic fit and prerequisites
• What to Expect: What to expect: Some programs are selective, but overall it’s more predictable than U.S. admissions

4. IE University – Spain

• Tuition Range: €20,000–€30,000/year
• Policy Type: Test-optional
• What Matters Most: Your overall profile, grades, activities, interview
• What to Expect: Selective, but flexible. They look at the full picture, not just scores

5. Constructor University (formerly Jacobs University) – Germany

• Tuition Range: €10,000–€20,000/year (scholarships available)
• Policy Type: Test-optional
• What Matters Most: GPA and academic readiness
• What to Expect: More accessible, with a supportive admissions process and higher acceptance rates

6. University of Chicago – USA

• Tuition Range: $60,000+/year (before aid)
• Policy Type: Test-optional, but scores still common among admits
• What Matters Most: Essays, intellectual curiosity, and rigorous coursework
• What to Expect: Extremely competitive and unpredictable

7. University of Toronto – Canada

• Tuition Range: CAD $45,000–$60,000/year
• Policy Type: Test-optional (program-dependent)
• What Matters Most: GPA and curriculum strength
• What to Expect: Competitive, especially for top programs, but more criteria-driven than U.S. schools

8. University of Melbourne – Australia

• Tuition Range: AUD $35,000–$50,000/year
• Policy Type: Test-optional (depends on your academic pathway)
• What Matters Most: Grades + required subjects
• What to Expect: Structured and fairly predictable if you meet the requirements

9. Australian National University – Australia

• Tuition Range: AUD $35,000–$50,000/year
• Policy Type: Test-optional for many international pathways
• What Matters Most: GPA and subject prerequisites
• What to Expect: Clear entry thresholds and less subjectivity than U.S. admissions

10. Wake Forest University – USA

• Tuition Range: $60,000+/year
• Policy Type: Test-optional
• What Matters Most: GPA, extracurriculars, and narrative
• What to Expect: Selective, with holistic review and less predictable outcomes

How Admissions Work Abroad

This is where a lot of U.S. families get surprised.

European admissions tend to be simpler because they rely less on subjective judgment.

Typical requirements include:

• A high school diploma
• GPA in relevant subjects
• Proof of English proficiency (if needed)
• Sometimes specific coursework (like math or science)

What’s usually not required:

• SAT or ACT scores
• Long extracurricular lists
• Multiple essays
• Recommendation letters

The key difference? Decisions are mostly based on whether you meet set criteria, not how compelling your personal story is.hether you meet defined criteria not how compelling your personal story is.

Comparison Table: U.S. vs Europe Admissions

Factor	U.S. Test-Optional Schools	European Universities
Standardized Tests	Optional (but strategic)	Usually not required
Admissions Style	Holistic, subjective	Criteria-based, transparent
Essays	Often required	Rare or minimal
Extracurriculars	Important	Usually not required
Predictability	Low	High
Application Volume	High (competitive)	Moderate
Decision Criteria	Multi-factor, unclear weighting	Clearly defined requirements

Cost Breakdown: U.S. vs Europe

Let’s keep it simple.

United States

• Tuition: $25,000–$60,000
• Housing & living: $12,000–$20,000
• Total: $40,000–$80,000/year

Europe

• Tuition: $0–$16,000
• Housing & living: $8,000–$15,000
• Total: $10,000–$30,000/year

Over four years, that gap can easily pass $100,000.

And yes, these degrees are accredited and recognized in the U.S., whether you’re applying to grad school or entering the workforce.

Who Is This a Good Fit For?

Studying abroad without test scores makes sense if you:

• Prefer clear, structured admissions requirements
• Want to skip the stress of standardized testing
• Have strong academics but don’t want to “package” yourself through activities
• Care about cost and transparency
• Are open to living internationally

It’s not the right path for everyone. But for the right student, it makes both admissions and budgeting a lot more straightforward.

Common Misconceptions

“Degrees abroad aren’t recognized in the U.S.”

Not true. Many European universities are accredited and globally ranked. Graduates regularly return to the U.S. for jobs or graduate school.

“It’s harder to get into European universities.”

Not necessarily. The process is often simpler, but you do need to meet the academic requirements.

“You need to speak another language.”

Nope. There are thousands of programs taught entirely in English.

“This is just study abroad.”

No. These are full bachelor’s degrees completed overseas.

Final Thoughts

Test-optional policies give you more flexibility. But they also make things less predictable.

European universities offer a different approach. Clear requirements. Straightforward admissions. Lower costs. Degrees that are recognized globally.

If you’re looking beyond the traditional U.S. path, it’s worth exploring.

A good place to start is exploring programs, comparing countries, or taking the Beyond The States quiz to see what might actually fit your goals.