Communications

External Affairs Division

University System of Georgia Extends Test Optional Waiver

Atlanta — April 15, 2024

The University System of Georgia (USG) will continue its temporary waiver of test score requirements. With state colleges already test optional, this means no test scores will be required for admission at 23 of USG’s 26 public colleges and universities during the Academic Year 2025-2026 (Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026).

The temporary waiver does not apply to the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia and Georgia College & State University.

For Academic Year 2025-2026, the 23 remaining institutions will have two options for making admissions decisions:

  1. Freshman index: Schools can use a formula that includes the student’s high school grade point average and test scores for either the SAT or ACT.
  2. Test-optional: Schools can use the student’s grade point average on the required high school curriculum without a standardized test score at the following minimum grade point averages (GPA):
    • 3.4 GPA for research universities: Augusta University and Georgia State University.
    • 3.2 GPA for comprehensive universities: Kennesaw State University, Georgia Southern University, University of West Georgia and Valdosta State University.
    • 3.0 GPA for state universities: Albany State University, Clayton State University, Columbus State University, Fort Valley State University, Georgia Southwestern State University, Middle Georgia State University, Savannah State University and the University of North Georgia.
    • State colleges: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Atlanta Metropolitan State College, College of Coastal Georgia, Dalton State College, East Georgia State College, Georgia Gwinnett College, Georgia Highlands College, Gordon State College and South Georgia State College will continue to be test-optional in accordance with Board of Regents policy.

Test-optional admission was additionally extended to the Dual Enrollment Program through Academic Year 2025-2026. This program provides Georgia high school students the opportunity to earn college credit alongside their high school diploma.

Test scores will continue to be required to apply for Zell Miller scholarships in accordance with state of Georgia requirements.

« News Releases