Standardized Tests
Test-Optional Admissions Policy
Middlebury is extending our test-optional policy through the 2025-2026 application cycle.
Your decision to submit scores, or not, will in no way impact your candidacy for admission.
If you have taken the SAT or ACT, you can choose whether or not to submit your scores with your application. If you do submit your scores, they will be included as part of our holistic application review process. If you do not, your lack of test scores will not factor into the review of your application. Please note that if you would like us to see any results from Advanced Placement (AP) tests, the best way to submit those results is to self-report them to us in your application or via email, at admissions@middlebury.edu; please do NOT indicate a YES to using standardized test scores if you are submitting AP scores but NOT results from the SAT or ACT.
Our Holistic Approach
Our admissions process is a holistic one in which all factors are weighed. So, your essay, teacher recommendations, co-curricular activities, personal background and story, and unique individual characteristics are all important to us; ours is not exclusively a numbers-driven process.
Submitting Scores
Middlebury is currently test-optional. You do not have to submit standardized test scores with your application. A lack of scores will not factor into your application review. If you would like your standardized testing to be considered, you can submit either the SAT or the ACT. If you choose to submit your tests, please note that we do not require the SAT Essay or the ACT Writing tests.
If you submit your (optional) test scores, Middlebury will “super score” standardized test results—meaning we will accept the highest score from each section of the SAT or the ACT, regardless of sitting, and sum the best scores across sittings of the same test. We do not combine results from different forms of testing.
Middlebury College will accept either self-reported or official test scores for first-year and transfer applications for admission.
Students may submit self-reported test scores in one of the following ways:
- Enter your test scores in the testing section of the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Important note: When you self-report your scores via the Common Application, your scores will not be visible to you when you review your application PDF. However, we will still receive your scores. We have suppressed scores from appearing there so that our system is optimized for test-optional application review. Be assured that, if you have submitted scores to us and checked the box indicating that you wish for your scores to be considered, we will see them and factor them into our review of your application. Likewise, if you have indicated that you do not wish your scores to be considered, they will be masked, even if you have submitted them previously.
- Upload scores directly to your Middlebury Application Status Portal.
- Submit screenshots or scanned copies of the score report from the College Board or ACT to admissions@middlebury.edu.
Official test scores may be submitted in one of the following ways:
- Sent directly by the student’s high school or CBO counselor to the admissions office by email to admissions@middlebury.edu.
- As noted on the official high school transcript.
- Sent directly from the College Board or the ACT.
International applicants, please note that we do require demonstration of proficiency in English. International applicants can find more information about required English proficiency testing on our Information for International Applicants page.
Verification of Self-Reported Test Scores
Enrolling students who have applied with standardized tests must send official test scores within two weeks of the submission of their enrollment deposit. The Admissions Office will verify that the self-reported scores match the official test scores, and will address any discrepancies directly with the student.
Deadlines
Admission Option | Latest Test Date for SAT and ACT |
---|---|
Early Decision I | October |
Early Decision II | December |
Regular Decision | December |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q I know that Middlebury is now a test-optional school, but is it really? Will I be at a disadvantage if I do not submit standardized test scores?
Middlebury is really a test-optional school. Full stop. There are no caveats or fine print. If you choose to submit scores, we will use them in our evaluation of your application. If you do not submit scores, your application will still have lots of academic and personal information which we will use to get to know you as a student and as a person. There is no disadvantage to applying without test scores.
Q May I change my testing preferences after I apply? For example, if I applied having requested that you consider my standardized tests, can I reverse that decision?
Yes; in ED1 you have until November 6 and in ED2 and Regular Decision you have until January 8 to change your original testing preference and submit your scores. Please email us at admissions@middlebury.edu if you would like to request a change.
Q If I apply Early Decision with one testing preference and I am deferred into the Regular Decision pool, may I change my testing preference?
Since deferred students are reclassified as Regular Decision applicants, they have the same Regular Decision deadline of January 8 to change their stated testing preference.
Q Do I select "yes, use my scores" if I want you to see my AP results, but not my ACT or SAT scores?
No. If you would like us to see any results from Advanced Placement (AP) tests, the best way to submit those results is to self-report them to us in your application or via email, at admissions@middlebury.edu.