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Test Policy

At Union College, admissions decisions and merit scholarship consideration are based on a holistic review process that includes many academic and non-academic indicators. Test scores are used in our evaluation of an application only when students indicate they want their scores considered and self-report or send the scores.

Union is test optional except in the following instances. An SAT or ACT score is required for:

  • Leadership in Medicine (LIM) applicants
  • 3+3 Accelerated Law Program applicants
  • Homeschooled applicants

Outside of those applying to the programs above, applicants choosing not to submit standardized tests will be at no disadvantage and their application review/scholarship consideration will not be negatively impacted.

Our school code for the SAT is 2920 and for the ACT our code is 2970.

A note for international students:
SAT/ACT scores are optional, but the TOEFL, IELTS or DET is required for all applicants whose first language is not English. Only in very rare circumstances do we waive this requirement. Please see our international application requirements for details.

Submission Deadlines

  • For Early Action, Leadership in Medicine and Early Decision I applicants, the last date to submit testing is November 30.
  • For Regular Decision, 3+3 Accelerated Law and Early Decision II applicants, the last date to submit testing is January 15.

Testing FAQs

  • Should I submit my test scores?

    As an applicant, if you choose to send your scores to Union, we will use them in the evaluation of your application.

    When deciding whether or not to submit testing, consider the average score or middle 50% range of scores for Union. For enrolling students, the middle 50% range for the SAT is 1300-1470 [math + reading only] and the middle 50% for the ACT is 30-33. If your tests meet or exceed these ranges, we recommend submitting them. If you have SAT or ACT scores from multiple test dates, we will superscore. In a typical enrolled class at Union, 35-40% of students did not submit testing.

    Please note: For applicants who select to have their SAT or ACT scores considered during the review process, the writing section is not required.

  • Can I self-report my scores?

    Self-reported scores are accepted. Official score reports are required for all enrolling students. Students may submit self-reported scores through the Common App. These scores will not show on the Common App "preview" screen but we will still receive them if you want your scores considered.

  • What if I don't want to submit my test scores?

    If you decide that your scores should not be a part of our evaluation – or if you were unable to take the SAT or ACT and do not have scores to send – check the appropriate box on the application to let us know that you wish to have your application reviewed without consideration of test scores.

  • Do I have to submit scores to be eligible for merit scholarships?

    No, testing is not required to be eligible for merit scholarships. As with application review, scores that are submitted will be used in the evaluation process.

  • Does Union "superscore"/use the highest section score from multiple testing administrations?

    Yes. If an applicant submits scores from multiple test dates of the SAT or ACT, our admission readers will only focus on the highest score from each section.

  • What if my scores appear on my transcript or I accidentally send them?

    If you tell us on your application that you prefer not to submit test scores, we will not use them in our review – even if we have them. Our experienced application readers are trained not to include testing in their review for applicants who have stated they wish to be reviewed without testing.

  • What if I submit scores but want to switch to test-optional later?

    If you've already applied and have changed your mind about having your testing considered, please contact our office as soon as possible. Depending on where we are in the review process for your application, it may not be possible to remove the scores from your record.

Recent Testing News

ACT Redesign – beginning April 2025

The ACT test has been shortened and redesigned. The science test will become optional, and the remaining subjects (English, reading, math) will now make up the “Core ACT” test. At Union, the ACT science portion is optional during this transition and beyond. However, if applicants choose to take and submit the ACT science portion, it will be evaluated along with the rest of their ACT. Additionally, students who have taken both a Classic ACT and a Core ACT can have those exams superscored.

March 2025 SAT Exam

During the March 2025 SAT administration, a “technical glitch” caused many students to have their tests automatically end before finishing. This resulted in many students successfully completing their verbal section but having their math portion inadvertently terminated. At Union, we superscore and focus on the highest score for each section. As a result, students impacted by the March 2025 exam need not cancel their entire exam. We can utilize the completed Evidence-Based Reading and Writing portion while considering the Math section from previous or future exam dates.