Test-Optional Admission
First-year and transfer students can apply to Butler with or without standardized test scores such as the SAT and the ACT. This policy reflects Butler’s commitment to a holistic admission review process and provides students the opportunity to determine if their standardized test scores best reflect their academic potential.
If students submit test scores, the scores will be considered alongside the other materials within our holistic review process. Students who submit scores have the option to submit self-reported scores on the application for admission or on the student status page, which is available after applying. Students who apply with test scores will be required to submit official test scores upon enrollment. More information can be found in the frequently asked questions section below.
If students decide to apply without scores, the Office of Admission will review their application based on academic performance, curriculum, engagement in and outside of the classroom, and the essay. In addition, students may submit a résumé and letters of recommendation.
While test scores are not required for any students, they are recommended for certain student populations and degree programs. More information regarding these requirements and recommendations can be found in the frequently asked question section below. If there are additional questions, reach out to your admission counselor.
While all applicants may apply to Butler without standardized test scores, homeschool students and students who attend secondary schools that do not provide grades are required to submit scores for the best opportunity for admission. These students may also request or be asked to submit additional information, such as an interview with their admission counselor.
Students may submit self-reported scores on the application for admission or the student status page, submit directly from testing services, or include on an official high school transcript. Students who apply with test scores will be required to submit official test scores upon enrollment.
Students who applied with self-reported test scores are required to submit verified test scores within three weeks of paying the $500 enrollment deposit. Providing verified test scores as early as possible is to your advantage, as it may exempt you from taking certain placement exams during the New Student Registration process.
The testing agencies can submit your test scores electronically or mail them to the Office of Admission. Your high school counselor can email materials to admission@butler.edu.
You can decide at the time of application or you can change your mind one time prior to receiving an admission decision. If you decide at the time of application, the Common App will ask if you want your scores considered during our review process. If you do want your scores to be considered for admission, you can submit them in three different ways:
- Submit self-reported scores on the application for admission or your student status page;
- Submit directly from testing services;
- Ask your high school to send an official transcript if your high school includes test scores on its transcripts.
If, after applying, you change your mind about either applying with test scores or applying test-optional, you can change your standardized test score method one time prior to receiving an admission decision. You can do this by visiting the student status page, which is made available to you after applying.
If your scores truly reflect your academic preparation then consider submitting your scores. For reference, the fall 2024 class profile was the following:
- ACT (middle 50%): 25–31*
- SAT (middle 50%): 1180–1340*(Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 600–670*) (Math: 580–680*)
- GPA (middle 50%): 3.63–4.15
*Test scores for those who did not apply test-optional.
If you want your scores to be considered for admission, you can submit them in three different ways:
- Submit self-reported scores prior to receiving an admission decision on either the application for admission or on your student status page, which you’ll gain access to after you submit your application.
- Submit official scores directly from testing services.
- Ask your high school to send an official transcript if your high school includes test scores on its transcripts.
If you self-report your scores, you are required to have official scores sent from the testing service or provided on an official transcript from your high school within three weeks of paying the $500 enrollment deposit. Students who apply with test scores will be required to submit official test scores upon enrollment and students who apply without test scores are encouraged to submit official test scores upon enrollment so that they may receive appropriate academic advisement and course placement. The scores will also be used in the assessment of Butler’s test-optional program.
Yes, you can change to or from test-optional admission one time, prior to receiving an admission decision. You may request that change on your student status page, which is available after you apply.
While not required, the programs below have historically been more selective in admission, and therefore applying with test scores may be advisable:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Exploratory Natural Sciences
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS) Majors within COPHS include Nursing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pre-Pharmacy, Health Sciences, and Healthcare and Business
Admitted students interested in applying to the Honors Program may want to consider submitting test scores.
If you indicate on your application that you are applying test-optional, scores will not be used (even if submitted) for admission or scholarship review.
Students who apply without test scores but took standardized tests are encouraged to submit official test scores upon enrollment so that they may receive appropriate academic advisement and course placement. The scores will also be used in the assessment of Butler’s test-optional program.
Yes. Students who have been accepted to Butler University who fit the criteria will be invited to apply to the Honors Program. Learn more about the criteria here.
No, transfer students are not required to submit test scores. However, we do encourage transfer students who have fewer than 20 credit hours to submit scores if they are available.
If students submit test scores, the scores will be considered alongside the other materials within our holistic review process. Students who submit scores have the option to submit self-reported scores on the application or on the student status page, which is available after applying. Students who apply with test scores will be required to submit official test scores upon enrollment. More information can be found in the frequently asked questions section below.
Applying as a first-year student
If you have questions, please contact your admission counselor.
International students are required to submit proof of English proficiency, which can be demonstrated in multiple ways, including test scores.
As always, academic scholarships are determined based on the entirety of your academic profile. Butler’s admission review process is holistic. If you choose to submit scores, this is only one piece of information and will be viewed in context with your full academic record. We account for any combination of factors, and will only evaluate you on the information we have. If you apply without test scores, you will be fully considered for all academic scholarship awards.
No. Beginning in April 2025, the ACT science section is optional and reported separately. If you’re applying to Butler for the incoming class of 2026 or later, you are not required to submit a science score—even if you choose to apply with ACT scores. Whether or not you take or submit the science section will not negatively affect your admission decision or scholarship consideration. If you have questions, contact your admission counselor.
Your admission counselor is available to answer any questions you may have about anything Butler-related, including test-optional admission.