Are there any U.S. colleges that don’t require SAT or ACT scores for Saudi students?

Yes, plenty. In fact, the test-optional movement has grown so much that more than 1,800 colleges in the U.S. no longer require SAT or ACT scores. Schools like Bowdoin, Bates, and the University of Chicago made this shift even before the pandemic, and many others have followed.

However, here’s the nuance: “optional” doesn’t always mean “irrelevant.” Top-tier universities often still consider test scores when they’re submitted, and they can help balance out other parts of your application. For Saudi students, strong scores can show that you can compete academically on an international stage, which is especially important if your school system is unfamiliar to admissions officers.

That said, if testing isn’t your strength, you still have options. Many excellent liberal arts colleges and even some big-name universities will review your application without scores, focusing instead on your essays, recommendations, and extracurricular achievements. So yes, there are schools where SAT or ACT scores aren’t required. But if you can ace the test, why not give yourself every advantage?