Test-Free Policy

Lewis & Clark College adopted its first test-optional admission policy in 1991. As a leader in the test-optional movement, we’ve continued to refine our admission testing policy as we’ve learned more about the impact of testing on the individual and on society.

By definition, standardized testing alone cannot consistently and equitably predict future potential for academic success. Our experience at Lewis & Clark tells us that including testing as a component of a holistic review process does not increase the likelihood that a student will succeed in the supportive and engaging classroom that students find on our campus.

As a result, starting with the fall 2025 entering class of undergraduate students, Lewis & Clark College will adopt a test-free admission policy. We will not ask applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores, nor will we review them as part of our holistic review of a student’s application for undergraduate admission.