Test Optional Admission Process
Lipscomb University will be test-optional for most first-year applicants entering in Fall 2023 and 2024. However, Lipscomb does accept scores from the Classic Learning Test which has several available registration dates, including remote proctored exams as well as in-person testing at partner colleges, including Lipscomb.
Students who are unable to submit standardized test results, or who choose not to, will not be disadvantaged in the admission process. For those students who do submit standardized testing results, we will continue to use the scores as one component in our holistic review of applications.
In reviewing applications that do not include standardized test results, the Admission Committee will place greater emphasis on other required application credentials including academic performance, course rigor, rank in class, personal statements, recommendations and co-curricular involvement.
Given the challenges high school students face during this uncertain time, Lipscomb is hopeful this will help to alleviate concerns for students who have been unable to adequately prepare or register for standardized tests.
The test-optional admission process will be in effect for first-year students applying to enroll at Lipscomb for Fall 2023 and Fall 2024.
Students will indicate whether or not they intend to apply as test optional on the application. If a student selects test optional, his/her file will be completed and reviewed without a test score.
If you indicate on your application that you do not want your test scores considered, your test scores will not be included as part of your admission review regardless of whether you send them to us from a testing agency.
You may update your test-optional preference until an admission decision is made. When a student is admitted, the test-optional selection becomes final for scholarship purposes.
Yes. Students who choose not to submit a test score will still be considered for merit based scholarships. However, students will not be considered for the Trustee Scholarship, Lipscomb’s highest academic award, without a college entrance exam. If the SAT or ACT test is unavailable, students may select the Classic Learning Test and submit the results to Lipscomb.
No. Students who elect to apply as test optional will be required to take a placement exam prior to enrolling at Lipscomb to ensure they are enrolled in the correct courses.
Yes. When making decisions on applications to the Collins Scholar program, the committee utilizes a holistic review process in which they value academic rigor and achievement in the classroom, leadership and community engagement, and strong writing abilities. Students who apply as test optional will receive full consideration for the Collins Scholars program.
No. Applicants to Lipscomb’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Direct Admission program are required to submit a standardized test score, due to program accreditation standards.
Yes. There are several groups of students who will be required to provide ACT, SAT or CLT scores.
- Students who have attended a school with non-traditional evaluation methods where traditional alpha or numerical grades are not assigned.
- Applicants to Lipscomb’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Direct Admission program are required to submit a standardized test score, due to program accreditation standards.
- Applicants to Lipscomb's College of Education are not required to submit a test score for admission to Lipscomb University. However, if pursuing a degree that leads to teacher licensure, an ACT, SAT, or Praxis I test score will be required per the Tennessee Department of Education licensure requirements.
International students must submit exam scores that demonstrate English proficiency, but not necessarily an ACT or SAT. Lipscomb accepts IELTS, TOEFL or the Duolingo English Test for demonstration of English proficiency.
Homeschooled students are encouraged to provide a test score and we recommend the Classic Learning Test for this group. You may apply as test optional, but Lipscomb University reserves the right to request more information if needed to make an admission decision.
If a student applies test optional but is in a category that requires a test score, the student will receive notification from the Office of Admissions.
If you are considering a degree in a pre-health related area and plan to pursue professional school following your graduation from Lipscomb, we highly recommend that you submit test scores from either the ACT or SAT.