Test Optional Admission Process
Lipscomb University will be test-optional for first-year applicants entering in Fall 2026.
For students who submit test scores, results will be considered as one of several factors in the review process. For those who do not, the Admission Committee will place greater emphasis on academic performance, course rigor, class rank, personal statements, recommendations, and co-curricular involvement. Every application is reviewed holistically for admission and scholarship consideration.
Some academic programs and student groups may still require test scores. See our FAQs below for details.
Please reach out to your Lipscomb Admissions Counselor, email admissions [at] lipscomb.edu, or call the Admissions Office at 615.966.6123 ext. 6123 if you have additional questions about this policy.
Course Placement Considerations
Incoming freshmen who choose not to submit a test score will need to complete additional requirements to be placed in the proper courses. This includes taking the Math Placement Test and attending an English Placement Workshop at New Student Orientation. Students can also choose to submit a test score after the point of admission for course placement purposes only.
No, test scores are completely optional. You can apply and be considered for admission without submitting any standardized test scores. This gives you the flexibility to decide whether your test scores strengthen your application.
Test scores must be sent directly from the testing company (College Board for SAT, ACT Inc. for ACT) or from an official high school transcript. We do not accept screenshots or scores sent directly from the student. The good news? We'll automatically update your application with any new scores we receive before our deadlines, so you can take tests multiple times without worry.
You don't need to take the essay portions - we don't require the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section.
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. After an admission decision is made, your test-optional selection becomes final.
Yes. Students who choose not to submit a test score will still be considered for merit-based scholarships. However, any first-time freshmen applicants hoping to apply for Lipscomb’s prestigious full-tuition Trustee Scholarship must submit a test score for consideration.
Yes. When extending invitations to the Honors College, the committee utilizes a holistic review process in which they evaluate academic rigor and achievement in the classroom, leadership, community engagement, and strong writing abilities. Students who apply as test-optional will receive full consideration for the Honors College.
There are several groups of students who will be required to provide ACT, SAT or CLT scores for admission consideration.
- 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.
- Students who have attended a school with non-traditional evaluation methods where traditional alpha or numerical grades are not assigned.
- 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. Lipscomb accepts IELTS, TOEFL or the Duolingo English Test for demonstration of English proficiency.
- Students hoping to apply for Lipscomb’s full-tuition Trustee scholarship must submit a test score.
If a student applies as test-optional but is in a category that requires a test score, the student will be notified by the admissions office.
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.
Absolutely! We use "superscoring" for both the SAT and ACT, which means we take your best section scores from all your test dates to create the strongest possible total score.
This depends on when you're applying:
For current applicants (Class of 2025): We combine your highest scores from all four sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) from any test dates to calculate your superscore.
For future applicants (Class of 2026 and beyond): We'll only use your highest English, Math, and Reading scores to calculate your superscore. Here's what this means:
- Science section: You can still take it and submit the score, but it won't count toward your superscore
- Why the change? The ACT made Science optional starting April 2025, and we want to focus on the sections that best predict college success
- The bottom line: We're committed to evaluating you fairly based on what matters most for your academic success
It's up to you! While it won't count toward your superscore for Class of 2026 and beyond, we can still see your Science score if you choose to submit it, and it might provide additional context about your academic strengths.