Standardized Testing Policy
Important Update for Fall 2024 Admissions
Along with our partner institutions, Barnard College and Columbia University’s School of General Studies, we are extending our test-optional policy for students applying to the Joint and Double Degree Programs through fall 2024.
Applicants who are unable or choose not to submit scores will not be penalized in the admissions process.
List College Admissions has always practiced a holistic, individualized approach to reviewing our applicants and selecting individuals who are the best fit for our unique program. Consideration of an applicant includes many factors beyond test scores, including the rigor of a student’s high school curriculum, academic success achieved, and demonstrated Jewish curiosity. As with all aspects of the college process, we want students to engage in self-advocacy and make choices that are best for them. Under this temporary policy, the Office of Admissions has no preference whether a student chooses to submit scores or not.
If you have completed testing, we encourage submission of your self-reported scores as this information can be a valuable addition in our review. We will only require an official record of the exam (if taken) for enrolling students. You will be evaluated based on your highest scores taken from each attempt, so please self-report all sittings. We’ll accept ACT and SAT scores through November test dates for Early Decision applicants and scores through January for Regular Decision applicants. Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), SAT Subject Test, and other proficiency exams are not required, but we will also accept these scores should you choose to submit them.
List College seeks students who are intellectually motivated, community-minded, and excited for academic exploration within the liberal arts and Jewish studies. We are confident our applicants will continue to demonstrate those qualities to us through their applications again this year. We look forward to connecting with you throughout this process and being in touch with further opportunities to meet with our office virtually in the weeks and months ahead.
Overview
List College’s admission process is holistic and contextual, meaning standardized test scores are considered in the context of the rest of the application and in conjunction with the application’s other parts. For example, a math score will prompt us to look at the relevant math curriculum, grades, and any related teacher comments. For this reason, test scores are only one component of our application review, and they are never used as a sole criterion for selection. Please see below to view our standardized testing requirements and score choice policy.
First Year and Transfer appplicants
All applicants are required to submit results from either of the following exams:
- SAT (essay not required) – SAT Code: 2339
- ACT (writing not required) – ACT Code: 2776
International appplicants
Applicants whose primary language is not English and who have studied in English for less than four years should submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Contact us if you are unsure whether you are required to submit these exams.
Self-reported standardized testing
All first-year applicants may now submit their self-reported test scores from the SAT or ACT during the application process. Students may disclose their self-reported testing via the Common Application. If you need to update your scores after you apply, please submit your scores through the self-reported testing form within your application portal.
List College will also continue accepting score reports sent by counselors as official testing.
Only admitted students who choose to enroll will be required to submit official scores. We will require enrolling Early Decision students to submit official scores in January, Winter Early Decision students to submit in February, and enrolling Regular Decision students to submit in May. Discrepancies between self-reported and official scores may jeopardize a student’s place in the class.
Please note this policy does not apply for transfer applicants or English Language exams. Transfer applicants are required to submit official testing at the time of application. International students required to submit English Language exams must also submit official scores via the testing agencies.
Which Scores should I submit?
Although we will accept self-reported scores for first-year applicants, we expect students to self-report all their standardized testing scores from either the SAT or ACT. For each test, we will use the highest score in each section of the exam and recalculate your total score/composite score to create your “superscore”. If you are admitted and choose to enroll, you will be required to send in all your official scores of the SAT or ACT at that time.
Optional Standardized Testing
Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), SAT Subject Test and other proficiency exam scores are not required, but we will accept your results if you choose to submit them in the testing section of your Common Application. You will not be at a disadvantage should you choose not to take these optional tests or submit the scores.
