The University of Alabama is committed to serving students from Alabama and across the country. As part of our ongoing effort to strengthen student success, UA is making updates to its holistic admissions review process. Two changes will take effect for students applying as first-year undergraduate students for the 2027 and 2028 academic years.
- For students who may begin applying in August 2026 and wish to start their studies as first-year undergraduate students in 2027, a standardized test score (ACT or SAT) will be required for students whose cumulative high school GPA is below 3.0.
- For students who may begin applying in August 2027 and wish to start their studies as first-year undergraduate students in 2028, a standardized test score will be required for all applicants.
Standardized test scores will remain one component, not the defining factor, of how we evaluate applicants for admission. Holistic admissions at UA will continue to include both academic and non-academic criteria. Academic components considered will include high school GPA, performance in core subjects, academic honors and standardized test scores. Non-academic components include leadership experience, volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, employment and non-academic honors. All students must complete the minimum unit requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this changing?
UA is committed to providing programs and services to ensure student success and graduation. Prior to the pandemic, UA had historically utilized the ACT/SAT score to support placement of incoming students in coursework in their first year. The return to testing will ensure that all students will again have the most evidence-based support for advancement and graduation. UA will not have a minimum test score for admission.
Will there be a minimum test score required?
No, the test score’s primary use in our admission process will be as a supplement to an applicant’s overall file. Students with lower test scores will not be automatically disqualified from admission. The primary criteria used to assess students academically will be their overall performance in high school classes and performance in core courses.
How will the test score be used in admission?
The test score will be used as a supplement to the applicant’s overall file. We understand that some students test better than others and that a test score represents a fixed point in time. We at UA put more weight on what you as an applicant have done both inside and outside the classroom, as well as your preparation in core courses — particularly math, English and science, which form a significant part of our core curriculum requirements. While the test score will be considered, it will not be the only determining factor in your admission to UA.
I have a low test score. Will that hurt my chances of getting admitted?
The test score itself will not make or break your application. The University of Alabama wants students who have shown good progress in their high school career, have challenged themselves within their coursework, and who will contribute positively to our campus culture. All these factors are weighed in your admission decision beyond just your test score.
If high school performance and outside-the-classroom contribution is important, why require a test score?
As mentioned before, from our test optional pilot over the last four years, we broadly see a difference in the retention of students who enroll test optional versus those who enroll with a test score. To ensure we are admitting students who can handle the rigor of our curriculum, we feel it best to include the test score as a part of our review, as the score provides some predictive power over first-year college GPA and first-to-second-year retention. However, the largest determinant of student success remains a student’s performance during their high school career.
Why is 2027 different from 2028?
We recognize this is a large change for students, particularly those who are farther along in their high school career, and UA felt it best to phase in our approach for students who are now juniors in high school.
If greater than 3.0 is good for 2027, why not 2028?
As mentioned before, students’ success and preparation can vary greatly from student to student. We have seen though, on the aggregate, test-optional students face lower retention levels than those admitted with a test score. The difference between 2027 and 2028 is primarily geared towards ensuring those students who are juniors now do not face an overwhelming disadvantage when they apply. Students applying for 2028 and beyond have more time to prepare for testing.
Do you super score test results?
UA will continue to utilize super score results for admission purposes. Updated guidance on our process will be available in the summer of 2026.
I’m not prepared to test; how can I get ready?
Both the ACT and SAT offer free preparation resources to help students get ready for testing. The University of Alabama’s Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education has developed Crimson Compass, which offers two programs to support high school students at different stages of their college journey. Visit the Crimson Compass webpage for more information.