Test-Optional Application Process FAQs

In May 2020, the UW System Board of Regents adopted a resolution to temporarily suspend the requirement that all freshman applicants provide an ACT or SAT score as part of their application, active through the 2021-22 academic year. That resolution has been extended through summer 2027 (adopted April 2024).

As an open-access institution, test scores are not required for an admission decision to UWEC – Barron County. However, we encourage taking and submitting test scores to increase access to four-year universities, programs, and scholarships should students choose to transfer in the future.

Students may decide that including their scores will give a more complete picture of their academic achievements and potential. UW-Eau Claire encourages submitting test scores.

Our goal when reviewing an application is to understand more fully who the applicant is and how likely they are to be academically successful. In addition to providing a more complete academic picture, test scores are contributing factors for the assignment of student success programs, pre-requisite requirements, and scholarship consideration.

We do not have a formula for whether or not students should choose to have their test scores considered as part of the admission process. Ultimately, it is up to each student to decide if the test score is an accurate and relevant representation of their academic strength and ability.

Test scores are not required. If students feel their academic record does not reflect their academic ability, they may wish to take and send test scores.

We have always taken a holistic approach to evaluating students for admission. In the absence of a test score, we will continue to look at all factors on the application holistically, including the completion of a core curriculum that includes English, math, science, social studies, and various electives; grades earned; a student’s decision to take rigorous coursework such as AP, honors, or dual credit where it is offered; application essay; extracurricular activities; and other achievements.

Students can still apply for scholarships without test scores. However, many merit-based scholarships consider test scores. We recommend sending in your test score if you have a 25 or higher on the ACT for scholarships. 

Even though test scores are not required for admission to the university, there are instances where test scores are considered for admission to programs, pre-requisites, scholarships, etc.

• Consideration for many merit-based scholarships.
• Consideration for admission to some programs, including Nursing. (Please note that the Nursing program has a competitive admission process, and admission to UW-Eau Claire does not guarantee admission to the Nursing program.)
• Admission consideration for students who have been homeschooled or who have attended a school that uses non-traditional evaluation methods and does not assign alpha or numerical grades.
• Automatic admission into the University Honors Program.
• Pre-requisite fulfillment of some courses, including (but not limited to) math and English, in the absence of placement scores.
• Proof of English proficiency for international students (see other methods of demonstrating English proficiency here).

Applicants will be able to tell us on the application whether they want their test score to be included or excluded from the admission review process. Students will be able to select from the following options:

• Yes, consider my ACT or SAT scores for admission.
  This answer indicates to us that the student has or will be sending their test scores and would like them reviewed as part of their application.
• No, do not consider my ACT or SAT scores for admission.
  This answer indicates to us that the student wants to apply test-optional and does NOT want their test scores reviewed as part of their application.

If students are unsure how to answer this question, we recommend reviewing the remaining FAQs on this page and then contacting the Admissions Office at admissions@uwec.edu if they are still unsure how to proceed.

We encourage students to consider their decision carefully before submitting their application. However, if an admission decision has not yet been made on a student’s application, we will be able to accommodate changes to their preference to have their test score included or excluded from the admission review process. Students can contact the admissions office at admissions@uwec.edu if they would like to change their option.

If students indicate on their application that they do not want their test scores considered, their test scores will not be included as part of the application review regardless of whether they have been sent to us from a testing agency or included on transcripts.

Students who choose to submit ACT or SAT scores may share either official or self-reported scores. We permit students to self-report test scores through their MyBlugold CampS portal after activating their UWEC account. Students will be required to submit official ACT or SAT score results before the first day of classes if they supplied self-reported scores and did not choose to apply test-optional.