Standardized Tests

Jump to info for International Applicants

For 2023-24 Applicants

W&L will again extend its test-optional admission policy for students seeking entry as first-year or transfer students in 2024. SAT or ACT scores are not required to be considered for admission in the 2023-24 application cycle. Students may submit SAT or ACT scores if they wish, but their applications will be fully considered without them.

Should you submit your scores?

If you already have SAT or ACT scores and are unsure about submitting them, we encourage you to consider whether or not your test results reflect your current academic ability. You are welcome to reference our Class Profile as you make this decision. If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores, your scores will be reviewed as part of our holistic application review process. You may self-report your test scores or send us official results. Please review our instructions below if you choose to submit your scores.

If you apply to W&L with the Common App, you must indicate your testing preference within the application before submitting it to W&L. After submitting your Common App, you may use your account in W&L’s Applicant Portal to change your testing preference and update your self-reported test scores. Updates can be made until your application deadline.

If you apply to W&L with the QuestBridge Application, you must indicate your testing preference through your W&L Applicant Portal account. QuestBridge Match applicants have until November 1 to change their testing preference and update their self-reported test scores. QuestBridge students applying to W&L Regular Decision have until January 1.

Transfer students may find information about W&L testing and admission requirements on the Transfer Student webpage.

Self-Reported Test Scores

First-year applicants who choose to submit standardized tests have the option to submit self-reported or official results of the SAT or ACT.

Test scores, if submitted, are only one of the factors used to evaluate your application as part of a holistic review.
Writing scores will not be reviewed for either exam.
We "super score" the SAT and ACT, which means we combine your best scores from multiple test sittings to produce your highest SAT or ACT score.
SAT Subject Tests may be submitted and will be reviewed.

Standardized Test Score Submission Instructions

Option 1: Submit Official Test Scores
You may submit official test scores in the following ways: From the testing agency (W&L's SAT and TOEFL code is 5887 and its ACT code is 4430). From the student's high school counselor on an official transcript. From the student's high school counselor via email to testscores@wlu.edu. NOTE: only scores sent from an email address associated with a verifiable high school internet domain will be accepted as official. All others will be considered self-reported. Via document upload through Slate.org. Any interested high school counselor may create an account.

Option 1: Submit Official Test Scores

You may submit official test scores in the following ways:

From the testing agency (W&L's SAT and TOEFL code is 5887 and its ACT code is 4430).
From the student's high school counselor on an official transcript.
From the student's high school counselor via email to testscores@wlu.edu. NOTE: only scores sent from an email address associated with a verifiable high school internet domain will be accepted as official. All others will be considered self-reported.
Via document upload through Slate.org. Any interested high school counselor may create an account.

Option 2: Self-Report Test Scores
You may self-report test scores in the following ways: Enter scores in the testing section of either the Common Application or QuestBridge application. After submitting your Common Application or QuestBridge application, log into your W&L account in W&L's applicant web portal and enter your scores. Students choosing to enroll at Washington and Lee who submitted self-reported SAT or ACT scores must submit official score reports soon after reserving a place in the incoming class. This is a condition of admission to W&L for students who have submitted self-reported test scores. Official score reports, sent in one of the ways detailed above, allow us to verify self-reported scores. Any discrepancy between self-reported and official scores could result in a student's admission being withdrawn.

Option 2: Self-Report Test Scores

You may self-report test scores in the following ways:

Enter scores in the testing section of either the Common Application or QuestBridge application.
After submitting your Common Application or QuestBridge application, log into your W&L account in W&L's applicant web portal and enter your scores.

Students choosing to enroll at Washington and Lee who submitted self-reported SAT or ACT scores must submit official score reports soon after reserving a place in the incoming class. This is a condition of admission to W&L for students who have submitted self-reported test scores. Official score reports, sent in one of the ways detailed above, allow us to verify self-reported scores. Any discrepancy between self-reported and official scores could result in a student's admission being withdrawn.

English Proficiency Policy

Applicants for the Class of 2028 are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, but English proficiency exam scores are required for some students. Please read this policy carefully.

English proficiency exam scores are NOT required for applicants for the Class of 2028 if any of the following is True.
Student is a citizen of a country where English is an official language. The curriculum of instruction in high school is conducted entirely in English for all years. The student is in the full IB Diploma Program and has earned predicted or actual score of 6 or 7 on one of the following exams: English A: Language and Literature (HL or SL) English A: Language (HL or SL)

If none of the above exceptions applies, the student is REQUIRED to submit proof of English language proficiency in one of the following ways:
Submit official results of one of the following: TOEFL iBT IELTS Duolingo PLEASE NOTE: W&L does not accept self-reported scores on these exams and does not accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL iTP, or TOEFL Essentials. The classroom experience at W&L is small and interactive, and students arrive on campus ready to engage. While W&L has no minimum score that would automatically eliminate an application, typically successful applicants report the following average scores: TOEFL - 105 IELTS - 7.5 Duolingo - 135 If there is another proficiency test you wish to have considered as proof of English proficiency, please contact Bryant Priester, Associate Director of Admissions and Director of International Recruitment. In addition, students are encouraged to supplement their applications by completing an interview with InitialView, Vericant, or Duolingo.

If none of the above exceptions applies, the student is REQUIRED to submit proof of English language proficiency in one of the following ways:

Submit official results of one of the following:

TOEFL iBT
IELTS
Duolingo

PLEASE NOTE: W&L does not accept self-reported scores on these exams and does not accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL iTP, or TOEFL Essentials.

The classroom experience at W&L is small and interactive, and students arrive on campus ready to engage. While W&L has no minimum score that would automatically eliminate an application, typically successful applicants report the following average scores:

TOEFL - 105
IELTS - 7.5
Duolingo - 135

If there is another proficiency test you wish to have considered as proof of English proficiency, please contact Bryant Priester, Associate Director of Admissions and Director of International Recruitment.

In addition, students are encouraged to supplement their applications by completing an interview with InitialView, Vericant, or Duolingo.

Office of Admissions

P: 540-458-8710

F: 540-458-8062

E: admissions@wlu.edu

Gilliam House
19 Letcher Avenue
Lexington, Virginia 24450

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