Testing Policy

Students applying to Davidson have the option to submit or not submit standardized testing (ACT or SAT) as part of their application. 

This test-optional policy speaks to Davidson’s commitment to access and reflects our belief that, while tests provide some useful information, other aspects of an applicant’s academic journey better reflect how they will perform and thrive at the college.

Score Reports

Self Reporting

For those students who choose to share SAT or ACT testing, Davidson accepts self-reported test scores, which may be submitted in the following ways:

• Enter scores in the testing section of the Common Application, the Coalition Application, or the QuestBridge Application.
• Submit scanned copies of score reports via email to admission@davidson.edu.

Official Score Reports

We will accept scores reported on a school transcript or sent to our office by a school counselor or CBO advisor as official. Official score reports may be sent to our office by email (admission@davidson.edu), fax, mail, or directly from the testing agency. Davidson verifies scores for all enrolling students who elected to submit and self-reported their scores. Discrepancies between self-reported and official scores may jeopardize a student’s place at the college. Official test scores may be submitted in any of the following ways:

• Sent directly from the testing agency. Our testing codes are 5150 for College Board (SAT) and 3086 for ACT.
• Sent directly by the student's high school counselor via email (admission@davidson.edu).
• Sent directly by the student's high school counselor via notation on an official transcript.

Because standardized test results may be used for academic advising as well as for the college's ongoing research into the relationship between standardized testing and student success, all entering first-year students who possess test results are requested to submit official scores prior to matriculating at Davidson solely for institutional research purposes.

Superscoring, Writing Portion & Subject Tests

Davidson superscores both the ACT and SAT and does not require or consider the writing portion of either test. If applicants have taken SAT Subject Tests, Davidson welcomes but does not require those scores.

International Applicants & Language Proficiency Testing

All international applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate they possess the level of communication skills necessary to thrive in Davidson’s dynamic and immersive educational environment. To satisfy this requirement, we accept results from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo’s English Test (DET).

Learn More About Application Requirements for International Students

Home-schooled Applicants & Those from Non-traditional Schools

We recommend that home-schooled applicants and candidates applying from non-traditional schools submit either ACT or SAT test results, though they are not required.