Test Optional for Spring and Fall

This means that when applying via the Common Application, prospective students may choose whether or not to self-report their test scores. If they choose to self-report their test scores on the Common Application, they may designate whether or not they wish to have those test scores used in the selection process. Applicants will not be required to self-report test scores on the Common Application.

Spring and Fall 2024 Supplemental Essay Prompt

In addition, all Spring and Fall 2024 first-year applicants will be required to submit a 250 word supplemental essay that focuses on resilience with the Common Application.

Only those Spring and Fall 2024 transfer applicants with fewer than 30 postsecondary credits at the time of their application who do not submit ACT or SAT scores will be required to submit the supplemental essay.

Supplemental essay prompt: 

Located within one of the most dynamic cities in the world, the University of Miami is a distinctive community with a variety of cultures, traditions, histories, languages, and backgrounds. The University of Miami is a values-based and purpose-driven postsecondary institution that embraces diversity and inclusivity in all its forms and strives to create a culture of belonging, where every person feels valued and has an opportunity to contribute.

Please describe how your unique experiences, challenges overcome, or skills acquired would contribute to our distinctive University community.

• Can I make testing-specific updates to my application even after it’s been submitted?

  Yes, you may update your decision to have your application reviewed with or without test scores even after you have submitted your application. Applicants will be given an extra 15 days past their selected admission plan deadline to update their file. Here are some examples of testing-specific updates applicants can make:

  • Submit test scores for the Admission Committee’s consideration
  • Update your test scores
  • Update your choice to be test optional or not

  To make these and other changes, applicants must complete the Test Score Updates form in the Applicant Portal.

  Submit your application by the stated deadline: November 1 for Early Decision I and Early Action or January 1 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision. We hope that offering you the opportunity to make these updates up to 15 days past your selected admission plan deadline will provide you with any needed flexibility.

• Will undergraduate admission remain ‘test optional’ for future incoming student cohorts?

  As of right now, the test-optional model will be available for the Spring and Fall 2025 admission cycle. We will look at the data and assess the outcomes of the previous admission outcomes before making any decisions for future admission cycles.

• How does this policy impact scholarships?

  All Fall 2024 prospective students – regardless of whether or not they apply under the test optional policy – will be considered for merit scholarships. To be considered for the Premier Scholarships, Fall 2024 prospective students must apply by the November 1 deadline.

• Will this policy change impact applicants who attend high schools outside the United States?

  No, these prospective students have previously been permitted to apply for admission without test scores.

• If my GPA is low, can I still submit test scores?

  Yes, all Spring and Fall 2024 applicants may choose whether or not to submit test scores as part of their admission application.

• Will this change the application process for students applying to the Frost School of Music or School of Architecture?

  Frost School of Music applicants must still audition whether or not they apply under the test optional policy.

  School of Architecture applicants must submit a portfolio for review if they apply under the test optional policy.

• Can home-schooled students apply under the test optional policy?

  Home-schooled students may be required to submit additional requirements, such as an admission interview.

• How does the test optional policy impact transfer applicants?

  As of right now, this policy change applies to transfer applicants through Spring and Fall 2025 transfer applicants, meaning, more specifically, that prospective students with fewer than 30 postsecondary credits at the time they are applying for admission will not be required to submit test scores.

• Does this policy apply to student athletes?

  Student athletes do not need to submit test scores to the University for admission purposes. However, the NCAA Eligibility Center continues to require test scores. Be sure to send them your SAT or ACT score results.