Freshmen applicants applying with an official GPA and no ACT or SAT test score will be reviewed holistically. As part of the holistic review process the UofM Admissions & Orientation staff will utilize a test-flexible evaluation process which considers alternative tests for application review. Such tests include, but are not limited to: Pre-ACT, PSAT, Dual Enrollment grades, AP/IB Scores, etc. Applicants will not be asked to submit these test scores, the UofM Admissions & Orientation staff will use any score already in the applicant’s file. In the rare cases when we do not have enough information to decision a file, then the applicant may be asked to provide supplemental information via an electronic questionnaire provided by the UofM Admissions & Orientation staff.

Regardless of the review method used, we will under no circumstances admit a student who we do not think can be successful at the UofM. Test-flexible does not mean we disregard standardized test scores, as we acknowledge the value added by them. It only means that we recognize there are other factors that contribute to the prediction of college success.

The University of Memphis recognizes there are multiple factors, both academic and non-academic, that contribute to college student success. Thus, even before the pandemic we have considered institutional research data to guide our admissions criteria, knowing standardized tests are one variable in our holistic review process.

In response to the extraordinary circumstances we find ourselves in with the Coronavirus (COVID-19), The University of Memphis is prepared to implement an application review strategy that expands the variables we consider. On April 29, 2020 the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) urged institutions to reassess their standardized testing policies, especially in light of the effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on testing schedules. The University of Memphis will join the more than 1,000 colleges and universities that have already transitioned to test-optional and/or test-flexible admissions policies. This policy change was proposed by the Office of Admissions & Orientation, supported by our academic Deans, and approved by the Provost.

No, this policy will only be in effect for first-time freshmen applying for the fall of 2022. We will assess the status of this policy and determine strategy for future enrollees later this cycle.

Our academic scholarships for first-time freshmen use a combination of the cumulative high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores for eligibility consideration. We will also offer test-optional academic scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year based on high school GPA only. We encourage students to provide updated ACT/SAT scores should they decide to take the ACT/SAT as this may maximize scholarship eligibility.

The test-flexible review process only applies to admissions evaluation. All applicants who wish to be considered for the Honors Program, will still be required to submit an official ACT or SAT score. Combined, ACT and The College Board have more than six scheduled test options this fall. To accommodate possible space and location challenges, the Honors Program will extend their deadline.

The Office of Admission and Orientation takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications, meaning several components of an application are evaluated to determine potential for success at the UofM. Any standardize score, past or present, received for an applicant will be a component of the holistic review process.

Yes, English language proficiency is required for admission to the UofM. We have expanded the assessments we consider for English proficiency evaluation, as these include: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and temporarily the Duolingo English Test.

No, the UofM reviews all freshmen applicants with the same holistic evaluation process including student-athletes. Furthermore, the NCAA extended its exceptions for ACT/SAT requirements through fall 2022.

First-time freshman admitted to the University of Memphis will be placed in appropriate English and Math courses based on their highest ACT/SAT English/Evidence Based Reading and Writing and Math subs-cores (that are less than 5 years old). If you are a freshman enrolling in the summer or fall 2022 term and do not have an ACT/SAT English/EBRW or Math sub-score on file with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions & Orientation by May 1, then you are required to complete the English Placement Self-Directed Questionnaire and/or a Math Assessment*.

*Students enrolled in majors that require Math 1710 (College Algebra) or above (Calculus course track) and who do not have an ACT/SAT score on file or their Math sub-score falls below the minimum score listed in the Math placement chart or earned less than a grade of B in their high school Algebra 2 course will be required to take the proctored ALEKS Math assessment.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions & Orientation will email a link to the English Placement Self-Directed Questionnaire and notification of the proctored ALEKS Math placement in March to all students who are required to take them. The proctored ALEKS Math Assessment is offered on campus at the Testing Center (virtual proctored sessions maybe arranged by Testing Center staff, if needed). Your results for both placement assessments will be recorded by the Office of Admissions & Orientation and shared with your academic advisor for course registration during New Student Orientation.