Test-Optional Policy
Colorado College is test-optional, which means you can choose whether to include SAT or ACT scores as part of your application. We encourage you to decide based on what you believe will give us the clearest picture of your academic preparation and potential. If your scores strengthen your application, submit them. If they don't fully reflect your abilities, you can apply without them. In either case, our review process considers the full context of your academic record, experiences, and contributions.
Submitting SAT or ACT scores is completely optional at Colorado College, and has been since 2019. The majority of students enrolled at CC did not submit test scores during their application process.
If you choose to submit test scores, we'll only consider them if they strengthen your application. Scores that could negatively affect your chance of admission will not be considered. If you apply without test scores (or if your scores don't strengthen your application) we'll place greater emphasis on your academic performance.
We review every application holistically, looking beyond numbers to understand how you'll contribute to and thrive in the CC community. Our goal is to give every student the opportunity to present the strongest version of themselves.
Test-Optional Admission FAQs
Yes, Colorado College requires proof of English language proficiency. We will waive this requirement if:
- English is your first/native language
- You have had full academic instruction in English throughout high school, except for world language classes (Bilingual programs, dual curriculum, and international homeschooling will not be exempted.)
- You are enrolled in or have completed the IB Diploma Program or A level curriculum taught in English
- You have attended a school in the United States and been instructed in English for at least two years
Please submit your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test results directly from the testing agency. Colorado College’s institution code for ordering TOEFL score reports is 4072.
If you cannot afford to send official test score reports from the testing agency, you can ask your guidance counselor (or other most appropriate school administrator or EducationUSA officer) to send us your test scores by one of the following methods:
- Via the Common Application (preferred method). Counselors can submit a copy of your score report when they submit your Secondary School Report and high school transcript
- As an email attachment sent to us. The counselor’s name and email must match the Secondary School Report portion of your application
We will consider applicants who provide official scores more favorably. However, if these required language exams are not available to you, you can request a waiver after you apply by emailing admission@coloradocollege.edu. Please be sure to include your full name as it appears on your application and your date of birth.
We do not provide fee waivers for English language proficiency exams.
We have found students who achieve test scores at or above the following levels are best prepared to study and learn at CC:
TOEFL: 5.0 (100 on previous scale)
IELTS: 7.0
Duolingo English Test (DET): 130
We will also consider InitialView or Vericant interviews if submitted. These interviews are optional and serve as a great supplement to one of the exams mentioned above, but alone they do not satisfy our English proficiency requirement.
Early Action: October exam
Early Decision I: October exam
Early Decision II: December exam
Regular Decision: December exam
Applicants will be prompted to select a testing policy on the main application (Common Application, QuestBridge Application, Apply Coalition powered by Scoir) or its supplement. The prompt will be:
Do you want your standardized test scores considered in the admission selection process?
- Yes, I want my standardized test scores considered for admission
- No, I do not want my standardized test scores considered for admission
If the applicant indicates that they "do not want" scores considered, the relevant sections of the application (test score dashboard, testing materials) will not be visible to application reviewers.
Students may self-report standardized testing on the main application (Common Application, QuestBridge Application, Coalition Application). Self-reported test scores will NOT appear on the PDF preview of your application to Colorado College. Test scores reported on the Common Application are transmitted electronically to CC when you apply and added separately to your application file according to the preferred testing plan you select.
Additionally, you can email self-reported standardized test scores to admission@coloradocollege.edu. After you apply, you may also change your decision to opt in or out of the testing policy by emailing us at the same address.
After enrolling at CC, students who have official SAT or ACT scores must submit official scores, regardless of whether they included scores in their application.
ACT 0498
TOEFL 4072
For applicants who choose not to submit test scores during the application process, we will place additional weight on academic preparation as represented in your transcript (grades, course selection, and course rigor).
Applying without test scores will not hurt your chances of admission. We do not make assumptions about students who choose not to submit scores, and applicants who choose not to submit test scores receive the same holistic review as all other applicants.
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Still deciding?
Not sure whether to submit SAT or ACT scores? Your admission counselor can help you better understand Colorado College's test-optional policy and answer questions about your application. Feel free to reach out!