CMU’s Undergraduate Admission Test Policy

Dear Members of the Carnegie Mellon Community,

In 2020, Carnegie Mellon University moved to a test-optional undergraduate admission policy for the 2020-2021 cycle in response to limited access to standardized testing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The test-optional policy was extended to subsequent admission cycles while the university continued to evaluate the policy’s applicability. 

I am writing today to inform you of updates to the undergraduate admission standardized test policy. Over the summer, a committee of leadership and faculty representatives from each college convened to review data and the impact of the test-optional policy on CMU’s undergraduate application pool, as well as to discuss the future of standardized test policies as part of the college admissions process. The committee put forth a proposed framework based on their evaluation and, as an outcome, CMU will implement the following policy updates detailed below.

Fall 2025 Applicants 

CMU will remain test optional. Applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT results, but results will be considered for those who choose to submit them. Students applying to the School of Computer Science are strongly encouraged to submit either an SAT or ACT score, including the math subscore, to bolster their application's strength and to aid in assessing their potential for success at CMU.

Fall 2026 Applicants

CMU’s Pittsburgh campus will implement an undergraduate admission test policy that varies according to college or program.

Test Required

The School of Computer Science will require an SAT or an ACT score. 

Test Optional

The College of Fine Arts will remain test optional and continue to require portfolios or auditions. 

Test Flexible

Test flexible means that students are required to submit test scores to complete their application; however, they may choose which type of test(s) they prefer to submit. The following test options are acceptable: the SAT, ACT, International Baccalaureate exam, Advanced Placement, Cambridge A-Levels and the French Baccalaureate.

The following colleges and programs will move to a test-flexible policy: 

• College of Engineering
• Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Heinz College’s Information Systems program
• Mellon College of Science
• Tepper School of Business

Carnegie Mellon is committed to a holistic approach to admission where no single grade, score or activity guarantees or disqualifies any candidate for consideration in the admission review process. We recognize that students bring a variety of strengths and experiences that can positively contribute to the university community, so a wide range of factors are considered when assessing an applicant’s overall potential and fit for CMU. Our admission staff and application readers treat all applicants as individuals and prioritize a fair, contextual and thorough admission review to create a diverse and well-rounded student body. As we work with prospective students and high school counselors, we will encourage and advise students to submit scores that strengthen their application based on the program to which they are applying. 

In alignment with standard institutional processes, CMU will continue to assess the role of all admission requirements, including standardized test scores. 

I would like to thank the review committee for their thorough and thoughtful recommendations that guided this important policy update, which I am confident best supports our future admission processes to enroll exceptional students from across the world. I also want to thank Kris Wong Davis, vice provost for enrollment management and dean of admission, and the entire Enrollment and Admission teams for the support they provide to our applicants and their families to ensure a smooth and positive application experience.

Visit the Undergraduate Admission website for additional details about admission considerations and requirements.

Sincerely,

James H. Garrett Jr.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer