Nearly two decades after becoming the first college on the West Coast to adopt an SAT-optional admission policy, Pitzer College will switch to a test-free admission policy for at least three years, beginning with the admission cycle for fall 2022. Pitzer’s College Council approved a three-year pilot phase for the policy in May of 2021.
Pitzer College uses a holistic approach to student admission with emphasis placed on high school transcripts, recommendation letters, leadership positions, work history, involvement in school and community activities, and commitment to Pitzer’s core values. The College is test-free, providing students the opportunity to present application material that accurately reflects their diverse academic talents and potential.
Test-Score Data for the 2020 incoming class.
- Submitted SAT or ACT: 51.1%
- ACT Composite Middle 50%: 30 – 33
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Middle 50%: 668 – 730
- SAT Math Middle 50%: 680 – 750
- Did not submit standardized tests: 48.9%
Pitzer in Test-Optional News
Will the New SAT Promote Diversity?
March 10, 2014
SAT to drop essay requirement and return to top score of 1600 in redesign of admission test
March 5, 2014
College Board announces major overhaul of SAT
March 5, 2014
Survey Affirms Pitzer Policy Not to Require Standardized Tests
February 28, 2014
New study questions value of college-entrance exams
February 18, 2014
SAT, ACT Scores Don’t Indicate Student’s College Success, Study Says
February 18, 2014
College Applicants Sweat the SATs. Perhaps They Shouldn’t
February 18, 2014
Getting In Without the SAT
March 1, 2013
Admission to Pitzer College
May 23, 2012
When Non-Submitters are the Norm
May 22, 2012
Pitzer College Announces SAT-Optional Admission Policy
February 7, 2003
**For Fall 2021, Pitzer will not require SAT or ACT tests from:
- Joint Medical Program applicants
7-Year Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine Program Applicants**
Students applying for the Joint Medical Program are required to submit either the SAT or ACT.
International Applicants
- Pitzer requires the demonstration of English proficiency from students whose native language is not English.
- This must be done by:
- Submitting the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT or the IBT Special Home Edition
- Or submitting the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Or submitting the DuoLingo (DET)
- Or submitting and being granted an English Language Test Waiver (Click here to find out more about the process)
- In order to be considered for regular admission, students must submit official scores or be granted a waiver. For students who submit testing, a minimum score of 100 IBT, 7 IELTS, or 125 DET
- However, students who are qualified for admission to Pitzer in all ways except English proficiency are also eligible for admission to Pitzer College through the International Scholars Program. Applicants must:
- Achieve at least a 70 IBT, or 6.5 IELTS, or 100 DET.
- Or have submitted an English Language Test Waiver and been notified that they will be considered for admission through the International Scholars Program.
- Pitzer can only accept the IELTS, the Internet Based Testing version of TOEFL, the Internet Based Testing Special Home Edition of TOEFL, or the DuoLingo (DET). Pitzer does not currently accept alternate tests of English proficiency (paper-based TOEFL, etc.), but they may be included in your English Language Test Waiver to support your request.
Transfer Applicants
SAT or ACT scores are not accepted of transfer applicants.
New Resources Applicants
SAT or ACT scores are not accepted of New Resources applicants.
