Test Optional
Mercer’s Test Optional admission policy allows first-year students to apply to Mercer and be considered for admission without submitting official SAT and ACT scores. Instead of submitting test scores, Test Optional applicants must submit an additional essay response and an additional academic-based letter of recommendation.
Studies show that student success doesn’t necessarily correlate with standardized test scores and that Test Optional applicants have made positive contributions to ethnic and economic diversity on college campuses. Further, we understand that not all students have the same access to test preparation resources and that the COVID-19 pandemic caused limited access to standardized testing opportunities.
While students may apply as Test Optional, some state-funded scholarships, University-funded merit scholarships, and special scholarships and programs require standardized test score submission, including the Zell Miller for Georgia residents, Presidential Scholars Weekend, Heritage Scholars Day, Stamps Scholars Program, and Special Consideration Program for the School of Medicine.