Standardized Test and Admissions Process for Students Applying for Fall 2026
At the University of Iowa, we have a “no harm” test policy. Standardized test scores will only be used if they benefit the applicant on an admission decision and/or merit scholarships. We provide a straightforward, flexible process, so you can apply with confidence.
The Office of Admissions at the University of Iowa encourages students to take the ACT or SAT as they plan for college. Applicants have the opportunity to self-report a test score on the application for admission or to apply without providing a test score, but we encourage all students to include a test score on the application if they have one, as test scores will only be used if they benefit the applicant and may provide a better path to admission or potentially additional opportunities for merit scholarships.
Updating Test Scores After Application
Students who wish to add new or updated test scores to their application may submit them via their admissions profile in MyUI or have official ACT or SAT scores sent. Subsequent receipt of test scores will never negatively impact a previous admission or scholarship decision.
For scholarship and admission consideration, new or updated test scores must be received by March 1, 2026, and only tests taken on or before February 28, 2026, will be accepted.
Scholarships
All admitted first-year students who applied before our February 2 deadline will be considered for merit scholarships awarded by the Office of Admissions. Typically, students who are admitted with a strong academic record and who submit test scores above the institutional averages (26 ACT / 1230 SAT or higher) will have more opportunities for larger merit scholarships compared to those admitted without a test score.
Students who choose to include a test score in their application will be reviewed for scholarships both with and without a test score and will receive the best possible offer between the two options, maximizing their scholarship opportunities.
Admission Review and Decision Timeline
| Apply by | Decisions on or before | |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action | November 3 | Late-January |
| Regular Decision | February 2 | Early-March |
Applications are reviewed and admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Generally, applicants who include a test score and meet the Regent Admission Index (RAI) criteria will receive a decision sooner than those who apply without a test score. Applicants who do provide a test score and are not admissible via the Regent Admission Index (RAI) will undergo a secondary test optional review.
Individual review of applicants who choose not to include a test score will largely focus on strength of academic coursework and grades. If a student does not provide an ACT or SAT test score at the time of application, they may be required to submit additional academic documents or transcripts to receive an admission decision. Students will be contacted via email if any additional documents are needed.
Students are encouraged to apply by the November 3 Early Action deadline and no later than the February 2 Regular Decision deadline. Those who apply after February 2 will only be admitted on a case-by-case, space-available basis.
A student who is deferred or denied admission can provide a new or updated test score at any time prior to March 1 to be reconsidered for admission using the Regent Admission Index (RAI) criteria.
Additional information is not required but can be submitted as part of the individual review process. These items include any awards or recognition, Classic Learning Test (CLT) results, or additional AP coursework.
This page will be updated regularly with information regarding testing and admission at the University of Iowa.