Test-Optional Policy

First-time first-year applicants may choose to submit their application without standardized test scores to be considered for admission to New York Institute of Technology. Effective May 1, 2020, this policy provides flexibility to applicants to demonstrate their educational success and removes challenges due to changes with SAT/ACT preparation and exam schedule from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Important Information

We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of each applicant’s school records, essays, recommendations, and any other information provided through the admissions process.

What is a test-optional application?

If you apply to New York Tech as a test-optional applicant, then you are choosing to be considered for admission without submitting your SAT/ACT scores. If you would like to be considered test-optional, you may either choose not to submit your standardized test scores as part of your application, or you may choose to allow New York Tech to select the testing plan that will best serve you. This means we will only consider your test scores for admission if it benefits you.

How do I know if I should apply as test-optional?

If you feel your academic strength is best reflected in both your grade point average and your SAT/ACT test scores, then we encourage you to submit your test scores. However, if you feel your academic strength is better represented by your grade point average, personal essay, letters of recommendation, and any other supplemental materials, then consider applying as a test-optional applicant.

The mid-range of admitted students submitting SAT scores is 1050 to 1270, with an average ACT equivalent of 21 to 28. If your scores fall within this range, including them in your application could make you a more competitive candidate. For reference, view our admitted student profile.

Admitted Student Profile

IPEDS Admissions Component, U.S. News & World Report

How do I choose to be reviewed as a test-optional applicant?

You will have the opportunity to choose your preferences when you submit the Common Application or the New York Tech Online Application.

Can I still earn merit scholarships if I am reviewed as a test-optional applicant?

Yes, students who apply test-optional will be considered for all merit awards. View qualifications for the merit scholarship here.

Are there programs excluded from the test-optional policy?

Some programs require applicants to submit SAT/ACT scores:

Nursing, B.S.
Combined undergraduate/graduate health professions programs in life sciences and occupational therapy, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies.

International students are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores.

What if I applied test-optional and later want to be considered for a program that requires test scores?

Students who have applied or been admitted through the test-optional admissions process may ask to be considered for a test-required major by submitting their SAT/ACT scores and contacting their personal admissions counselor. Pease keep in mind that test-required majors often have additional admission requirements, application deadline dates, or limited enrollment. Admission to dual-degree programs such as occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies are only offered to first-year applicants. It is not possible to switch into these programs of study once enrolled.

Do I have to submit additional information if I choose to apply test-optional?

Two letters of recommendation are required. We may require test-optional applicants to submit a graded essay from any class. An additional essay prompt may be required for international applicants without a graded essay in English.

Are international students able to apply test-optional?

International applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores for admission for most programs. They are required to submit test scores for Nursing, B.S. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo results. Students applying through the test-optional admission process may still submit SAT or ACT scores as evidence of English proficiency only.

What if I choose test-optional but I already sent my scores to New York Tech?

We will only consider your test scores for admission if it benefits you. If you have questions about applying test-optional, please reach out to your personal admissions counselor.

What if I already applied to New York Tech and was denied due to submitted test scores?

If you were denied, your admission decision still stands as you did not meet the admission requirements based on the information provided with your application. The decisions of the admissions committee are final. If you feel that documents meant to support your application were inadvertently excluded, please contact your personal admissions counselor. We encourage you to consider New York Tech in the future as a transfer applicant.