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The College of Idaho’s admission process is test-optional. This means that you can choose whether or not you submit an SAT or ACT score, and should you choose to do so, it can only benefit your application review. There is no disadvantage by not submitting an SAT or ACT score.
We strongly believe that by allowing you to decide how best to present your academic potential, the College is also giving you the opportunity to take the first steps in taking ownership of your college education. All students are given equal consideration, regardless of whether or not they submit standardized test scores.
The change was prompted in the 2015-2016 school year by research released in February 2014 (Hiss and Franks), the revisions of the SAT and ACT, and The College of Idaho’s own holistic admission practices. Since then, the College’s annual analysis of high school GPA as a predictor of post-secondary success has reinforced the research, with the College remaining as a test-optional institution as a result.
Our admission committee has always prided itself on providing holistic application reviews. While the high school transcript will continue to be the most important part of the evaluation of your application, we strongly believe that by allowing you to decide how to present your academic potential best, you're taking the first steps in taking ownership of your college education.
The College of Idaho is looking for intelligent students who are self-directed, passionate about the possibilities that higher education offers, and who want to make a difference in both their communities and in the world. The test-optional alternative allows us to consider strengths that may be demonstrated in areas other than your ACT or SAT scores.
The review process for students who submit ACT or SAT scores and for students who do not submit scores is very similar. The factors that go into an admission decision include your overall high school academic record, letters of recommendation, co-curricular activities, community involvement, writing ability, and other significant achievements. Enrollment in a rigorous high school curriculum, including honors, Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, also will reflect positively on your application and scholarship decision. We will continue to carefully review the strength of your high school classes and your performance in them in the context of what your high school offers through its curriculum.
When you submit your application to us (using either the Apply Idaho application, Common Application or The College of Idaho application), you may indicate if you would like to be considered test-optional. We strongly recommend that you carefully consider your decision to apply with or without test scores.
If you have indicated that you would like to apply test-optional, your scores will only be considered as an enhancement to your application, and will not hurt your review process.
All applicants to The College of Idaho are considered for merit scholarships at the time we review their application. This is true for all students regardless of standardized test submission. Upon admission to The College of Idaho, a merit scholarship is determined based on cumulative high school GPA at the time of admission.
Yes. Depending on the strength of your curriculum relative to the academic programs in your high school, and the overall quality of your academic work, your application will be considered for an invitation to the Gipson Honors program. Depending on the application you chose, however, you may be asked to submit an additional essay for review by the selection committee.
The NAIA mandates the submission of standardized test scores for athletic eligibility. Therefore, The College of Idaho requires prospective student-athletes to submit ACT or SAT scores with their application. However, athletic recruits can request that submitted scores not be used in their evaluation for admission to the College.
As an international student, you have the same opportunity to apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, you must submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test result if your first language is not English, or if it is otherwise requested by the College.
Students who are transferring to The College of Idaho are not required to submit standardized test scores, but should they choose to do so those scores would only be used to enhance their overall application. Students with fewer than 28 completed college credits can choose to apply test-optional and will be reviewed in the same way as a traditional test-optional applicant.
The decision to apply test-optional is a personal and individual decision. If you are satisfied with your test scores and believe they are indicative of your academic potential, then feel free to submit them with your other credentials. If you have a strong academic record but do not feel your test results are a good indicator of your academic potential you can choose not to submit them.
Every applicant presents a unique combination of credentials. Your grades, curriculum strength, test scores, recommendations, out-of-class experiences, personal character and integrity combined are what is considered by the admission committee. Generally speaking, weakness in one area can be compensated for by strength in another. The admission committee provides a comprehensive and holistic review of each application, meaning that there is no one element that guarantees admission. Feel free to contact your admission counselor if you would like to have a personal conversation about standardized testing. Please note that because standardized tests may be used for class placement, all entering students will be asked to submit their scores, even if they are admitted test-optional.
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Being a Gipson Honors Scholar and ASCI Student Body President 2024-2025 did not slow Amara Davidson ’25 down at all. She performed in several theatre productions, traveled the globe and made time to express her artistry through the Cooking Club and Creative Writing Club. Watch as she shares why she chose CofI and how she did MORE – a lot more – in FOUR.
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