Ball State University is a test-optional institution, which means you decide whether you want to provide your SAT and/or ACT scores as part of your application. We recognize the importance of your GPA and high school curriculum as primary predictors of your success at Ball State, and we believe standardized testing is not always the best indicator of your strengths or your potential.

Not providing scores will not count against you when reviewing your application for admission. Instead, it gives you the ability to decide how to most accurately portray your academic strengths when applying to Ball State.

Eligibility

Anyone applying to Ball State as an undergraduate student may choose to not provide test scores unless you attended a high school that does not provide grades.

Although optional for most applicants, we recommend that you still submit your SAT and/or ACT test scores if you believe they will benefit your standing in the admissions review process. You should also use our scholarship calculator to see if you could receive merit-based financial aid based on your scores.

How It Works

Whether or not you decide to share your SAT or ACT test scores, you will apply to Ball State using our regular online application. However, you will need to select one of two options to indicate your decision:

  • “I will be submitting SAT and/or ACT test scores to Ball State and want them used during the review of my application for admission.
  • “I do not want Ball State to use my SAT and/or ACT test score(s) during the review of my application for admission (even if I have scores sent to Ball State).

Sending Your Test Scores

If you choose to send in your test scores, we accept them sent from your testing agency or on your official high school transcript. Use Ball State's institution code to have your scores sent from your testing agency:

  • SAT scores — use code 1051
  • ACT scores — use code 1176.

No Test Scores? No Problem.

We practice a rolling admission policy at Ball State. This means that students who want to apply with test scores won’t miss deadlines for admission, academic opportunities, and scholarships if they cannot complete the SAT and/or ACT before submitting their application. Students can indicate this situation on their application, which will prompt our admissions team to hold the application until scores are received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding SAT and ACT test scores and Ball State’s test-optional policy. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out to our admissions staff and we’ll gladly assist you.

Applying test optional will not count against you in any way. Rather, it allows you to choose how to most accurately portray your academic strengths.

Test scores are only required for students whose high school does not provide grades. 

All other students who believe that their SAT and/or ACT scores are a positive addition to their academic record are still encouraged to submit their test scores, but it is not required.

Because we evaluate each application holistically and individually, there is no formula we can provide to help you decide. However, a profile of the students currently enrolled at Ball State might give you some guidance.

Here is a summary of the high school records and test scores from freshman classes:

ACT (and composite scores)

  • Top 25% — 24 or above
  • Middle 50% — 21 to 23
  • Bottom 25% — 20 or below

SAT (and math + verbal scores)

  • Top 25% — 1220 or above
  • Middle 50% — 1080 to 1210
  • Bottom 25% — 1070 or below

High School GPA

  • Top 25% — 3.82 or above
  • Middle 50% — 3.17 to 3.81
  • Bottom 25% — 3.16 or below

Yes. You are still able to apply for need-based financial aid even if you choose to not submit your SAT and/or ACT test scores. To apply for financial aid, complete the FAFSA each year.

Learn more about the FAFSA

No. We do not require test scores for students applying to be admitted to the Honors College, but you’re still encouraged to do so.