Testing Policy for Undergraduate Admission

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Undergraduate admission counselors use a holistic process to review each applicant, carefully considering and contextualizing a student’s academic record, extracurricular activities, including community involvement and work, personal statement, and test scores.

Test Scores Required for Fall 2026

The University of Miami requires prospective students to include standardized test scores as part of their undergraduate admission application. 

Applicants can self-report test scores on the Common Application or through the Applicant Portal after submitting an application. The deadline to self-report test scores is the same as the final credential deadline for the admission plan selected.

Only those students who are admitted and choose to enroll at UM will be required to submit official scores from the testing agencies.

The following populations may still choose whether to apply to UM with or without test scores:

  • Students applying to performance-based academic programs in the Frost School of Music*
  • Students applying to Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs in the College of Arts & Sciences*
  • Students applying to the School of Architecture*
  • Students graduating from a high school or secondary school outside the United States
  • Transfer applicants who will have earned 24 or more postsecondary credits at the time of application submission

*Supplemental materials required

 

What is a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program?

A Bachelor of Fine Arts, or BFA, is an undergraduate degree focused on the visual arts, performing arts, and other creative disciplines. We offer the following BFA degrees:

  • Art (Ceramics, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture)
  • Theatre Arts (Comprehensive Musical Theatre, Design/Technical Production, Stage Management)

 

Test Score Averages for Fall Classes 2019 - 2025

Fall Class Average High School GPA* Middle 50% of SAT Superscore % Submitted SAT Scores† Middle 50% of ACT Superscore % Submitted ACT Scores†
2019 3.6-4.0 1330-1490 56% 31-34 40%
2020 3.6-3.9 1300-1500 45% 30-33 32%
2021** 3.8-4.0 1340-1490 26% 30-34 19%
2022** 3.8-4.0 1360-1510 31% 31-34 17%
2023** 3.8-4.0 1360-1490 30% 31-34 18%
2024** 3.8-4.0 1350-1510 29% 31-34 16%
2025** 3.7-4.0 1350-1450 34% 30-33 17%

 

*GPA is recalculated and on a 4.0 unweighted scale

†Applicants who said "yes" to testing as part of their Common Application

**Submitting test scores was optional for all first-year applicants

International Students

Academic success at the University of Miami depends on one’s ability to communicate effectively in English. Students can prove their language proficiency by demonstrating English as a first language, earning specific grades in advanced coursework, or through English proficiency testing.

Submit official test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test (DET). Official results from the TOEFL iBT Home Edition are acceptable.

Official test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. We do not accept TOEFL Essentials results.

  • TOEFL Code: C730
  • IELTS Code: 4861
  • DET: select “University of Miami Undergraduate Admissions” from the options

TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo exams are valid for two years from the date of the original exam.

Review the English Proficiency Requirement page for more information, including when to submit results, competitive scores, and ways to waive the requirement.

Your Questions Answered

Below are some common questions regarding the testing policy at the University of Miami. If you are unable to find the answers you are looking for, please let us know by emailing admission@miami.edu.

Test Scores Required Policy

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  • When did the test score policy go into effect?

    The policy went into effect for students applying for Fall 2026.

  • To whom will the policy apply?

    Beginning in Fall 2026, the test score policy applies to the undergraduate admissions process. 

    • Refer to the graduate, professional, and medical school admissions processes for their respective testing requirements. 

    The test score policy applies to most high school students, with some exceptions. The following populations may still choose whether to apply to UM with or without test scores when the test score requirement goes back into effect for Fall 2026. 

    • First-year and transfer applicants applying to performance-based academic programs, including performance majors in the Frost School of Music and Theatre Arts BFA program in the College of Arts and Sciences.* 
    • First-year and transfer applicants applying to portfolio-based academic programs, including all majors in the School of Architecture and Fine Art BFA majors in the College of Arts and Sciences, may submit a portfolio in lieu of test scores.†
    • First-year applicants who will graduate from a high school/secondary school outside of the United States. 
    • Transfer applicants who will have earned 24 or more postsecondary credits at the time of application submission. 

    *All performance majors in the Frost School must audition as part of their application process. 

    †Only those students who apply to the School of Architecture without test scores are required to submit a portfolio as part of their application process. 

  • Why did UM reinstate the test score requirement?

    The decision was informed by UM’s own internal data analysis which showed that standardized testing is a predictor of academic success. Additionally, leadership wanted the Office of Undergraduate Admission to have an additional predictive data point during its holistic review process.

  • Will applicants be permitted to self-report their test scores, or must they submit official scores from the testing agencies?

    UM will consider self-reported test scores on the Common Application.

    • Students may only self-report test scores that they have already received.
    • Students may not self-report test scores for a future test date or expected results.

    Only those students who are admitted and choose to enroll at UM will be required to submit official scores from the testing agencies.

  • What is the role of testing in the UM application process?

    UM uses holistic admissions, which considers many factors in the review process. Along with a student’s high school record, including grade point average and rigor of curriculum, and other factors, such as extracurricular activities, community involvement, work, personal statements, and recommendations, test scores help shape the review process of a student’s application.

  • What if my test score does not reflect my full ability as a candidate?

    Standardized tests are but one component of a broader holistic review. A key driving factor in our review is the academic record, taken within context of each applicant’s high school environment.

  • What is super scoring, and will UM continue to super score?

    Yes. Your super score is the average of your best scores from each subject area from multiple test attempts.

  • What’s more important in my application, grades or test scores?

    While UM’s own internal data analysis showed that test scores can be a predictor of academic success, a student’s high school record, including grade point average and rigor of curriculum, also are predictive and key driving factors in our review.

  • Does UM prefer the SAT or ACT?

    UM does not prefer one standardized test over the other. It also doesn’t matter how many times you take the SAT and/or ACT, or report having taken the SAT and/or ACT.

    We encourage applicants to take the exam:

    • That is most readily available in their area.
    • They are studying and most prepared for.

  • Does UM require the science section of the ACT now that it’s optional?

    No, we do not require the science section of the ACT.

  • Can applicants superscore a Classic ACT with an Enhanced ACT?

    Yes, applicants can superscore the Classic version of the ACT with the Enhanced version of the ACT. The ACT automatically calculates and provides a superscore that combines an applicant's highest section scores (English, Math, and Reading) from any test version, including the Classic version and the Enhanced version.

  • Are you test flexible? That is, will you accept AP tests, IB tests, etc. in lieu of the SAT or ACT?

    No, only the SAT or ACT will satisfy our test score requirement.

  • What if I plan to take the test again after the application deadline?

    • Students can update their self-reported test scores until the Final Credentials Deadline for each admissions plan.
    • Students are required to submit official test scores after they have been admitted and enrolled.
    • Students may not submit scores they expect to receive for a future test date

  • Will my test scores impact my ability to receive merit scholarships?

    Test scores are one metric considered in the administration of merit scholarships. Keep in mind that our review for admission to UM and merit scholarship consideration is holistic; in other words, test scores do not drive our admission or scholarship decisions. We consider the whole student, that is to say, everything presented in the admission application and supporting documents. All admitted students will be automatically considered for merit scholarships.

  • Does UM still use a holistic review process?

    Yes. UM uses holistic admissions, which considers many factors in the review process. Along with a student’s academic record, including grade point average and rigor of curriculum within high school context, and other factors, such as extracurricular activities, community involvement, work, personal statements, and recommendations, test scores help shape the review process of a student’s application.

  • If I apply without test scores, get admitted, and enroll at UM, can I transfer to another school or college or to another major?

    Admitted students may submit a request to change majors within the school or college to which they were admitted at any point. Requests to change majors are reviewed by the Office of Undergraduate Admission until mid-May.

    Admitted students must wait until after the first day of classes to submit a request to change their school and college. Requests are not guaranteed to be approved.

    Note, merit scholarships tied to specific academic programs may not be transferrable to another UM school or college. Admitted students should refer to the language in their scholarship agreements for more details.

  • Can test scores be used for course placement?

    Yes. If students want to earn a higher placement in math, for example, they can use AP/IB test scores. Students who are eligible to apply without test scores must take the ALEKS for placement in math. (see question above “To whom does this policy apply” for exceptions to the policy).

  • Am I required to submit the SAT or ACT if English is not my first language?

    There are many ways to fulfill the English language proficiency requirement at UM, and one of those could be the use of SAT or ACT scores. Please review the English Proficiency Requirements page for more details.

  • How can I prepare for standardized tests?

    To support your preparation, you might find it helpful to use free resources like Khan Academy or join a free SAT bootcamp through Schoolhouse.world. The ACT and College Board also offer sample tests that can help you practice. These free programs provide valuable tools for students, especially those from under-resourced schools, to build skills that will not only aid in standardized testing but also in college success.

  • Does UM provide a fee waiver for me to take the SAT or ACT?

    For the SAT, connect with CollegeBoard or your school counselor.

    For the ACT, please review the ACT website for more details.

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