Do community colleges require ACT or SAT?

The short answer is, ‘No,” community colleges do not require it. However, while they are not required, ACT or SAT scores are used by community colleges to assist in deciding the level of difficulty of classes that students can take. 

Community colleges, unlike universities, have a 100% acceptance rate and offer coursework for students of all ability levels. 

Do community colleges accept everyone?

Most community colleges operate on an open enrollment basis, meaning there are no competitive admissions standards, as most formal colleges and universities do.

Related: Do Community Colleges Really Accept Everyone Who Applies?

If a student does not have an ACT or SAT score, they will be required to take a placement test to establish their educational skill level. Such colleges use placement tests to measure your abilities in order to place you in relevant courses.

Most community colleges, according to the College Board, require placement tests such as the ACCUPLACER, ACT's COMPASS, state-specific examinations (such as Florida's CLAST), or tests created by the college. 

These assessments evaluate your skills in fundamental topics like reading, writing, and math. You are put in remedial, normal, or advanced classes based on your scores. However, your exam scores normally do not disqualify you from admission, and test prep materials are generally inexpensive and easy to come by.

Additionally, standardized tests are more demanding than placement tests. For starters, they are simpler to comprehend. The majority of the questions can be researched using textbooks and practice questions. 

The majority of the questions in a placement test will resemble those that would be asked in class. Standardized exam questions, on the other hand, are rarely discussed or taught in class.

Exceptions

These terms and conditions may not apply to all institutions or students so please do check with your community college to be sure.

Even if your college does not require SAT or ACT scores for general admission, specific programs may. For example:

• Nursing, 
• Allied health,
• Law enforcement,
• Engineering,
• Computer technology

The above courses are just a few of the disciplines that may require SAT or ACT. These are highly sought-after majors at many universities, and they may necessitate additional skills. As a result, you may still be required to take a standardized test to be admitted to these programs.

Scholarships

Some community colleges, like traditional four-year colleges and universities, grant scholarships for academic success, and standardized test results (particularly the SAT and ACT) are important factors in scholarship award computations. Some institutions even mention specifically what SAT or ACT score ranges qualify students for scholarship eligibility.

Related: Do Community Colleges Have Payment Plans?

Additionally, your state or local government may give merit-based scholarships based in part on exam scores. While many state programs exclude community college students from the test score requirement, it's always a good idea to double-check. Although attending a community college saves money, you should never throw away free money!

How to succeed at a community college without taking the ACT/SAT

As mentioned earlier, many people believe that not taking the ACT/SAT when applying for admission to a community college is a disadvantage. Let me assure you that this is not the case.

What colleges actually care about is how you utilize your high school experience. How did you perform in your classes and in extracurricular activities? Instead of stressing about failing a standardized test, concentrate on these aspects to help you stand out when you apply.

Get the best grades you can

This may sound cliche, but it's too vital not to mention. Keep in mind that colleges and universities will evaluate you depending on your performance in high school. Make the most of your time. Obtain the highest possible grades. 

Don't take high school for granted.

Submit Strong Recommendation Letters

A solid recommendation letter speaks volumes. Applicants should carefully consider who they ask. High school teachers often write letters for learners with good grades in their courses. Consider asking a teacher with strong writing skills.

Join an Honors Program

Honors programs do not require ACT/SAT results, but most do demand a 3.5 GPA or higher. One of the easiest ways to stand out when applying is to enroll in an honors program.