Test Optional
US Entry Requirements: Test Optional Policy
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen
Applying for Fall 2025
SAT/ACT test optional for September 2025 entry
Due to the COVID 19 pandemic and cancellation of SAT and ACT tests, the University of Aberdeen has confirmed its test optional position. This means that it will still welcome applications and make offers to students who are not sitting the standardised tests.
In place of standardised tests, the University of Aberdeen Admissions Selectors will review your High School Transcript and look for strong academic performance overall and in related subjects. You should clearly state in your Personal Statement on your application why you were unable to take either the SAT or ACT.
The University will, however, continue to make applications based on standardised test scores for those able to sit them. The normal minimum requirement for MA and BSc admission in Fall 2025 is :
- ACT: score of 26+ (writing optional)
- SAT: score of 1250+ (essay optional)
Applicants taking the SAT, APs or ACT can have their test scores sent directly to the University of Aberdeen via the College Board or ACT websites:
- College Board test code number: 0818
- ACT test code number: 5364
If you have had any issues in sitting SAT/ACT Tests or have had your test cancelled due to COVID 19 and would like to discuss your options please email frances.walsh@abdn.ac.uk
Undergraduate
Arts and Humanities
For entry to the Master of Arts (MA) programme, we look for a minimum cumulative 3.0 unweighted High School GPA plus one of the following:
- SAT 1250+
- ACT composite score of 26+
- 3 AP examinations (in relevant subjects): 3+
- If taken pre-2020, 3 SAT subject tests (in relevant subjects): 600+
Science & Engineering
For entry to the BSc/BEng., we look for a minimum cumulative 3.0 unweighted High School GPA plus both of the following:
- SAT 1250+ OR ACT composite score of 26+
- One of the following standardised subject tests:
- 1 AP Subject Test with a grade of 3+ from either Math, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
- If taken pre-2020, we will accept 1 SAT Subject Test with a score of 600+ (in a relevant subject) instead of 1 AP
Alternatively, we will accept one of the following:
- 3 AP examinations (in relevant subjects): 3+
- If taken pre-2020, 3 SAT subject tests (in relevant subjects): 600+
Law
For entry to the LLB, we look for a minimum cumulative 3.3 unweighted High School GPA plus one of the following:
- SAT score of 1320+ with minimum 650+ in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
- ACT composite score of 28+
- 2 AP Subject Test at grade 4+
- If taken pre-2020, 2 SAT Subject tests with a score of 650+
Alternatively, we will accept one of the following:
- 3 AP examinations (in relevant subjects): 4+
- If taken pre-2020, 3 SAT subject tests (in relevant subjects): 650+
Medicine
Please refer the School of Medicine and Dentistry website for information on entry requirements and how to apply.
Postgraduate
Entry to a Master or PhD programme usually requires the equivalent of a 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours) British degree, or a 2:2 (Lower Second Class) British Degree.
- Bachelor’s degree (unweighted GPA: 3.0+) from an accredited university or college in a relevant subject
Postgraduate programmes at the University of Aberdeen and other British universities do not generally require standardised tests such as the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT etc. Instead, applicants are assessed on the merit and relevance of their undergraduate studies, as well as references and personal statement.
For further information, please refer to the online prospectus or email Frances Walsh, Regional Manager for the USA: frances.walsh@abdn.ac.uk
