Testing Requirements
As a part of the candidate’s application, Pomona College requires either the new SAT plus two SAT-Subject Tests OR the ACT. In submitting their application for admission consideration, students will certify that they will send to Pomona reports of all test scores, whether ACT or SAT and SAT Subject tests or both.
Information below addresses general requirements for First-Year students, Transfer Students, and specific issues for international and home-schooled students.
First Year and Transfer Students
The SAT and SAT Subject Tests
The newest version of the SAT includes three sections: Critical Reading, Math and Writing. The Writing section includes an essay.
Students submitting results from the SAT for consideration as part of their application must additionally submit the results from two SAT subject tests, which are NOT in the same field. For example, students should not submit the results of both Math I and Math II, but rather should provide results showing work in a broader range of fields.
Pomona College requires that applicants submit
Each time you submit scores, Pomona College will update your record with any new individual high scores. Sending your scores each time you take the SAT can benefit you by allowing Pomona College to fully consider your application in the context of your best testing performance.
Because the essay samples will be released only to official score recipients, applicants to the College must identify Pomona directly to the College Board to receive official test results.
We will accept the pre-March 2005 of the SAT but it must be submitted with the results of three SAT-Subject tests, one of which must be the Writing Test which was not administered after January 2005. In addition to the writing test, two other subject tests in different subject areas must be submitted. See the most Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) below for more information on this.
Transfer Students must submit either the new or older version of the SAT and SAT-Subject tests as described above or may submit ACT results.
The ACT
Pomona College requires that you submit all ACT scores from all test dates. Consistent with the ACT standards for acceptable use of ACT test scores, the admissions office will record the test date reflecting the highest composite score. We will consider all sittings and having all test scores from all dates permits the admissions deans further consideration of peak or higher sub-scores from other test dates as skill sets and performance are evaluated in our review process.
Applicants may choose to take and submit the results of the ACT test. Although the writing examination remains optional on the new version of the ACT, we recommend students take the optional section and submit the results.
Please be sure to identify Pomona as an official score recipient for whichever tests you register so that we can directly receive results for your scores.
For more information, please view our page on Pomona College's Policy on Reporting Standardized Testing Results.
Home-Schooled Students
Home schooled students will follow the same testing requirements as other candidates but will be expected to submit additional testing. SAT or ACT results must be submitted with scores from four SAT Subject Tests or a combination of four Subject Tests and Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate Higher Level examination results in a variety of fields.
International Students - Test of English as a Foreign Language
Students who have not attended a school where English is the medium of instruction must also submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores with their application materials in addition to SAT-I and SAT-II or ACT results (where available). If providing TOEFL results presents a hardship; please contact the Admissions Office for possible alternatives.
More information for International Applicants.