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Test Optional FAQ

Test Optional FAQ

Milligan offers two options for admission and awarding: (1) with a standardized test and (2) without a standardized test. The choice applies to both admission and scholarship awarding.

  • Admission: To be considered for admission without a standardized test score, students must submit a high school transcript and an academic reference. The reference must come from an instructor who has taught the student within the past three years and may not be provided by a family member.
    • Students may choose to apply without standardized test scores even if scores have been submitted to Milligan (either directly from ACT or SAT, or included on a transcript). In these cases, an academic reference is still required for the application to be considered complete. However, any test scores on file with Milligan will still be reviewed and may be considered as part of the admission decision.
  • Scholarship: To be considered for merit scholarship without a test score, students must have a minimum 3.25 high school GPA and will be awarded merit scholarships individually on the basis of: (1) their high school GPA and strength of curriculum AND (2) high school/community involvement and leadership.

Note: Due to the nature of the individual awarding process, we cannot “quote” scholarship amounts in advance for students who choose to apply without a standardized test score. Students wanting an estimate of financial aid eligibility may visit our net price calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for test optional admission?

First year applicants with less than 24 previous college credits obtained post high school (does not count dual enrollment) may choose to apply (1) with a standardized test or (2) without a standardized test.

Transfer students with more than 24 credits are not required to submit high school information or a standardized test score and are awarded based on their college GPA. Please see the transfer students page for more information.

International first-year students may also select admission and awarding without a standardized test score. However, international students will still be required to demonstrate English language proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS results. Japanese students may submit EIKEN results. This requirement may be waived for students who speak English as their native language, attended a U.S. high school for at least three years in a non-ESOL curriculum.

How do I select my option?

Applicants to Milligan will choose their option on the admissions application. The decision affects both admission and merit scholarship awarding.

What if I already sent Milligan my test score?

Students make the choice of their admission and awarding option on the admissions application. If we have a test score on file and the student chooses admission consideration without a test score, an academic reference is still required to complete the application file. However, any test scores sent to Milligan will be reviewed and may be considered as part of the admission decision. The test score may be used for class placement and advising purposes. We encourage students to take a standardized test⁠—the ACT, SAT, or CLT⁠—as they play an important role in determining course placement for our students.

Can I switch options?
  • Students who have chosen to be admitted and awarded WITH a standardized test score may not switch to scholarship awarding without a test score once they have been admitted and notified of their scholarship. (However, if a student has been admitted and awarded WITH a test score and later sends in a new, improved score, they will be re-evaluated for scholarships. If their improved score bumps them to a new scholarship level, the student will be awarded the new, higher scholarship.)
  • Students who have chosen to be admitted and awarded WITHOUT a test score who later attempt a standardized test may be re-evaluated for academic scholarships once their results are received by Milligan. (Milligan will not reconsider academic scholarships based on standardized test scores attempted prior to admission.)
How does this affect competitive scholarships?
  • Jeanes Honors Scholarship: Applicants must submit a test score to be considered for the scholarship. The baseline academic criteria for consideration is a minimum of a 29 ACT/1340 SAT/90 CLT and a minimum of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Goah Diversity Scholarship: Applicants do not have to submit a test score as the baseline academic criteria remains the same as previous years: minimum of a 21 ACT/1060 SAT/ 68 CLT OR a 3.0 high school GPA or above. Transfers must have a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.75 after 24 hours.
  • Ministry Leadership Program: Applicants do not have to submit a standardized test score but must meet all other eligibility criteria listed on the website.
  • Athletic scholarships, activity scholarships, performing, and fine arts scholarships: Applicants should discuss criteria with the coach/director.
  • Bible Bowl Scholarships: Not affected.
  • Tuition Waiver Programs: Applicants must submit a test score.
How does this affect outside scholarships?

Scholarships from outside sources⁠—like TN Hope scholarship, Ballad Health Scholarship, Equal Chance for Education, and others⁠—are managed by outside organizations. Each organization sets their own criteria for awarding. Please contact admissions for questions on specific outside scholarships.