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Texas A&M at College Station

If you have a strong GPA or high class rank, you don't need to report SAT or ACT scores when applying to Texas A&M. The university has many strengths in engineering and agriculture, but the liberal arts and sciences are also extremely popular among undergraduates. In athletics, the Texas A&M Aggies compete in the Division I Big 12 Conference.

Location: College Station, Texas

SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 520 / 630

SAT Math (Middle 50%): 560 / 670

Test-Optional? Yes

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Manoa's strengths are many, including highly ranked programs in astronomy, oceanography, cancer research, and Pacific Island and Asian studies. The university has a diverse student body representing all 50 states and 103 countries. UH at Manoa is the only college in Hawaii to have a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.

Location: Manoa, Hawaii

SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 480 / 580

SAT Math (Middle 50%): 510 / 610

Test-Optional? No

University of Iowa at Iowa City

Iowa has strong programs in nursing, creative writing and art, to name just a few. Some of the University of Iowa's graduate programs are consistently ranked among the top in the country. The Iowa Hawkeyes compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference, and historically the football, basketball and wrestling teams have enjoyed great success.

Location: Iowa City, Iowa

SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 520 / 650

SAT Math (Middle 50%): 550 / 670

Test-Optional? Yes

University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin does not require SAT or ACT scores from students who have a high enough GPA or class rank. The university is one of the top public universities in the country. It has numerous selling points including a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a top business school, and membership in the Division I Big 12 Athletic Conference.

Location: Austin, Texas

SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 530 / 660

SAT Math (Middle 50%): 560 / 690

Test-Optional? Yes

University of Montevallo

Most students submit ACT scores, not SAT, but applicants with average scores won't find the admissions standards beyond their reach. As a public liberal arts college, Montevallo is a true value. The campus is charming, and students can expect strong student-faculty interaction.

ACT Composite (middle 50%): 19 / 24

ACT English (middle 50%): 19 / 25

ACT Math (middle 50%): 17 / 23

Test Optional? No

Ursinus College

Ursinus is a highly selective college, but they do not require SAT scores if an applicant has a strong enough GPA and high class rank. Ursinus is a top-rate liberal arts college with a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio, generous financial aid, an excellent observatory and art museum, and a new performing arts building. In 2009, the college was ranked #2 for "up-and-coming" colleges by US News & World Report.

Location: Collegeville, Pennsylvania

SAT Reading (Middle 50%): 550 / 660

SAT Math (Middle 50%): 560 / 660

Test-Optional? Yes