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.

SAT and SAT Subject Test Scores

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 all SAT scores from all test dates. The admissions committee will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates. Final admissions decisions will be made using only your highest individual test scores.

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 records.

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) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores with their application materials in addition to SAT-I and SAT-II results (where available). If providing TOEFL or IELTS results presents a hardship; please contact the Office of Admissions for possible alternatives.

Regrettably, the College will not accept the results of ACT examinations administered outside the United States. The College will not use the results of the SAT-English Language Placement Test or the Test of English as a Second Language.

More information for International Applicants.