Is Clark Atlanta University Test Optional? Admissions Guide for Atlanta Students

If you live in Atlanta or are planning to move here for college, you may be wondering: Is Clark Atlanta University test optional? The short answer is that Clark Atlanta University (CAU) has offered test-optional pathways in recent admission cycles for many applicants, but policies can vary by year, program, and applicant type.

Because admission rules can change, especially after recent shifts in standardized testing, it’s important to understand how test-optional works at Clark Atlanta, what it means for Atlanta-area students, and how to plan your application if you’re applying from a local high school or community college.

Clark Atlanta’s General Approach to Test Scores

Clark Atlanta University is a private, historically Black university (HBCU) located in the Atlanta University Center (AUC) in Southwest Atlanta. Like many colleges, CAU has adopted flexible policies around SAT and ACT scores, especially in recent years.

In recent admission cycles, CAU has:

• Allowed many first-year applicants to apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores (test optional).
• Still accepted test scores for students who feel their scores strengthen their application.
• Sometimes required scores for specific programs, scholarships, or special cases (for example, certain honors programs or athletes).

Because policies can shift, the most reliable approach is:

What “Test Optional” Means at Clark Atlanta (in Practical Terms)

When CAU lists a program or term as test optional, it generally means:

• You can choose not to send SAT or ACT scores.
• You will still be fully considered for admission based on other parts of your application.
• Admission officers put more weight on:
  • Your high school GPA
  • Course rigor (AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, Honors)
  • Personal statement/essay
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Extracurriculars and leadership, especially in the Atlanta community

For many Atlanta students—especially those from Atlanta Public Schools (APS) or Fulton/DeKalb County schools—this can be a major advantage if test scores don’t reflect their true academic ability.

When Clark Atlanta May Still Want Test Scores

Even in a test-optional environment, there are times when submitting test scores could be required or strongly recommended, such as:

• Certain merit scholarships
  Some competitive scholarships may ask for SAT/ACT scores, even if general admission is test optional.

• Honors or special programs
  Honors tracks or specific academic programs may have their own score expectations.

• NCAA student-athletes
  If you’re planning to play a sport at CAU under NCAA rules, you may need to meet certain academic eligibility standards that involve test scores, depending on the year’s NCAA guidance.

• Homeschooled or non-traditional transcripts
  In some cases, applicants with unusual or limited academic records might be asked to provide more documentation, which may include test scores.

For someone in Atlanta, this means you shouldn’t automatically rule out testing altogether—especially if you’re aiming for scholarships or selective programs.

At-a-Glance: Clark Atlanta and Test-Optional Admissions

Below is a simple overview of how test optional typically plays out at CAU. Always double-check the current year’s policy.

*Policies can change. Always verify with CAU Admissions.

How This Affects Atlanta-Area High School Students

If you attend a school like Westlake High, Mays High, Booker T. Washington High, North Atlanta High, or any metro-area school, here’s how to think about Clark Atlanta’s test-optional structure.

If Your GPA Is Strong but Your Test Scores Are Low

For many Atlanta students, this is where test optional is most helpful:

• You’ve taken challenging courses.
• Your grades are solid or trending upward.
• But standardized tests haven’t gone as well as you hoped.

In a test-optional setting, it may make sense to leave out low scores and let your transcript, activities, and essay carry more weight.

If Your Test Scores Are Stronger Than Your GPA

If you:

• Have a modest GPA, but
• Scored relatively high on the SAT or ACT,

then sending your scores can help balance your application. Even if CAU is test optional for your entry term, it can be strategic to submit scores in this case.

Applying to Clark Atlanta from Within Atlanta

Most local students interact with Clark Atlanta in one of three ways:

1. Traditional first-year applicants from Atlanta-area high schools
2. Transfer students from local colleges like Atlanta Metropolitan State College, Georgia State University (GSU), or Atlanta Technical College
3. Adult/returning learners based in the city

1. First-Year Atlanta Applicants

If you’re a current high school senior in Atlanta:

• Check the Clark Atlanta University Office of Admissions page for current test-optional status for your entry term.
• Make a plan based on your strengths:
  • Skip scores if they’re out of line with your GPA.
  • Submit scores if they help or are required for a scholarship or program.

📝 Tip for APS and metro-area students:
Many Atlanta high schools offer fee waivers, SAT/ACT prep, and counseling support. Talk to your school counselor early–they often know what Clark Atlanta has been expecting from recent local applicants.

2. Transfer Students in Atlanta

For transfer applicants—from schools like:

• Atlanta Metropolitan State College
• Georgia State University (Downtown campus)
• Atlanta Technical College
• Chattahoochee Technical College (for those commuting in)

CAU usually focuses more on:

• Your college GPA
• The number of completed credit hours
• Whether your coursework aligns with your intended major

In many transfer cases, SAT/ACT scores are not central, especially if you’ve completed enough college-level credits. Still, you should confirm if your specific program has any test-related requirements.

3. Adult & Non-Traditional Students in Atlanta

If you’ve been out of school for a while and are working in Atlanta—maybe in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the Airport area—you may be considering going back to school at CAU.

For non-traditional applicants:

• Academic history, work experience, and prior college credits often matter more.
• Test requirements may be relaxed or waived, depending on your profile and the program.

Because these paths can be very individual, it’s worth contacting CAU Admissions directly to ask how test optional applies in your case.

How to Decide: Should You Submit SAT/ACT Scores to Clark Atlanta?

Here’s a simple decision path you can use as an Atlanta-based applicant:

1. Is CAU test optional for your entry term?

   • If yes, continue.
   • If no, you’ll need scores.

2. Are your scores close to or above the level you’d expect for a competitive CAU applicant?

   • If yes, consider submitting them.
   • If no, and you have a strong GPA, consider applying without scores (if allowed).

3. Are you applying for scholarships or honors programs that mention test scores?

   • If yes, follow their stated requirements and send scores if needed.

4. Are you unsure how competitive your profile is in Atlanta?

   • Talk to your school counselor or a local college advisor.
   • Consider attending a CAU info session in the Atlanta University Center area.

Local Atlanta Resources That Can Help

Living in Atlanta gives you access to in-person support that can make the test-optional decision easier.

Clark Atlanta University Admissions Office (On Campus)

If you’re able to get to Southwest Atlanta, you can visit or contact:

Clark Atlanta University – Office of Admissions
223 James P. Brawley Drive SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Main Phone (Central Switchboard): Often publicly listed; check current directory for the latest direct Admissions number.

You can:

• Ask directly whether your intended entry term is test optional.
• Confirm requirements for your major and scholarships.
• Get clarity on whether your scores will help or hurt your application.

Atlanta High School Counselors and College Advising Programs

Many Atlanta schools and organizations help students navigate test-optional policies, including:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) counseling offices
• College and career centers at local high schools
• Community-based college access organizations around Metro Atlanta

These local advisors often see multiple CAU applicants each year and can share what has worked for recent Atlanta students.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Students Considering CAU

If you’re weighing whether to test or go test optional for Clark Atlanta:

• Register for a test if you can, but don’t panic if it doesn’t go well.
  Being in Atlanta means you have access to multiple SAT and ACT testing sites and retake options. If CAU is test optional when you apply, you can choose not to send a weak score.

• Focus heavily on your transcript.
  Since CAU’s test-optional approach often emphasizes GPA and coursework, do as well as you can in your classes, especially core subjects.

• Craft a strong, personal essay.
  Your essay is a major opportunity to show who you are as an Atlanta student—your neighborhood, your community work, your goals, and why you want to attend an HBCU in the city.

• Highlight your local involvement.
  Participation in Atlanta-based programs, churches, nonprofits, or jobs can help paint a fuller picture of your leadership and initiative.

In summary: Clark Atlanta University has been test optional for many first-year applicants in recent cycles, especially for general admission, but requirements can vary by year, program, and scholarship. As an Atlanta-based applicant, you should:

• Check CAU’s current admissions policy for your term.
• Decide strategically whether submitting SAT/ACT scores helps or hurts your application.
• Use local resources—high school counselors, CAU Admissions, and Atlanta college access programs—to get personalized guidance grounded in the Atlanta context.