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 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:
Because policies can shift, the most reliable approach is:
When CAU lists a program or term as test optional, it generally means:
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.
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.
Below is a simple overview of how test optional typically plays out at CAU. Always double-check the current year’s policy.
| Aspect | What Usually Happens at CAU* |
|---|---|
| General freshman admission | Often test optional, especially in recent cycles |
| Transfer admission | Typically more focused on college GPA than SAT/ACT |
| Scholarships | Some may require or prefer SAT/ACT scores |
| Honors/special programs | May have separate score expectations |
| Local Atlanta applicants | Can usually apply with or without scores, per current policy |
*Policies can change. Always verify with CAU Admissions.
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.
For many Atlanta students, this is where test optional is most helpful:
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 you:
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.
Most local students interact with Clark Atlanta in one of three ways:
If you’re a current high school senior in Atlanta:
📝 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.
For transfer applicants—from schools like:
CAU usually focuses more on:
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.
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:
Because these paths can be very individual, it’s worth contacting CAU Admissions directly to ask how test optional applies in your case.
Here’s a simple decision path you can use as an Atlanta-based applicant:
Is CAU test optional for your entry term?
Are your scores close to or above the level you’d expect for a competitive CAU applicant?
Are you applying for scholarships or honors programs that mention test scores?
Are you unsure how competitive your profile is in Atlanta?
Living in Atlanta gives you access to in-person support that can make the test-optional decision easier.
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:
Many Atlanta schools and organizations help students navigate test-optional policies, including:
These local advisors often see multiple CAU applicants each year and can share what has worked for recent Atlanta students.
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: