Best Test-Optional California Colleges

California has 55 ranked test-optional colleges, part of our national test-optional list. These schools do not require SAT or ACT scores with your application, ranked by academic quality and outcomes.

Claremont McKenna College tops our 2027 test-optional rankings in California. The top rated public option is University of California Berkeley. Also highly ranked: Pomona College, University of Southern California and Scripps College.

Without test scores, your GPA, activities, recommendation letters, and essays carry more weight. Compare acceptance rates, tuition, and enrollment across the colleges below. Sort by tuition or acceptance rate to find schools that fit your profile. See our ranking methodology for how schools are scored.

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California Test Optional Public Private 4 Year

  • Public 4 Year
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • | 0 reviews
  • Jan 19 application deadline

Cal State LA is a large public university known for undergraduate nursing, business, and criminal justice. The urban campus sits in the hills east of downtown Los Angeles.

#26 Best Public Universities in California 4/10 Overall Rating
  • SAT Range 870-1060
  • Avg GPA 3.31
  • Acceptance Rate 91%
  • Net Price $4,460
Details