How does Brandeis University evaluate applicants under its test optional policy?

Brandeis reads test-optional applications as complete applications, not as incomplete ones. If you do not submit SAT or ACT scores, admissions will put more weight on the parts of your record that are already central anyway: your transcript, course rigor, grades over time, teacher recommendations, activities, writing, and overall fit with the university.

In practice, the academic record matters most. Brandeis will look closely at how challenging your classes were in the context of your school, how consistently you performed, and whether your grades suggest you are ready for their academic environment. Strong AP, IB, honors, or dual enrollment work can help compensate for not submitting a score.

Not sending a score usually does not hurt by itself, but it does mean the rest of the application needs to carry the academic case clearly. That is especially important if your transcript has some weaker spots, limited rigor, or grade fluctuation. If your grades and course load are strong, test optional is much easier to support.