Notre Dame: ACT/SAT Exams Optional
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe University of Notre Dame says students applying for admission for the class of 2025 will not be required to submit standardized test scores.
The institution says its decision is part of a one-year pilot program, which may be extended for future years.
ND says first-year and transfer applicants will not be required to submit SAT or ACT test scores as part of their application for undergraduate admission.
“Over the past 10 years, we have been less reliant on a student’s test score in our final assessment. It’s important for members of the enrollment management community to review and analyze standardized tests, including the SAT and ACT, and their impact to the selection process in the fuller context of student success,” said Don Bishop, associate vice president of enrollment for Notre Dame.
Bishop said the test-optional approach reflects conversations that leaders of Notre Dame’s admissions, scholarship and financial aid community have been conducting for a number of years.
The school in South Bend said the move empowers students to decide what they consider to be the strongest application put forward to Notre Dame that may or may not include a standardized test score.
“Moving to test-optional creates a pathway to Notre Dame for all students in the face of challenges brought on by the pandemic,” Christy Pratt, director of admissions, said. “We want students to know that we continue to be committed to providing access and equity in our application process.”
Pratt said the evaluation process will continue to include the student’s academic performance in high school and a review of the rigor of the curriculum pursued, along with written essays, letters of recommendation and the student’s résumé of extracurricular activities.