COVID-19 Admissions FAQs
Please note that some policy adjustments below are meant to address the unique circumstances students are currently facing, and are not reflective of permanent changes to admissions policies or procedures at Saint Mary’s.
If you have an admissions-related question not addressed below, please contact the Office of Admission at (925) 631-4224 or smcadmit@stmarys-ca.edu. You can contact the Office of Financial Aid at (925) 631-4370 or finaid@stmarys-ca.edu. For COVID-19 related questions that do not include admissions processes and/or incoming students, please contact our COVID-19 resource team at (925) 631-5500 or email covid-19_information@stmarys-ca.edu.
*Last Update September 9, 2020
Yes, we have space for students to join Saint Mary's for spring 2021 and fall 2021 as either a first-year or transfer student. Students who have applied but did not attend Saint Mary's for the following terms -- spring 19, fall 19, spring 20, fall 20 -- may reactivate their application. All other students are invited to apply for spring 2021 and fall 2021.
Our application links can be found here!
For admissions consideration for spring 2021 and fall 2021, we will accept your unofficial transcript in lieu of your official transcript for both first-year and transfer students. First-year students will be required to submit an official final high school transcript prior to matriculation and transfer students will be required to submit official transcripts of all undergraduate institutions attended. First-year and transfer students should be able to locate their unofficial transcript via their school's online portal. You can email us that transcript at smcadmit@stmarys-ca.edu. Should you have any further questions or concerns about locating your transcript, please contact us.
A "Pass" grade will satisfy our core requirements for admissions eligibility.
Pass grades in spring 2020 and fall 2020 courses at external institutions will satisfy general education requirements at Saint Mary's.
No, Saint Mary’s requires that a student receive a 5, 6 or 7 on higher level exams to receive academic credit.
Due to the recent test cancellations and closed test centers for both the College Board and ACT, Inc., Saint Mary’s College of California will not require an SAT or ACT score for those applying for college admission for spring 2021 or fall 2021. Any previous GPA requirements for test-optional eligibility will be waived. Students who have already taken an SAT or ACT test and feel that their test scores enhance their admissions application may submit scores but are not required to do so. All students who apply with or without test scores will be reviewed holistically, be evaluated equally for admission and merit scholarships.
If you’ve been admitted and your financial situation has changed, you can file a financial aid appeal due to a reduction in income, changes in health, or other extenuating circumstances. You can contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@stmarys-ca.edu or (925) 631-4370 for additional information on how to begin the appeal process.
Yes. International students do not have to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, we do require international students to provide proof of English proficiency, which can be satisfied in a number of ways, including test scores.
Click here for a full list of ways to demonstrate English proficiency.