Test-Optional Policy FAQs
Saint Mary’s College is pleased to announce a new test-optional admissions policy for first-year students applying for fall 2021 and beyond. Learn more about our decision to become test optional here.
*Last Update September 9, 2020
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 and will be evaluated equally for admission and merit scholarships.
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 with test scores. Click here for a full list of ways to demonstrate English proficiency.
Saint Mary’s College test-optional admissions policy is permanent for first-year students applying for fall 2021 and beyond.
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 so. All students who apply with or without test scores will be reviewed holistically, be evaluated equally for admission and merit scholarships.
No, transfer students do not have to submit SAT or ACT scores under any circumstances. Click here for more information on transfer admissions requirements.
All applications will be evaluated utilizing a student’s overall academic record for merit-based scholarships, regardless of whether they submit test scores for admissions purposes.
Once you submit your application and select Yes under the “Test-Optional” application question and you meet the requirements for applying test-optional, we will not consider your test scores for admission or merit scholarships, even if they are sent to us. For this reason, we ask that you make your choice carefully when submitting your application.
Yes. When you submit your application to Saint Mary’s College, you can select Yes under the “Test-Optional” application question and your scores will not be considered for admissions purposes*, even if the testing agency, high school, etc., has submitted them to us.
*For students who meet test-optional requiremnts, please see FAQ on student requirements above.