Test-Optional Policy FAQs
Saint Mary’s College has a test-optional admissions policy for first-year students.
The policy change makes submitting SAT or ACT test scores optional for admissions purposes. Students have the option to include their test scores if they feel those scores support their potential as a Saint Mary’s student. Saint Mary’s made this decision based on our Lasallian Core Principles of Inclusive Community and Concern for the Poor and Social Justice. We determined that standardized test scores may not accurately indicate the academic ability for all student populations, including people lacking access to test preparation courses and tutors; those who can’t afford to retake the test; students with learning and physical differences; and English language learners.
We know that successful Saint Mary’s students are more than an assigned number or ranking. We are interested in the full scope of a student’s capabilities and character, not just their ability to take tests. Our holistic application-review process allows us to maintain high academic standards and ensures that students with the capacity to succeed will be admitted, regardless of whether they submit test scores.
As long as you meet other admissions requirements, you get to decide if your test scores represent your accomplishments and potential. If you feel they don’t, you can choose to leave them out of your application. You will not be penalized if you don’t submit your scores or decide not to take the test, and your application will be evaluated for the same admission and merit scholarships consideration as students who do submit scores. There are some circumstances in which students are still required to submit scores; please see our FAQ page for these cases.
*Last Updated on September 2, 2021
It depends. Students applying for undergraduate admission to Saint Mary’s College may choose not to submit their test scores. A few students will fall into categories that are required to submit test scores. Students who are required to submit test scores include:
- Student-athletes who have been recruited to play in one of Saint Mary’s College Division I programs are required to submit official ACT or SAT scores as per the NCAA eligibility rules. For students applying for the spring 2022 and fall 2022 terms, this requirement has been waived, and you do not need to include test scores in your application.
- Homeschooled students who are not affiliated with a charter/private school or a district-led independent study program must submit ACT or SAT scores. These students must also submit official results of the GED or state-approved High School Proficiency Examination.
- Students attending a portfolio school, or a school that does not provide grades or a convertible grade point average must provide ACT or SAT scores.
Yes. 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.
No, transfer students do not have to submit SAT or ACT scores under any circumstances. Click here for more information on transfer admissions requirements.
No, this will apply to all first-year students moving forward. This is a permanent policy change.
All applications will be evaluated utilizing a student’s overall academic record for merit-based scholarships, regardless of whether they submit test scores.
Once you submit your application and select Yes under the “Test-Optional” application question, 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., have submitted them to us.
If you feel that your scores reflect your potential as a Saint Mary’s College student, please submit them. If you feel that your academic ability is better demonstrated by the strength of your high school coursework, grades, and other application materials, you can choose not to submit standardized test scores.