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No Test Required Admission Policy

Saint Xavier University (SXU) does not require standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) for first-year applicants, however, applicants are encouraged to read the information below for additional important details and guidance on when sending scores may be advantageous. 

Freshman applicants for all majors (including nursing): ACT or SAT test scores are not required. We encourage students to apply and send their high school transcript (as well as a nursing essay for nursing applicants) for review. In some cases, after initial review of your application and transcript, our Admission Committee may request additional materials in order to make a more informed admission decision. Additional materials may include test scores, grades from the first semester of senior year, an essay, etc.

While not required, it may be beneficial for students to send their test scores. Students are encouraged to send their scores if they feel the scores would add to their overall profile and see the scores as a good representation of themselves. Scores will not be held against students and can only be helpful in the review process!

Students applying for nursing who scored a minimum 1060 SAT Total (or 21 ACT composite) are encouraged to send scores. And, students applying to other programs who scored a minimum 970 SAT Total (or 18 ACT composite) are also encouraged to send scores. Test scores can be requested from the testing agency (SXU's ACT code is 1134 and SAT code is 1708). We also accept scores from the high school transcript as well.

International Students: International students for spring and fall have specific admission requirements and deadlines and are encouraged to review our international student application requirements page.

Freshman Admission Policy FAQs

We've found that test scores do not always provide an accurate picture of a student's academic ability. Many student struggle with test anxiety, and others may not have had access to test prep courses or materials in their high school. As a result, we've adjusted our admission policy accordingly.

No. In fact, numerous national studies show that students' performance in high school is a better predictor of college success than a standardized test score, including a recent study by researchers at the University of Chicago. Our internal research supports this as well. Many colleges are implementing and continuing similar policies. We value the preparation students receive in our area high schools and trust the courses taken and grades are an excellent predictor of students' ability to succeed in college.

No. Our School of Nursing and Health Sciences will review applicants for admission without a test score. An essay is required of all nursing applicants; it should describe why you want to be a nurse and why you want to attend Saint Xavier University. After initial review, our Admission Committee may ask for additional materials in order to make a more informed admission decision. HOWEVER, students applying for nursing who took the ACT or SAT and scored a minimum 21 ACT composite (or a 1060 SAT Total) are encouraged to send their scores now. Test scores can be requested from the testing agency (SXU's ACT code is 1134 and SAT code is 1708). We also accept scores from the high school transcript as well.

You don't need to send the scores. However, it could be beneficial to send your scores. Your scores will not be held against you and can only help your application! We'll review your application for admission and high school transcript (and nursing essay for nursing applicants). After initial review, our Admission Committee may ask for additional materials in order to make a more informed admission decision. Students applying for nursing who scored a minimum 21 ACT composite (1060 SAT Total) are encouraged to send scores. Students applying to other programs who scored a minimum 18 ACT composite (970 SAT Total) are also encouraged to send scores. Test scores can be requested from the testing agency (SXU's ACT code is 1134 and SAT code is 1708). We also accept scores from the high school transcript as well.

No. Test scores are not considered in the awarding of merit scholarships. 

Students are reviewed for admission based on their high school transcripts. After initial review of your application and transcript, our Admission Committee may request additional materials in order to make an informed admission decision. Requested materials may include things like grades from your first semester of senior year, an essay, letter of recommendation or your test scores.

For high schools whose standard grading scale is a 4.0 scale, we'll use the weighted GPA. This ensures that students get any additional points earned for honors, AP or IB courses. For schools whose standard GPA scale is not on a 4.0 scale, we'll first convert the scale to a 4.0 scale and then use the converted weighted GPA to ensure students receive any additional points for honors, AP or IB courses.

If your scores help your application, we'll consider them. Your scores will not be held against you and can only help your application!

No. Recruited athletes are not required to submit test scores and should use the guidance above to determine whether or not they would like test scores included in the review of their application.