Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024
The Observer

University admissions to continue test-optional policy in 2022 and 2023

Notre Dame will continue its test-optional admissions policy for the 2022 and 2023 application years. The move is a continuation of the policy announced in June, which had been in the works for years, but was catalyzed by concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic and the accessibility of standardized testing.

The current policy allows applicants to choose whether or not to submit a standardized test score to be evaluated with their application, with the goal of letting students decide what they think is their strongest application.

The policy also extends to transfer applicants and all decision plans, including restrictive early action, regular decision and consideration for all merit scholarships.

“Notre Dame has always been committed to a holistic evaluation process,” associate vice president of undergraduate enrollment Don Bishop said. “Over the past 10 years, we have been less reliant on a student’s test score in our final assessment. This year, under the leadership of Director of Admissions Christy Pratt, we feel confident that our evaluation process remains strong and we are selecting students who will find success at Notre Dame.”

Bishop also said the most competitive applicants are people with multiple interests and passions, in addition to being involved in their schools and communities.

“They have a driving ambition for and track record in using their energies to improve the world around them,” he said.

Announcing the policy now allows prospective students and their counselors time to make informed decisions, Bishop said.

“We want students to know that we continue to be committed to providing access and equity in our application process during these uncertain times,” Bishop said.

The application and evaluation process will continue to include students' academic performances in high school and review the rigor of the curriculum pursued. The evaluation will also continue to review written essays, letters of recommendation and the students' resumes.

The University will also continue to adhere to the rules as stated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the recruitment of and application review process for student-athletes.

Notre Dame recently released its restrictive early action decisions (REA) in December, admitting 1,673 students to the class of 2025 in the largest REA pool ever.