SAT and ACT Testing Policy - Valparaiso University

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SAT and ACT Testing Policy

Students applying to Valparaiso University for admission for the 2022–2023 academic years will not be required to submit SAT or ACT scores with their application materials. The test optional policy will be in place on an experimental basis for two years, after which it will be reviewed.

Valpo will provide students the opportunity to demonstrate their potential in a holistic application review that examines various factors in the admission decision, with or without the inclusion of ACT or SAT scores. A student may submit standardized test scores if they wish to have them considered in the application review process.

In addition to the official high school transcript, the personal statement and record of extracurricular activities, including leadership experiences, will be important factors. Letters of recommendation are also encouraged, though not required, to help support a student’s application for admission.

Students who have already taken the SAT or ACT, or who plan to take those exams during the 2022–2023 academic year, may still submit those scores. Valpo will continue the practice of superscoring. If a student does submit test scores, their highest subscores will be considered for admission, course placement, and scholarship eligibility. While these scores are an important part of an application, they are considered in combination with other requirements.

If you are an international student and need a visa to study in the U.S., you are required to submit one of the following: SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, Duolingo, proof of graduating from a U.S. high school, A and O Levels, or IB. (You may submit more than one type of test if you desire.)

Although Valparaiso University will not require applicants to submit standardized test results in their admission review, we have found such tests to be helpful in ascertaining our homeschooled applicants’ academic preparedness. To that end, we encourage homeschooled students to submit any standardized test results that they may have available.