What does test-optional mean?
John Carroll University practices no-harm, test-optional admission. This means you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores when you apply.
- If you choose to submit scores, and they strengthen your application, we'll consider them.
- If your scores don't help your application, our no-harm policy ensures that we will ignore them.
- Any test scores submitted and used for admission are superscored.
- If you choose to apply without your test scores, we will place additional weight on the rigor of your high school curriculum and course grades, particularly in English and math courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students applying test-optional for fall 2026 may elect to change their decision by submitting a formal request in writing to their admission counselor, along with a copy of their test scores, by January 2, 2026. We will only be able to consider SAT and ACT scores for tests taken through December 2025.
John Carroll University has always taken a holistic approach to reviewing admission applications. This means we look at all of the items in your application, including your academic performance, rigor of coursework, essay, recommendations, co-curricular involvement, and SAT/ACT scores (if you decide to submit them). Because JCU considers applicants holistically, the review process for students submitting scores and those not submitting scores will be very similar.
All students admitted to JCU will automatically be considered for a merit scholarship, regardless of whether or not they have submitted ACT or SAT scores.
Listed scholarship values are annual amounts that automatically renew for a total of four years as long as academic and conduct standards are maintained. Students are notified of their scholarship at the time of admission.
Magis Scholarship Starting at $28,000
Presidential Scholarship Starting at $25,000
University Scholarship Starting at $21,000
Ignatian Award $18,000
None of the majors at John Carroll University require students to submit a test score when applying.
Transfer applicants who have earned fewer than 24 hours are highly encouraged to submit an ACT or SAT score if they have previously taken either test. Transfer applicants who have fewer than 24 hours and who have not taken the ACT or SAT should contact their admission counselor for more information.
International applicants will still need to demonstrate English proficiency by submitting either a TOEFL or IELTS score when applying to JCU.
While homeschooled applicants are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of their application, complete and detailed documentation of high school coursework and evaluations of progress from an approved home-school evaluator or supervisor will need to be submitted. For more information, visit jcu.edu/applynow.
Students planning to enter JCU in fall 2026 who wish to apply to the are not required to submit an ACT or SAT score for the Pharmacy or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine programs, though submitting scores is strongly recommended. Submission of an ACT or SAT score is required for the Doctor of Dental Medicine program.
Students applying to the will not be required to submit an ACT or SAT score.
Students are not required to submit test scores in order to be considered for the 3+3 Law Program.
JCU will not require enrolling students to submit scores.
