Creighton University adopts test-optional policy for first-year applicants in 2020

OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Creighton University will become the first Midwest Jesuit University to adopt test-optional admission for freshman applicants, beginning in 2020.

"Creighton is drawing on its Jesuit mission and strategic initiative of diversity and inclusion to allow more students to pursue a Creighton education," said the Rev. Daniel Hendrickson, SJ, PhD, Creighton University president. "We are committed to access and inclusion and to celebrating a rich diversity of identities, backgrounds, and experiences."

Test-optional admissions allows students to choose whether to include ACT/SAT scores in their admission application, especially for those who may feel their scores don't fully reflect their academic abilities. First-year applicants considering programs other than nursing, are eligible for Creighton's test-optional method of application. Some form of standardized testing will, however, be required for students who attend high school outside of the United States as well as for home homeschooled students.  

"We believe our application review process should reflect our values as a Catholic, Jesuit institution," said Mary Chase, vice provost for enrollment management and strategic planning. "We maintain and value a holistic review of all submitted application materials. We also believe the full evaluation of a high school record to be of critical importance to demonstrate a student's preparedness and academic abilities over time. By eliminating required test scores, students applying for admission to Creighton will have the freedom to decide which information best represents their skills and college readiness."

The test-optional initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between the offices of Enrollment Management and Diversity and Inclusion. The move underscores the commitment the University has made to remove any test bias or other barriers to making a Creighton education a reality for students who will thrive at the University. For more information about the test-optional admission policy visit admissions.creighton.edu/test-optional.

The University will continue to encourage students to take the SAT, ACT, and other standard collegiate admissions tests as they are an important part of Creighton's holistic admissions process for students who ultimately are admitted, and are a required part of the application process at many other selective colleges and universities.

Once enrolled, students will be required to submit official ACT or SAT score results for the purposes of determining the validity of the test-optional policy. This will include the review of the University's advising process and will ensure that these students will be successful in the programs of their choice.

About Creighton University: Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, enrolls 4,255 undergraduates and 4,399 graduate and professional students among nine schools and colleges. No other university its size offers students such a comprehensive academic environment with personal attention from faculty-mentors. Jesuit and Catholic, it affords incomparable inter-professional education, bridging eight health professions programs with law, business and the arts and sciences – all on one walkable campus. Creighton has been a top-ranked university in the U.S. News & World Report for 20 years

SOURCE Creighton University

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