ACT/SAT/CLT Waived for Applicants with GPA requirement
What does test optional mean?
Standardized test scores will supplement a student’s application but will not be required for an admission decision if the GPA requirement is met. Students can decide whether or not to submit test scores for consideration. For those who choose not to submit test scores, academic transcripts will be the primary source for making an admission decision and assigning academic scholarships.
Why is Ohio Christian implementing this change?
Due to the current climate, current high school seniors have had limited opportunities to take standardized tests (ACT, SAT, CLT) due to testing cancellations. However, more testing opportunities are becoming readily available. As a result, Ohio Christian would like to make the college admissions process more accessible to those students who do meet the GPA requirement by becoming test optional. And for those students who do not meet the GPA requirement OCU would like to make the college admissions process more accessible as well with an acceptable ACT score.
Will Ohio Christian still look at ACT, SAT or CLT test scores?
Yes. Test optional does not mean test blind. If we have a student’s scores at the time of acceptance, we will factor the scores into the admission decision and the financial aid awarding process. If test scores are received post-acceptance, those scores can still qualify the students for additional financial aid or help them meet content proficiency requirements for certain majors and courses. Submitting supplemental test scores can only assist a student in potentially receiving additional financial aid.
When will testing be required again?
Any incoming students for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 will need to submit test scores for acceptance purposes if GPA requirement is not met.
Should an applicant submit a test score?
While not required if the GPA requirement is met, submitting supplemental test scores may grant students the following:
- Opportunity to gain admission if high school GPA is low
- Increased financial aid opportunities
- Direct entry into majors with test requirements
Will applicants without test scores qualify for academic scholarships?
Students without test scores may qualify for one of the following academic scholarships based on their academic transcripts.
- Cumulative GPA 3.75-4.0 - $5,000 Provost Scholarship
- Cumulative GPA 3.5-3.75 - $3,000 Merit Scholarship
- Cumulative GPA 3.25-3.5 - $2,000 Academic Achievement Scholarship
- Cumulative GPA 3.0-3.25 - $1,000 Academic Achievement Scholarship
Some subject areas require proficiency standards for entering students that have historically been satisfied through standardized test scores. How will proficiency be evaluated for students without test scores?
At Ohio Christian, only our Education programs currently require a standardized test score for admittance into the program. Ohio Christian offers on campus ACT institutional testing for current students seeking admittance into the Education programs. Most of our students have their freshmen year to test and gain admittance into these programs, and for students without a test score, testing is free.
How is this change being communicated to families?
We are actively communicating this change to prospective students and families via email, social media, and our website.
