You are more than a number

Women writing in NotebookNumbers cannot easily show the determination, strengths, and talent of the women who choose Saint Mary’s. That’s why we are honoring our approach to a student-centered education. As we get to know you better, test scores become just one of the factors taken into consideration.

On-campus research and insights in higher education tell us that your high school record — your grades and the rigor of your coursework — is the most important factor in the application process and best predicts how you'll perform at the college level. For this reason, we now also offer an option for qualified students to omit ACT and SAT test scores.

Why Test Optional?

Research shows that standardized test scores are strongly correlated with gender, income, ethnicity, and parental education. As a Catholic women's college, we aim to create a fair environment in which students are considered. We want to engage all students, no matter their background, who have the potential to achieve great success here at Saint Mary's. Both our external and internal research also demonstrate that your high school record - your grades and the rigor of your coursework - is the most important factor in the review process and best predicts how you'll perform at the college level.

Saint Mary's is now test optional

* The Office of Admission reserves the right to request additional documents, such as an academic writing sample and/or a teacher recommendation, if we believe it will give us a clearer sense of your preparation for Saint Mary's during the holistic review process.

**International students are not eligible to apply test optional