SAT and ACT Exams

Seattle University employs a holistic review of your application materials to determine admission. Part of that holistic review includes evaluation of student performance on the SAT or ACT exam, both of which are optional for all first-time in college applicants. 

If you choose to submit your test scores, Seattle University will use the highest sub-scores on both the ACT and SAT Reasoning tests when making admission and scholarship decisions and in the advisement and course placement of first-time freshmen.

Since we use the highest separate scores from different test administrations, we strongly encourage students to provide Seattle University with all their results from all administrations of the ACT and or SAT.

• Test scores must be received from first-time freshman applicants no later than November 15 for those applying for early action and no later than January 15 for those applying for regular admission consideration.
• We will provisionally accept self-reported scores from the Common Application to complete applications, but students are required to send official scores if they choose to attend SU.

International students

Although it is not required for international students to submit the SAT or ACT, the Admissions Office strongly recommends international students take either exam and submit their scores. SAT or ACT scores are not required for international students to be eligible for merit scholarships.

Use of test scores

Your SAT and ACT scores are considered as a greater part of the Seattle University admissions review process. In addition, the scores can be helpful for us to understand future course placement or advising recommendations. Some majors have minimum test score requirements for direct entry. See “Direct Entry Admission” below for more information.

Should you feel your exam scores are not an accurate portrayal of your college readiness, you are not required to submit your scores. If you choose to do so, please use the “Additional Information” section of the Common Application to provide an explanation.

We also recommend you reach out to your Admissions Counselor if you have questions about your exam scores and your application to Seattle University.

Direct Entry Admission

Seattle University offers Direct Entry for students who have selected a major at the time of application. For instance, if a student indicates "Nursing" on the Common Application, that student will be considered for admission to Seattle University in the Nursing program. If admitted, that student will be eligible to begin taking classes—or pre-requisites—in the Nursing program from the start of their enrollment at SU.

If a student submits their test scores, some programs require minimum scores for Direct Entry consideration. Those majors include:

*with the exception of Pre-Science and Pre-Engineering

Please note that the minimum requirements apply to students who submit their test scores. 

Students who have not yet selected a major should contact the Admissions Office to learn more about our Academic Pathways (UndeclareD), Pre-Business, Pre-Science and Pre-Engineering programs.