Duquesne Expands SAT/ACT Test-Optional Admission Opportunities

Duquesne has expanded opportunities for standardized test-optional admission for applicants applying as freshmen for fall 2021.

“We know that students and their families have had varying challenges due to the pandemic, including some with less access to standardized tests,” said Joel Bauman, senior vice president for enrollment management. “We want to remove any barriers that may have been caused by the pandemic so our newest students can get here next fall and start achieving their goals.”

Duquesne has offered test-optional admission opportunities for several schools and majors, including in the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Business, for several years. For fall 2021, all 85 majors are available for test-optional applications.

“We appreciate the schools, program directors and faculty who deployed their hallmark compassion and dedication to access and opportunity – and recognized the anxiety and uncertainty for families caused by the pandemic – by expanding test-optional admission to their programs,” Bauman said. “It was the right decision. Inside Higher Ed recently reported that out of 402,000 students who registered to take the SATs in August, 178,600 were unable to because testing centers are closed or limited in capacity.”

Applicants with test scores are still encouraged to submit them. All admitted applicants, regardless of whether they apply with scores or as test-optional, will be considered for academic scholarships.

“Duquesne University has always taken a comprehensive approach to the undergraduate admission process, including considering factors like high school curriculum, academic achievement, demonstrated leadership ability, extracurricular involvement and volunteer experience,” said Debbie Zugates, assistance vice president for undergraduate admission.

More information is available online or by contacting Admissions at 412.396.6222.