Chaminade University’s Test-Optional & Holistic Approach

Students are our top priority at Chaminade University of Honolulu. That’s why we have adopted a holistic admissions process, and are moving forward with a test-optional approach for prospective students in all future admissions cycles.

Test-optional means that we will give prospective students the option of whether or not to submit their standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) for general admission. Students will not be penalized if they choose not to submit test scores.

We know that many students don’t feel that test scores are the best reflection of their academic potential, and Chaminade wants to make sure we give students every opportunity to provide a well-rounded application for admission. 

We encourage students to share their story in their application. We want to get a sense of who you are outside the classroom. What are your responsibilities, activities, passions and hobbies? Your activities list (resume) and writing (essays and short responses) can help showcase the student behind the grades. Recommendation letters may also help share your story. At Chaminade, we are approachable too, and would even welcome the chance to speak or meet with you, even if virtually.

View Frequently Asked Questions about our test-optional policy >>

General Admissions

• Submit your completed Application for Admission
• Submit your official high school transcript(s)
  • GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Submit a brief written statement describing your interest in pursuing your degree at Chaminade University of Honolulu, and any related extracurricular activities that have prepared you for your educational goals.  This statement must be a minimum of 250 words. 
• If English is not your first language, submit proof of English proficiency
  • TOEFL – Minimum score on the TOEFL–IBT is 79.
  • IELTS- Minimum score of 6.5
  • PTE – Minimum score of 53

You can submit your application through the Chaminade website or through Common Application, as early as September 1.

Nursing Admission to the Traditional Four-Year BSN

• Submit your completed Application for Admission
• Submit your official high school transcript(s)
  • G.P.A of 2.75 or higher
• Earned a grade of C or better in the following high school courses (or college equivalent):
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Algebra II
• If English is not your first language, submit proof of English proficiency
  • TOEFL – Minimum score on the TOEFL–IBT is 79.
  • IELTS- Minimum score of 6.5
  • PTE – Minimum score of 53
• Two (2) letters of recommendation
• Nursing Personal Statement (250-300 words)
  • Please describe your interest in nursing, specifically at the Chaminade School of Nursing and Health Professions, and any related extracurricular activities that have prepared you for your career goals.

You can submit your application through the Chaminade website as early as September 1.

Deadlines

We encourage you to apply as early as possible, so that you can receive your admissions decision, and take important steps towards securing your place in our incoming class, as well as applying for scholarships, financial aid and housing.

Application Deadlines

General Applicants:

• Fall Term: rolling admissions
• Spring Term: December 1 priority deadline

Nursing Applicants

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): February 15 priority deadline
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Accelerated Track: April 1 priority deadline

Applications for the traditional four-year BSN are only accepted for the Fall term. We will not begin reviewing BSN applications until February 16. Nursing applications received after February 15 will be still be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. If an applicant meets the requirements for admission to the Chaminade BSN program, but no space is available, the student will be placed on our Fall Nursing waitlist, and notified if a space becomes available.

Notification Deadline

• General Applicants: rolling admission and notification
• Nursing Applicants: March 4

We will begin reviewing Nursing applications after the February 15^th Priority Deadline. Nursing application decisions will be released beginning March 4th for those applicants who submitted a complete application by February 15^th. Nursing applications received after February 15 will still be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. If an applicant meets the requirements for admission to the Chaminade BSN program, but no space is available, the student will be placed on our Fall Nursing waitlist, and notified if a space becomes available.

Tuition Deposit Deadline

• General Applicants
  • Fall Term: May 1 priority deadline
  • Spring Term: December 1 priority deadline
• Nursing Applicants
  • Fall Term: Students offered admission to the BSN are encouraged to submit their $150 enrollment deposit as soon as they receive their admissions decision, in order to confirm their space in the cohort.
  • If you were offered admission to the Fall BSN cohort, we will not hold your space in the program after May 1. Beginning May 2, if there is still space available in the Fall cohort, waitlisted BSN applicants will begin receiving offers of admission to the Fall cohort.

Residence Life: Housing Deposit Deadline

• Fall Term: June 15
• Spring Term: December 1