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.  Click here to see some Frequently Asked Questions about our test optional policy.

Learn more 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 TOEFL or IELTS scores

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

Nursing Admission

• 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 TOEFL or IELTS scores
• 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, as we admit students on a rolling basis for all programs.

To receive full consideration for freshman admission and awarded financial aid, please be sure to submit all official supporting documents such as transcripts and test scores along with your application.

Application Deadlines

• General Admissions: rolling admission
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing: February 15*

*The priority application deadline for the Fall cohort of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing is February 15. 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 Admissions: rolling admission
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing: March 4 (if application was submitted by February 15)**

**Admissions decisions for Fall Nursing cohort students will be sent beginning March 4, if the applicant submitted their completed application by the February 15 priority deadline. Students are encouraged to submit their $150 enrollment deposit to confirm their space in the cohort as soon as they receive their offer of admission.

Tuition Deposit Deadline

• Fall Term (all majors): May 1***
• Spring Term (all majors except Nursing): December 1

***Nursing students: the enrollment deposit priority deadline is May 1. All BSN applicants who were offered a space in the Fall cohort are encouraged to submit their $150 enrollment deposit by May 1, so that they do not lose their place in the cohort. We will not hold their 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: Room Deposit Deadline

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