Test blind means that we will not review standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) for general admission. In the Spring of 2020, we adopted a test-optional policy and invited prospective students to choose whether or not they would like to submit their test scores included as part of admission.
Students are our top priority at Chaminade University of Honolulu. That’s why we adopted a holistic admission process, with a test blind approach, for our prospective students. We understand the barriers standardized tests place on our students. We also know that COVID-19 has brought hardships on many in our community, and across the globe, including our students, prospective students and their families. Our focus is, and always has been, on serving our own community and ensuring everyone has equal access to an affordable high-quality education right here in Hawaii.
As of September 2020, Chaminade has enacted a one-year moratorium on both the requirement and consideration of SAT and/or ACT test scores as part of the undergraduate admissions process. This change will be in effect for all students applying to Chaminade for Spring 2021 and Fall 2021. Future years and policies will be reviewed at a later time.
In lieu of receiving standardized test scores, we are asking that students submit a brief written statement explaining why they are interested in pursuing a degree at Chaminade University of Honolulu. In this space, we invite students to also share with us their passions and stories so that we can see exactly how you would contribute to our ‘ohana. We invite students to 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.
Under a holistic admission review, we are able to make more meaningful admission decisions that look beyond a student’s test scores. We will evaluate a student’s personal qualities based on information from their essays, letters of recommendation, resume, and their demonstrated interest in Chaminade. We will evaluate a student’s academic narrative with a focus not solely based on GPA. We will also review course selection, performance trends, rigor and overall achievement. Together, in consideration of both the personal and the academic narrative, an admission decision will be made.
If you have already submitted your application and test scores that is fine. Your application will be reviewed without consideration of your submitted test scores.
Students who wish to submit their test scores are able to do so. However readers will not take standardized tests scores into consideration when reviewing a student’s application.
If you choose not to submit test scores, you will not be penalized.
Institutional scholarships will also take a test blind approach in that they will be awarded without knowledge or consideration of test scores. This includes not only our merit scholarships, but also our religious scholarships, athletic scholarships, and Native Hawaiian scholarships.
Chaminade will accept AP and IB scores only to award you credit when applicable. Subject test scores will not be a determining factor in your admission to Chaminade University of Honolulu.
