Test Optional FAQ

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.

Test-optional means that we invite prospective students to choose whether or not they would like to submit their standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) for review as part of their admissions process.

Test-blind means that we would not review standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) for general admission, even if they were submitted with an application.

Students are our top priority at Chaminade University of Honolulu. That’s why we adopted a holistic admission process, with a test-optional approach. We understand the barriers standardized tests place on our students. 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.

Beginning with the Fall 2022 entering class, Chaminade University of Honolulu will be a test-optional institution going forward.

To give us a better understanding of each prospective student, applicants are required to submit a brief written statement as part of the application process.

In this space, we invite you to share with us your passions and stories so that we can see exactly how you would contribute to our ‘ohana. This brief written statement can describe 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. If standardized test-scores (SAT or ACT) are submitted, we will consider those as an additional example of their overall academic potential. 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, we will include them as part of your application review. If you would prefer for us not to review your application with consideration of your test scores, please email us at [email protected], so that we can update your application.

Students who wish to submit their test scores are able to do so. Admissions Readers will take your standardized test scores into consideration when holistically reviewing your application for admission.

Chaminade University will not penalize students for the absence of a standardized test score. We strongly endorse a student-centered, holistic approach to admission that will not disadvantage any student without a test score in their application.

Chaminade University will not penalize students for the absence of a standardized test score when applying for scholarships. Institutional scholarships will take a test blind approach, and award scholarships 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.