First-Year Applicants

At Marymount, a first-year student is defined as a first-time college student. Most first-year students enroll at the university directly out of high school.

General Admission Requirements

Applicants to the first-year class may be considered for admission if their high school grade point average is 2.6 or better on a 4.0 scale.

The following minimum high school courses are recommended:

*It is strongly recommended that applicants to the Malek School of Health Professions programs have completed high school biology and chemistry.

Applicants who do not meet these regular admission standards are referred to a committee that evaluates each student’s academic potential to admit those who have the best prospect for success.

All applicants must submit the following items to be considered for admission:

• a completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee of $40
• the recommendation form completed by a high school counselor or other appropriate school official
• evidence of graduation or expected graduation from an accredited high school (Marymount will also consider on a case-by-case basis students who have participated in an approved home-school program)
• a high school transcript showing academic performance and a minimum of 15 high school credits in preparatory courses

An essay or untimed writing sample of at least 250 but no more than 500 words is required for applicants to Marymount scholarly programs. An essay may also be required by the Admissions Committee on a case-by-case basis.

In reviewing an applicant’s high school record, the Admissions Committee is more concerned with the quality of preparation than with the numerical distribution of courses. The Admissions Committee also takes into consideration the educational objectives and specific needs of the particular applicant.

Students entering Marymount with college-level coursework or work experience may be eligible for credit. See Other Credit-Acquisition Opportunities for further information.

Test Optional Consideration

First-year students with a high school grade point average above 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 will not be required to submit SAT or ACT test scores for admission consideration. Test optional consideration is an alternative for students who believe that their test scores do not adequately reflect their level of academic achievement or predict their potential. Qualifying for test optional review does not guarantee admission to Marymount.

Test optional candidates will submit academic credentials that exhibit the following:

• A minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Evidence of strong performance in a challenging high school curriculum as demonstrated by having taken a robust college preparatory selection of courses.
• Strong leadership and motivation, as demonstrated by extracurricular, work, or service experiences.

Applicants described below must submit standardized test scores:

• Applicants who are applying for Marymount scholarly programs (Honors, PT Scholars, Clare Booth Luce, Counseling Scholars, and Forensic and Legal Psychology Scholars) will be asked for test scores with the program applications.
• Applicants who are home-schooled.
• Applicants with a high school grade point average below a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants who believe their SAT scores represent a strong, positive component of their academic portfolio may still submit them as a core element of their application package. Applicants that meet the test optional criteria do not need to provide SAT or ACT scores to compete for academic merit-based scholarships.