Test Optional | Chapman University
Source: https://www.chapman.edu/admission/undergraduate/how-to-apply/test-optional.aspx
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:22
Test Optional | Chapman University
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Chapman University's undergraduate programs have a test-optional admission policy.
This means most applicants can choose if they want their SAT or ACT scores reviewed
with their application.
For the 2025 application cycle:
76% of applicants were test optional.
75% of admitted students were test optional.
73% of merit-award recipients were test optional.
Who should submit test scores
If you believe your score positively reflects your ability and potential, submit them
with your application.
Keep in mind, we “superscore” SAT scores.
If you have taken the SAT more than once, we will use the highest scores achieved
in each section. Chapman will use the highest composite score on the ACT.
To help you determine whether to submit scores, here are some averages for admitted
students to our Fall 2025 class who submitted scores:
Test Scores
SAT (Math and Verbal)
Top 25%: 1440 or above
Average: 1350
Bottom 25%: 1290 or below
ACT Scores (Composite)
Top 25%: 32 or above
Average: 30
Bottom 25%: 28 or below
Average High School GPA: 3.78
If you would like additional assistance in determining whether to apply test-optional,
you can
reach out to your admission counselor
.
Test-optional exceptions
We strongly recommend that those who are home-schooled or attend a high school that
provides narrative transcripts submit a standardized test score with their application.
If either of these apply to you and you apply without test scores, you may still be
asked to submit them by our admission committee.
In addition, all applicants
who are non-native English speakers must submit proof of English proficiency. Students
who score at least a 600 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section, or
a 24 on both the ACT English and Reading sections, will automatically have this requirement
waived. For more information, visit our
International Admission page
.
Changing test-optional status
If you are a fall first-year applicant and would like to change your test-optional
status after submitting your application, you:
Can change your test-optional status through a form in your
Application Status Page
(which you get access to after applying).
Must submit your request before November 30 (for Early Action/Early Decision) or January
30 (for Regular Decision.
Merit scholarship consideration
You do not need to submit a test score to be considered for a merit scholarship. All
students are reviewed for merit scholarships, whether they applied test optional or
not.
If you choose to submit a test score, it will be utilized for admission and merit
reviews. However, applying as test optional and not submitting a test score will not
hinder your chances. Our review process is truly holistic and our committee reviews
applications in their entirety to determine admission and merit scholarship eligibility. A
test score is one piece of a student’s application, as are extracurricular activities,
a personal statement, short answer questions, etc.
If you need some guidance,
reach out to your counselor
. We’re here to help!
Frequently asked questions
Toggle Section
How does Chapman evaluate students who apply without submitting test scores?
All
applicants are evaluated for admission
based on a holistic review
, which means we factor several components into the admission decision. For both those
who do and do not submit test scores, we will review:
Grade point average (including grade trends and academic performance overall)
Strength of curriculum
Leadership and extracurricular activities
Personal Statement and Chapman University questions
Letters of recommendation
Academic major and preparation for major
Does this policy apply to transfer applicants?
If you are applying as a transfer applicant there is no requirement to submit SAT/ACT
scores as part of the transfer application review process.
How do I indicate that I want to apply without submitting test scores?
When completing your Common Application, indicate that you want to apply as test-optional.
What if I don’t want to submit test scores but they are sent from a testing agency
or included on my transcript?
As long as you indicate on your application that you are applying as test optional,
we will not use scores when reviewing your file.
If I apply without submitting test scores, will I still be considered for merit aid
and institutional awards?
Yes, all applicants are considered for
institutional awards
and need-based aid.
Why did Chapman adopt a test-optional policy?
There were two compelling benefits that drove our decision to go test optional:
Further align admission requirements with student success:
Our admission process helps us select students who will succeed at Chapman and positively
contribute to our campus community. Our multi-year research study showed a declining
correlation between a student’s success at Chapman and their standardized test score.
Expand access to a Chapman education:
The mission of the University is to provide a distinguished and personalized education
to students who will thrive here. Making test scores an optional part of the admission
process will help us bring in students who might not have been admitted because they
didn’t perform well on a single test.
When are the latest SAT or ACT testing dates considered for Early Decision, Early
Action and Regular Decision applicants?
For Early Decision and Early Action applicants
: The latest testing dates that can be considered are in October. It's okay that your
scores may not be in your file until after the November 1 application deadline, as
they will still be received in time for review.
For Regular Decision applicants
: The latest testing dates that can be considered are test dates in December.
Please alert the Admission Committee of any future testing dates you plan to sit for
by indicating it in the "Testing" section of your Common Application.
How To Apply
First-Year Students
Transfer Students
Test Optional
Creative Supplement
Application Review Process
Application Tips
Applicants with Disabilities
FAQs
Missing Items
Contact Admission
Email us:
Email General Admission
Email Transfer Admission
Email International Admission
Call us:
(714) 997-6711
Text us:
(714) 942-5474
Send your documents:
Chapman University
Attn: Office of Admission
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
Follow Us on Social Media
Follow us on social media for tips, news and updates about applying to Chapman University:
Admission Instagram
Admission YouTube
Admission Facebook
Chapman TikTok
Take a Self-Guided Tour
Virtually explore Chapman in this student-led tour through our Orange Campus. You'll
be able to visit classrooms, hang-out spots, our residence life area and much more!
Start the Tour
Back to top
Back to top
©
Skip to main content
Skip over carousel to next section
Off
Undergraduate Admission
Test Optional Details
Admission
Undergraduate Admission
Graduate Admission
Non-degree Seeking Students
Contact the Office of Admission
Activating Your Chapman Account
Undergraduate
Undergraduate Admission
How to Apply
Financing
Academics
Student Life
College Counselors
Visit Opportunities
Contact Us
Request Information
How To Apply
First-Year Students
Transfer Students
Test Optional
Creative Supplement
Application Review Process
Application Tips
First-Generation Applicants
Applicants with Disabilities
FAQs
Missing Items
»
Test Optional Details
Stay in Touch
Visit
Apply
Chapman University's undergraduate programs have a test-optional admission policy.
This means most applicants can choose if they want their SAT or ACT scores reviewed
with their application.
For the 2025 application cycle:
76% of applicants were test optional.
75% of admitted students were test optional.
73% of merit-award recipients were test optional.
Who should submit test scores
If you believe your score positively reflects your ability and potential, submit them
with your application.
Keep in mind, we “superscore” SAT scores.
If you have taken the SAT more than once, we will use the highest scores achieved
in each section. Chapman will use the highest composite score on the ACT.
To help you determine whether to submit scores, here are some averages for admitted
students to our Fall 2025 class who submitted scores:
Test Scores
SAT (Math and Verbal)
Top 25%: 1440 or above
Average: 1350
Bottom 25%: 1290 or below
ACT Scores (Composite)
Top 25%: 32 or above
Average: 30
Bottom 25%: 28 or below
Average High School GPA: 3.78
If you would like additional assistance in determining whether to apply test-optional,
you can
reach out to your admission counselor
.
Test-optional exceptions
We strongly recommend that those who are home-schooled or attend a high school that
provides narrative transcripts submit a standardized test score with their application.
If either of these apply to you and you apply without test scores, you may still be
asked to submit them by our admission committee.
In addition, all applicants
who are non-native English speakers must submit proof of English proficiency. Students
who score at least a 600 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section, or
a 24 on both the ACT English and Reading sections, will automatically have this requirement
waived. For more information, visit our
International Admission page
.
Changing test-optional status
If you are a fall first-year applicant and would like to change your test-optional
status after submitting your application, you:
Can change your test-optional status through a form in your
Application Status Page
(which you get access to after applying).
Must submit your request before November 30 (for Early Action/Early Decision) or January
30 (for Regular Decision.
Merit scholarship consideration
You do not need to submit a test score to be considered for a merit scholarship. All
students are reviewed for merit scholarships, whether they applied test optional or
not.
If you choose to submit a test score, it will be utilized for admission and merit
reviews. However, applying as test optional and not submitting a test score will not
hinder your chances. Our review process is truly holistic and our committee reviews
applications in their entirety to determine admission and merit scholarship eligibility. A
test score is one piece of a student’s application, as are extracurricular activities,
a personal statement, short answer questions, etc.
If you need some guidance,
reach out to your counselor
. We’re here to help!
Frequently asked questions
Toggle Section
How does Chapman evaluate students who apply without submitting test scores?
All
applicants are evaluated for admission
based on a holistic review
, which means we factor several components into the admission decision. For both those
who do and do not submit test scores, we will review:
Grade point average (including grade trends and academic performance overall)
Strength of curriculum
Leadership and extracurricular activities
Personal Statement and Chapman University questions
Letters of recommendation
Academic major and preparation for major
Does this policy apply to transfer applicants?
If you are applying as a transfer applicant there is no requirement to submit SAT/ACT
scores as part of the transfer application review process.
How do I indicate that I want to apply without submitting test scores?
When completing your Common Application, indicate that you want to apply as test-optional.
What if I don’t want to submit test scores but they are sent from a testing agency
or included on my transcript?
As long as you indicate on your application that you are applying as test optional,
we will not use scores when reviewing your file.
If I apply without submitting test scores, will I still be considered for merit aid
and institutional awards?
Yes, all applicants are considered for
institutional awards
and need-based aid.
Why did Chapman adopt a test-optional policy?
There were two compelling benefits that drove our decision to go test optional:
Further align admission requirements with student success:
Our admission process helps us select students who will succeed at Chapman and positively
contribute to our campus community. Our multi-year research study showed a declining
correlation between a student’s success at Chapman and their standardized test score.
Expand access to a Chapman education:
The mission of the University is to provide a distinguished and personalized education
to students who will thrive here. Making test scores an optional part of the admission
process will help us bring in students who might not have been admitted because they
didn’t perform well on a single test.
When are the latest SAT or ACT testing dates considered for Early Decision, Early
Action and Regular Decision applicants?
For Early Decision and Early Action applicants
: The latest testing dates that can be considered are in October. It's okay that your
scores may not be in your file until after the November 1 application deadline, as
they will still be received in time for review.
For Regular Decision applicants
: The latest testing dates that can be considered are test dates in December.
Please alert the Admission Committee of any future testing dates you plan to sit for
by indicating it in the "Testing" section of your Common Application.
How To Apply
First-Year Students
Transfer Students
Test Optional
Creative Supplement
Application Review Process
Application Tips
Applicants with Disabilities
FAQs
Missing Items
Contact Admission
Email us:
Email General Admission
Email Transfer Admission
Email International Admission
Call us:
(714) 997-6711
Text us:
(714) 942-5474
Send your documents:
Chapman University
Attn: Office of Admission
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
Follow Us on Social Media
Follow us on social media for tips, news and updates about applying to Chapman University:
Admission Instagram
Admission YouTube
Admission Facebook
Chapman TikTok
Take a Self-Guided Tour
Virtually explore Chapman in this student-led tour through our Orange Campus. You'll
be able to visit classrooms, hang-out spots, our residence life area and much more!
Start the Tour
Back to top
Back to top
©