Frequently Asked Questions

Loyola Marymount University has decided to waive the ACT/SAT requirement for students applying for the fall 2023 semester through the fall 2024 semester.

Students may choose to submit their test scores if they believe they are supportive of their application. After the admission decisions are released, we will ask students to send us their scores, if they have them. These scores will only be used for institutional research to study the impact of this decision and make recommendations for the future.

All Division 1 athletes will not be required to submit test scores for fall 2023 through fall 2024.

Scores that are sent to LMU from a testing agency or are included on a high school transcript will not be considered if a student chooses to apply test optional.  Students will be able to select that option on the LMU application for fall 2023 through fall 2024.

Yes, for the admission decision but we request official scores upon enrollment. Again, this is only if a student chooses to send scores.

LMU has a tradition of holistic review that is consistent with our belief in education of the whole person. We will look carefully at grades, breadth and depth of academic program and preparation, special talents and accomplishments, portfolios (where currently required), recommendations, leadership, community service and essays. Test scores have never been the most significant factor in our admission decisions. Students who do not submit test scores will not be required to submit any additional materials beyond our normal requirements.

Each student will be carefully evaluated based upon the information they have provided. Students who opt not to send us test scores will not be disadvantaged. Students who choose not to submit scores will be eligible for consideration for admission to all academic majors and programs as well as to our Honors Program.

Need based financial aid is guided by FAFSA information and has never included standardized test scores in that calculation. All admitted students will be considered for our competitive merit scholarships, regardless of whether they submit test scores. We have always proudly considered the whole person in our admission process and merit scholarship awarding, which does not change with our new test optional policy.

LMU does not require international students to submit standardized test scores. However, they are still required to demonstrate English proficiency through the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or Duolingo English test. LMU also waives English proficiency requirements for select students based upon their school curriculum or their native language. For more information visit international.lmu.edu.

Those wishing to defer admission must request permission in writing from LMU Undergraduate Admission no later than July 1 of the year for which they have originally been admitted. Students may make requests by submitting the Defer Enrollment Request form. For more details, you can view our information on taking a gap-year.

You may be released from the Early Decision commitment if the financial aid award does not meet your needs.

You may request an extension if you submitted a financial aid appeal and have not received a response by the deadline.

All efforts to respond to financial aid appeals will be made before the deadline but if not, an extension will be granted.

Yes, with the understanding that if admitted you will withdraw all pending applications and commit to LMU by the deadline stated in your acceptance letter.