Test-Optional Information and Test Score Policy

No. The University of Dayton is test-optional for admission. You can decide whether ACT or SAT scores add useful context to your application.

Students can use the University of Dayton's average ACT and SAT scores as a benchmark for the competitiveness of their own test scores and can submit scores if they believe they are an accurate reflection of their academic ability, or if the scores add value to their candidacy.

You can decide whether ACT or SAT scores add useful context to your application. In general:

• Submit scores if they accurately represent your academic readiness or add helpful context to your application.
• Apply test-optional if scores do not reflect your academic ability as well as your transcript, course rigor and other materials.

UD considers scores in context; they are never the sole or primary basis for an admission decision.

60.5% of students entering UD in fall 2026 applied test optional (as of June 1, 2026).

The University of Dayton has a holistic admission process. We seek to admit students who can learn, lead, serve and be successful at the University of Dayton. The most common factors we consider in admission decisions are:

• Weighted grade point average in a college prep curriculum.
• Rigorous coursework, considered in the context of the applicant's high school.
• Grades in a college-level course or dual credit course (e.g., Ohio’s College Credit Plus program).
• Information provided in an applicant’s personal essay (not required for UDSA applicants).
• Letters of recommendation.
• Submitted test scores (optional). Please note that test scores are never the sole or primary reason for an admissions decision; rather, they are considered in the context of all submitted information.

No. An applicant's scholarship eligibility will not be impacted by a test-optional application. All admitted applicants are considered for merit scholarships; FAFSA information is used for need-based aid consideration.

Students who choose to submit or resubmit test scores must do so by Feb. 1 of their senior year.

During the application process, applicants will be asked whether they would like to submit their test score(s) or apply test-optional, without scores. If an applicant decides to submit an ACT or SAT score which they have already received, they should have the score(s) sent directly to UD from the testing organization.

If an applicant applies test-optional, but they already sent their test score(s), or the test score(s) appear on their high school transcript, we will remove the score(s) from our admission review process.

We ask all students who have taken a test to submit the score after deciding to enroll at UD. This is for our records only and does not affect their admission decision or financial aid offer.

If an applicant originally indicated they were applying for test-optional admission, but later decide they would like us to consider their test scores before the admission decision is made, they can let us know by emailing admission@udayton.edu. Students may later decide to submit their scores no later than Feb. 1 of their senior year, if they believe the scores add value to their candidacy.

International students may be required to submit proof of English language proficiency.

Both the ACT and SAT have optional essay sections; they are not required at the University of Dayton.

Yes, the University of Dayton superscores both the ACT and the SAT.

Some students choose to take the ACT or SAT multiple times. Superscoring is the practice of taking your highest subscores from either the ACT or SAT to create a new, higher superscore.

The average test scores for admitted students shared on this page include superscores.

Students may submit test scores through the December ACT or SAT test dates of their senior year of high school. Updated scores must be received by Feb. 1.

No. The University of Dayton does not allow students to self-report test scores. Official ACT or SAT scores must be sent directly to us from the testing agency.

If you elect to apply with test scores, your application will remain incomplete until official scores are received.

Incoming, first-year students will automatically be considered for a merit scholarship as part of the application review process. If students apply with ACT or SAT scores, these scores will be used during scholarship consideration.

In most cases, scores should come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to the University of Dayton.

• University of Dayton ACT code: 3342
• University of Dayton SAT code: 1834

If you already took the test but didn't have your scores sent to the University of Dayton, you can:

• Request them from the SAT or ACT.
• Contact us, and we will be happy to help you.