Misericordia University has announced that it will begin test-optional admission review for the first-year class entering in Fall 2021 in all academic programs.

This decision was prompted by the cancellation of the majority of SAT and ACT examination administration dates during the Spring of 2020, and limited availability of testing sites and slots anticipated throughout the Fall nationally but especially in the Northeast.

"With the significant challenges students are facing in continuing their high school career in the face of the ongoing health and economic crises, the additional burden of struggling to gain access to, and preparing for, standardized testing should not be added to their plates. We feel comfortable that the thorough assessment of a student's high school performance and, in some cases, additional information as requested can provide the university with appropriate information to make an admissions decision," said Glenn Bozinski, Vice President of Enrollment Management.

While the submission of standardized tests for the Fall 2021 class has become optional, students applying will still be encouraged to submit standardized test scores if they have taken or intend to take tests. Standardized test scores may still play a role in the awarding of academic scholarships. However, students who choose not to submit scores will still be eligible for scholarship consideration.

Currently, this decision applies to the first-year class entering in Fall of 2021 only. Discussions regarding standardized testing requirements for the class of 2022 and beyond will continue throughout the academic year with continued assessment and input from the faculty and university leadership.