Who does the change in admission requirements apply to?
Any first year or transfer applicant will be exempt from the test requirement. International applicants should refer to specific requirements online.
How will you make admission decisions?
NDSU will rely on the high school grade point average (GPA) to make admission decisions for first year students. NDSU will also review completion of minimum requirements in the core subject areas of English, math, social sciences and lab sciences. See our admission guidelines for details.
Admission evaluation for transfer students will be based on a high school GPA and grades for any completed college-level coursework.
If I don’t provide a test score what are my chances of being admitted?
If you don’t provide a test score, we will evaluate your GPA and grades in core classes with more weight given to grades in core classes. NDSU recommends students have a 2.75 cumulative high school GPA. Students who do not meet these minimum guidelines will still be considered if there is evidence in the student's academic record that demonstrates a high probability of success.
What if I plan to take an ACT or SAT later this year?
We can evaluate your high school grades and make a decision for you before a test score is provided. If you feel it may be an advantage for you to take the test, you can wait to apply for admission.
Can I ask to have my test score considered as part of my admission review?
Yes, you may elect to send scores if you feel they may help provide a more complete representation of your academic abilities.
How do you know if I want my test score used in an admission decision?
Please carefully and accurately answer the questions on the application for admission. Your responses will determine which criteria and information may be used in your evaluation, including test scores.
Who should provide a test score?
NDSU recommends students have a 2.75 cumulative high school GPA. Students who do not meet these minimum guidelines will still be considered if there is evidence in the student’s academic record that demonstrates a high probability of success.
If you are applying for admission and you have an ACT/SAT test score(s) and feel your score(s) demonstrates your abilities better than your GPA, provide your test score.
All students who would like to be considered for scholarships that require a test score, should submit an official score. Students who are awarded a scholarship based on a self-reported test score are required to submit their official test score to NDSU no later than July 1. You will be notified in advance if this applies to you. Failure to submit official test scores by the deadline will result in cancellation of scholarship award.
NDSU awards several scholarships that do not require a test score. Please see https://www.ndsu.edu/admission/financial_aid/first_year_scholarships for a full list.
The Early Admission Pathway (EAP) to NDSU's PharmD Program requires a standardized test score. More information on the EAP can be found online at https://www.ndsu.edu/pharmacy/degrees_and_programs/pharmacy_program/eap/.
Will I still qualify for scholarships if I don’t submit a test score?
You may still be eligible for NDSU scholarships if you do not submit a test score. NDSU awards several scholarships that do not require a test score. Please see our scholarship webpage for a full list.
Students who are awarded a scholarship based on a self-reported GPA and test score(s) are required to submit their official high school transcript and test score(s) to NDSU no later than February 1. Failure to submit official transcript and test score(s) by the deadline will result in cancellation of scholarship award.
View our scholarships webpage for more details on our scholarship offerings.