IRVING, Texas (Feb. 7, 2023) — The University of Dallas will reinstate the standardized test requirement for undergraduate applicants for the 2024-25 academic year, becoming one of the first colleges or universities in Texas to announce a move away from the ‘test-optional’ model implemented by most schools as a result of the COVID pandemic in 2020.

“Standardized tests, while an imperfect measure, are an important factor among others that can help determine whether a student is well-prepared for the rigorous undergraduate Core Curriculum UD is known for,” said President Jonathan J. Sanford, Ph.D. “Reinstating the submission of at least one of three we accept — the ACT, SAT or CLT— as a mandatory requirement provides clarity and transparency to applicants, and better ensures that all applications are more comprehensively considered.”

“Standardized test scores provide an additional data point when assessing a student's preparedness for academic life at the University of Dallas,” said Executive Vice President John Plotts, Ed.D., who oversees undergraduate admissions. “During the test-optional period, about 45% of applicants submitted test scores each year.”

About the University of Dallas

Located in one of the largest and fastest-growing metropolitan areas of the U.S., the University of Dallas is a nationally recognized Catholic liberal arts university with campuses in Irving, Texas, and Rome, Italy. Known for the academic rigor of its undergraduate Core Curriculum, rooted in the great works of Western civilization and Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of Dallas also offers flexible graduate degrees in business, liberal arts and ministry, all taught by exceptional faculty who are dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom, truth and virtue. For more information, visit udallas.edu.