How to Apply

When you apply to Dominican as a first-year student, your high school academic performance, engagement in and outside of the classroom and your essay are key factors in our holistic admission review decisions—but who you are as a person is equally important. We’re committed to tearing down barriers to higher education. That’s why Dominican University is test optional and no longer requires ACT and/or SAT scores for admission.

We are looking for students who are prepared academically to take on rigorous liberal arts studies—students who welcome challenges that engage them intellectually, ethically and socially.

Candidates should meet the following criteria:
  • A cumulative grade-point average of 2.70 on a 4.0 scale, with special attention to grades in high school core courses
  • An ACT composite score of 21 or 1060 SAT or above* (optional)
    • Your scores can only help you. While we will accept scores if submitted to us, we will not use them for admission decisions.
  • A rank in the upper half of the high school class, when rank is provided
  • Sixteen units of high school course work, fourteen of which should be in the fields of English, mathematics, foreign language, social science, and laboratory science

We make admission decisions on a rolling basis beginning October 15. Apply by our priority application date of November 15 to receive priority consideration for merit scholarships.

Application/Merit Scholarships

We start making admission decisions on a rolling basis in early fall for each academic year. Once accepted, qualified students will be automatically considered for a merit scholarship.

Ready to apply? Follow these steps: