What is new about the test?

The redesigned SAT will have two 800-point sections instead of three. Math will still be Math, but components of the Critical Reading section and Writing section will be used to create the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score. Also, the essay portion will now become optional, and will not be a factor in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.

Can I use the new SAT testing scores for my Loyola New Orleans application?

Applicants for the summer or fall 2016 term may submit scores from the new SAT test. Please be advised, however, that these scores won’t be sent from the testing center until May and will have limited usage that far past Loyola’s regular decision deadline of February 15, 2016.

Applicants for any 2017 terms and beyond should take the new SAT test (and/or can choose to take the ACT test), but can also submit scores from the pre-2016 SAT test as well. Loyola will accept scores from either test. In addition, Loyola will refer to the College Board’s "concordances" (how scores from one version translate into the other one) for the SAT tests to ensure that neither score is advantaged over the other, even if the numeric scores are slightly different.

What about superscoring?

Superscoring, combining a student's best Critical Reading score from one test of the SAT with her/his best Math score from another, is a practice at Loyola for both admission and scholarship purposes. A student’s Writing score is not factored into this superscore. We will continue to superscore among pre-March testing results and will also begin superscoring among new SAT (March 2016 and after) testing results. Testing results between new and old SAT version will not be superscored, as the scores are not constructed in the same way.

Note: Loyola does not superscore the ACT, only the SAT

What about the essay?

The redesigned SAT makes the essay portion optional. Loyola will not require applicants to complete the SAT essay, as the Loyola application already includes an essay/ personal statement component.

How are testing scores used in the Loyola University admissions process?

Loyola requires all U.S. applicants for freshman admission, and certain transfer applicants, to submit SAT or ACT testing scores. While these scores are an important part of a complete application, they are not the most important part! SAT or ACT scores allow the Office of Admissions to see how well students do in areas fundamental to predicting college readiness, using a third-party tool that is not influenced by something that varies, like your school's grading practices. While these scores are helpful predictors, we are aware that tests have their limitations. For this reason, an essay/ personal statement, along with a listing of extracurricular activities and service work, are a valuable component of a student’s application as well.

Someone told me I should take the ACT instead since the SAT is changing. Is this good advice?

As Loyola has always advised, students can take either the ACT or Sat for admissions purposes. Applicants may consider taking both tests¬. There is no evidence that one is easier or harder than the other and it can go either way for different students.

What about scholarships?

Please refer to superscoring section above. Scores from the two SAT versions will not be mixed in determining recipients for academic merit-based admissions scholarships. Once concordance tables are released for the revised SAT test, scores required for admission scholarships will be released.