# Standardized Testing

**Source**: https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/unitedstatesofamerica/undergraduate/informationforapplicants/standardizedtestingforusapplicants/
**Parent**: https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/undergraduate/entryrequirements/uscurriculum/

### For US Applicants

## Fall 2025 Entry Updates for US Applicants

Please review the [US Curriculum entry requirements](https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/undergraduate/entryrequirements/uscurriculum/ "Go to 'US Curriculum entry requirements' page") and the below FAQs and contact the [UCD North America Global Centre](https://www.ucd.ie/global/meettheteam/globalcentres/northamerica/ "Go to 'UCD North America Global Centre' page") if you have more questions.

This page provides information and guidance on entry requirements for US resident students entering an undergraduate course in Fall 2025 only.

The information provided below is subject to change and annual review. This page is for guidance only; all admissions decisions are made based upon an applicant's individual academic profile.

## FAQs

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### Do you require the ACT or SAT?

We do not require the ACT or SAT for all courses. Students may be eligible for entry to some of our less competitive courses with just their high school GPA. You may wish to consider the Liberal Arts & Sciences program, which offers an alternative entry pathway to a number of programs, including Commerce, Engineering, Social Sciences, Architecture, Engineering, and Agriculture and generally does not require standardized tests.

To be competitive for entry, we do recommend students submit ACT or SAT scores, but they may not be required for admission to all courses depending on your academic profile.

### What courses am I eligible for if I don't have test scores?

You can review our [US Curriculum Entry Requirements page](https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/undergraduate/entryrequirements/uscurriculum/ "Go to '<span>US Curriculum </span><span>Entry Requirements</span><span>&nbsp;page</span>' page") - there are two columns for each course, indicating entry requirements for students presenting without standardized exams and those presenting with standardized exams. Some courses are only accessible for students with standardized exams and this will be clearly presented. If anything is unclear you can contact the [UCD North America Global Centre](https://www.ucd.ie/global/meettheteam/globalcentres/northamerica/ "Go to 'UCD North America Global Centre' page") with questions.

Also, any course marked with ‡ is available for entry through Liberal Arts & Sciences (major code LBS1) - this course is most similar to entering Undecided. LA&S allows you to sample across Architecture, Agriculture, Arts, Business, Engineering, Science and Social Science in the first few years before transferring into your best fit degree and still graduating in four years! You can review more information in the [Liberal Arts and Sciences Brochure](https://drive.google.com/file/d/16QQsbYzRPurDvdPcrY7L80T1nF1KfhPj/view?usp=sharing "Go to 'Liberal Arts and Sciences Brochure' page").

### What GPA do I need if I don't submit test scores?

The GPA requirement will vary depending on what course you apply to and your academic profile. We have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (B Average), unweighted - however, to be competitive for entry applicants without test scores may need up to a 3.66 (A- average).

### Do you require AP Exams?

Many of our courses do not require any AP exams, but some of our more competitive courses require 1-3 additional subject exam scores to be competitive for entry. UCD will consider any AP exam score of 2 or higher in your application. AP exam scores may also supplement your application in lieu of SAT or ACT results.

Additionally, some courses have specific subject requirements, as detailed in the Additional Requirements column in our [US Curriculum Entry Requirements page](https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/undergraduate/entryrequirements/uscurriculum/ "Go to '<span>US Curriculum </span>Entry Requirements page' page"). Some of these requirements can only be met through AP exam scores or specific grades in college level courses.

### What if I plan to take the ACT or SAT but can't sit the test or don't have my scores yet?

You can indicate on your application that you plan to take additional exams. If you meet entry requirements based on your GPA alone you will receive an offer without your exam scores. If we need your exam scores to meet entry requirements, you may receive a Conditional Offer, which will give you until the summer to receive and submit your scores.

### Will I be penalized if I don't submit test scores?

You will not be penalized for not submitting test scores. However, some of our courses have higher entry requirements, so you may not receive a full offer immediately if you don’t submit your scores.

UCD only considers test scores that help your application, so if you do have test scores please submit official or self-reported score reports with your application. Please note, UCD will superscore SAT and ACT scores for your best possible result.

### Will my scholarship eligibility be affected if I don't submit test scores?

You will be eligible for all of our merit scholarships once you meet minimum academic criteria but our scholarship programs are competitive. Students that submit SAT or ACT scores and additional AP exam scores have the best chance of receiving larger awards.

All [UCD scholarships](https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/scholarshipsfinances/scholarships/ "Go to 'UCD scholarships' page") are merit based and awarded based on program eligibility.

### If I apply without test scores and don't get in, will you reconsider my application if I take a test later?

Yes, if your academic profile changes, either by taking ACT/SAT exams or receiving AP scores, please contact our [North America Global Centre](https://www.ucd.ie/global/meettheteam/globalcentres/northamerica/ "Go to 'North America Global Centre' page"),and we can reconsider your application, subject to course capacity and availability of places at that time.

### Will standardized testing requirements be the same for students applying for entry in Fall 2026 or later?

We evaluate our admissions requirements every year and update them as necessary. Changes will be communicated as soon as possible.

### I am a student living outside the US presenting with a US accredited high school curriculum, who should I contact?

Please submit our [Contact Form](https://www.ucd.ie/global/enquire/ "Go to 'Contact Form' page") with your current citizenship and residency to be directed to the relevant regional team to discuss your eligibility.

### Does UCD superscore exams?

Yes, if you submit the SAT or ACT, we will superscore your results from multiple exam sessions to give you the greatest possible chance of admission.

### What if my high school doesn't provide a traditional GPA?

Students who have attended a school with non-traditional evaluation methods may be asked to provide test scores for admissions; please contact our [North America Global Centre](https://www.ucd.ie/global/meettheteam/globalcentres/northamerica/ "Go to 'North America Global Centre' page")to discuss your eligibility.

### If I take standardized tests, how can I submit my scores?

For admissions purposes, you should upload a PDF copy of your score report to your online application. You can send official scores via the testing agencies:\
UCD College Board DI Code: 6675\
ACT College Code: 5512

If you decide to attend UCD, you will be required to submit official scores via the testing agencies.

### How does UCD make admissions decisions? Does UCD consider anything besides GPA and test scores?

UCD completes a comprehensive review of a student’s academic performance to determine whether admission is merited. We will consider high school or college level GPA, standardized test scores, including ACT, SAT, AP, IB, and other recognized exams. Except for our highly competitive clinical courses in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Physiotherapy, UCD does not consider letters of recommendation, essays, or extracurricular activities. Our clinical courses may consider previous experiences, letters of recommendation, and interviews in making admissions decisions.

## Contact UCD Global

UCD Global, Gerard Manley Hopkins Centre (UCD International Office), Belfield, Dublin 4.
 T: [+353 1 716 8500](tel:+353 1 716 8500) | [Location Map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gWX6DrTCTAsF1d2cA "Go to 'Location Map' page")