--- title: Dordt to Hold a One-Year Test Optional Program for Applicants date: 2020-09-01T00:00:00-05:00 author: Jordan Eshelman canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-to-hold-a-one-year-test-optional-program-for-applicants" section: News --- [ View Dordt News](https://www.dordt.edu/news) [Academics](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=academics) Sep 1, 2020 # Dordt to Hold a One-Year Test Optional Program for Applicants Dordt creates a one-year test optional pilot program. ![]()Dordt University will have a one-year pilot program where first-year and transfer applicants will not need to submit standardized test scores when applying to Dordt. “COVID-19 has had a large impact on ACT or SAT test-taking, which in turn impacts the recommended college application timeline,” says Greg Van Dyke, director of admissions at Dordt University. “By going test optional this year, students have more flexibility, and we can alleviate some of the stress students might experience during the college application process.” Applicants who are enrolled in an accredited public or private high school in the United States and have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher will be able to apply to Dordt without a test score. Homeschooled and international students will still be required to submit a test score, such as the ACT, SAT, CLT, or TOEFL. “Dordt may require additional assessment for students before their freshman year in order to place them appropriately in classes for the fall semester,” says Van Dyke. Also, students who do not meet the 3.2 GPA requirement and do not have an ACT / SAT score can apply through a provisional admissions process. Learn more about [applying to Dordt](https://www.dordt.edu/admissions-and-aid/apply-now). As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. For four years in a row, Dordt has been named number one in the nation for student engagement by The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review. --- [Previous Article ![Photo of brick Dordt University entrance sign](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/files/COVID-19-PDFs/M2019-July_001456.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=4b071927&v=0107dee4110df8f4272112dc07b5e28696a7eeb120e4e6aebc6fe88cc7563f3a) Covid-19 Update Sep 01, 2020 ## Dordt Remains at Yellow Alert Level 24 active cases of students who are COVID-19 positive. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-remains-at-yellow-alert-level) [Next Article ![Brick and concrete sign of "Dordt University" is surrounded by prairie grass](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/front-entrance.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=460ee147&v=05c18acb8bf730fe9d56406fcd2b3f749f7c7b670e0e649e654cbe0f65b606bb) Academics Agriculture Business Education Engineering Nursing Aug 27, 2020 ## Dordt University Introduces New Faculty Hires Dordt University introduces the newest faculty hires for the upcoming fall semester. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-introduces-new-faculty-hires) [ ![]() ## View All Dordt News View News ](https://www.dordt.edu/news) Aug 19 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-19) Aug 20 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-20) Aug 20 Athletics Men's Soccer #### [8/20 8:00 PM Dordt University Men's Soccer at Carroll - Nelson Stadium ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/8-22-100-pm-dordt-university-mens-soccer-at-carroll) ![A picture of campus behind yellow prairie flowers](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2021-22/Buildings-and-Campus/2021-09-23_001574-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&f=webp&c=3d670641&v=d2bdb7cbdc83e5be46d3a10afe8a1214a0e770536697eb0ddbe29e017d2e9577) <![CDATA[YII-BLOCK-BODY-END]]>