In May 2020, Fordham announced that for a two-year period, standardized admissions tests—the SAT and ACT—would be an optional element of the undergraduate admission application process. In the ensuing two years, Fordham enrolled the largest and most diverse entering classes in the University’s history.

The University extended the policy for another year in 2022 and, given our positive experience with the newly arrived first-year class, Fordham will now further extend the test-optional policy to include students applying for fall 2025 admission. This will allow high school students to plan ahead, and will enable the University to continue analyzing the data on student success, and further refine application assessments.

Fordham has always employed a holistic admission process—just as we aim to educate the whole student, the University assesses the whole student. Making standardized tests optional has improved access for students who might not otherwise apply to the University and maintained our commitment to academic rigor. With several admission cycles behind us, Fordham is more confident than ever that we can fairly evaluate applicants who submit test scores along with those who do not, offering admission to candidates who can thrive at Fordham.

We know that the Class of 2027 has the skills and intellectual ability to excel at Fordham. Like the classes that preceded them back to 1840s, they will leave Fordham prepared to be leaders of competence, compassion, and superior judgment in their careers and in their lives.

John W. Buckley
Vice President for Enrollment

In May 2020, Fordham announced that for a two-year period, standardized admissions tests—the SAT and ACT—would be an optional element of the undergraduate admission application process. Last year, Fordham enrolled the largest and most diverse entering class in the University’s history. The Class of 2026 is similar in many respects.

Given our recent experience, Fordham will extend the test-optional policy for another year, to now include students applying for fall 2024 admission. This will give high school students time to plan ahead, and will enable the University to continue analyzing the data on student success and refining application assessments.

Fordham’s admission process has always been holistic. By making standardized tests optional, we have improved access for students who might not otherwise apply to the University, and have done so while maintaining our commitment to academic rigor. We strongly believe that we can fairly evaluate applicants who submit test scores—along with those who do not—and offer admission to candidates who can thrive at Fordham.

As we welcome the Class of 2026, we are confident that they have the skills and intellectual ability to excel at Fordham. Like their siblings before them in the long maroon line, they will leave Fordham prepared to be leaders of competence, compassion, and superior judgment in their careers and in their lives.

John W. Buckley
Vice President for Enrollment

The University planned to revisit the policy again in May 2022, but, given the preliminary enrollment results associated with this new policy, as well as the need to inform prospective applicants of our intentions, we have decided to extend the test-optional policy for at least another year to include students applying for fall 2023 admission. That will provide students time to plan ahead and will enable Fordham to analyze multiyear data on student success and to refine application assessments in light of those findings.

Fordham has always subscribed to a holistic admission process. By not requiring standardized tests, we have improved access for students who might not otherwise apply to the University, and have done so while maintaining our commitment to academic rigor. We are confident that we can fairly evaluate applicants who submit test scores along with those who do not and offer admission to candidates who can thrive at Fordham.

We look forward to challenging and supporting the Class of 2025 as they embark on a journey of intellectual growth and self-discovery at Fordham. We know they will leave us as competent, compassionate, and well-grounded graduates who are prepared not merely for satisfying careers but for lives well lived.

John W. Buckley
Vice President for Admission and Student Financial Services