Since 2020, Notre Dame Admissions has been test-optional, meaning that students are not required to submit a standardized test score in the admissions process. In the 2020 statement announcing this policy, the university reported, “This empowers students to decide what they consider to be the strongest application put forward to Notre Dame that may or may not include a standardized test score.”
This year, Notre Dame has decided to forego all testing after acceptance as well, citing similar reasons. “We want to empower students to put forth their best GPA, and that doesn’t always include exams,” the press release said. Exams are still available to students, but will only be considered in the grading scale if the student decides to submit his exam to the registrar.
Provost Juan McGravy said this move is meant to “increase equity on campus in light of the fact that not every student comes from the same background and has the same resources.” He is not wrong: some students—like the many internationals in Canada Goose jackets—can afford expensive private tutoring sessions, while the common man is relegated to the Hayes-Healy basement for help in math classes.
Despite “academic peer” institutions like Harvard and Yale returning to a policy that would require students to submit standardized tests for admission, Notre Dame has remained on the front lines of test-optional policymaking.
Dean of Undergraduate Education, Eck Whitty, told the Rover, “The program is already showing clear signs of success, as every student now has a perfect 4.0 GPA. This level of academic excellence has never been mirrored at any similar institution.”
When asked about grade inflation, Whitty responded, “Should Notre Dame, an institution which prides itself on a sub-ten percent acceptance rate, not expect academic excellence of its students? It is no surprise that they are all achieving to the highest degree!”
In an email that announced the policy change to students at the beginning of the fall semester, Advisor to the Provost Dai Vercity wrote, “Driven by the Catholic mission of this university, we are inspired to promote equitable outcomes for students with diverse academic competencies.” He continued, “Stupid students, too, deserve to be just as competitive in the classroom.”
The email quoted former Catholic president Joseph R. Biden Jr., saying, “Poor kids are just as smart and just as bright as white kids.” Vercity added, “The university unequivocally supports the idea that equality takes on many forms.”
The Rover questioned the university’s use of Biden as a source on Catholic Social Teaching (CST). Whitty told the Rover, “We believe Biden to be a credible source in CST because of the many accolades he has received from various prestigious Catholic institutions.” For example, former Catholic president Biden won the Laetare medal in 2016—an award given annually to a Catholic “whose genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the Church and enriched the heritage of humanity.”
One anonymous commentator said, “The only thing sleepy Joe has enriched is his crackhead son!” Although the source was unidentified, the Rover tracked its digital origin to 1600 Washington Ave, Washington, D.C. The same day, President Trump truthed something about Notre Dame losing its Catholic identity. No connection between the two has yet been identified.
Sophomore Claire LeeDum praised the policy. She told the Rover, “I’ve always been such a horrible test-taker, so the test-optional policy is such a relief!” She continued, “I was also a terrible test-taker in high school, which is why I applied to Notre Dame test- and GPA-optional. I scored a 13 on the ACT and had a 2.3 GPA, but luckily Notre Dame is super really nice in both its admissions and exam processes.”
When asked whether she was familiar with Notre Dame’s emphasis on equity, LeeDum asked, “What’s that? Sounds yummy—is it Asian?”
The Sara Bea testing policy remains unchanged by the new test-optional guidelines. Those in need of testing accommodations may receive free answer keys for all tests and unlimited time on exams. Tutors are also available mid-exam upon request to ensure equitable outcomes. This year, Sara Bea has begun offering mid-exam therapy dogs to students as well, noted on the website to “help with the big scary test experience.” Generative AI is also encouraged “to prepare students for the workforce.”
Continuing with tradition, Sara Bea privileges will be reserved only for students with challenges such as ‘ADHD,’ ‘OCD,’ and ‘test anxiety.’ In order to qualify, students are required to provide evidence of their disability via a doctor’s note, therapist testament, or a text attesting that the student ‘feels’ anxious.
Furthermore, professors are given some leeway in pursuing these goals enumerated by the university. Though they may no longer administer tests to distinguish between students, some educators are finding ways to fight the surging grade inflation.
One professor in Keough, where the Dean’s list cut-off has risen from 3.95 to 4.0, told the Rover, “Grade inflation is a big problem, but without tests I’m left with few options. I, like many of my colleagues, have adopted a new ‘vibes-based’ grading system.”
They elaborated, “Basically, if I like the cut of a student’s jib, we’ll jive just fine. For that, I’ll give an A. If I don’t, you’d best believe that you’re still getting that A, but I’m gonna be kind of mean to you sometimes.”
The policy is re-evaluated each year, but has been confirmed to continue at least through the 2026-27 academic year.
Caleb Vaughan is a junior studying chemical engineering. He is most grateful for the recent changes. He can only hope that they apply retroactively. Discuss this new world order with him at cvaugha2@nd.edu.