As a Jesuit, Catholic institution, Spring Hill College emphasizes a holistic review of applications for admission. ACT and SAT scores may not fully reflect academic abilities. That’s why Spring Hill College’s admission is “test-optional”, meaning it is not required to submit an ACT or SAT score to be accepted. Our test-optional approach represents our desire to admit a more diverse and intellectually stimulating student body whose individuals will contribute to the College and our broader community.

While additional materials will be required in the absence of standardized test scores to measure one’s potential, students will receive full consideration for admission and scholarship consideration to Spring Hill College. 

Home schooled and international students are not eligible to apply test-optional.

How to Apply

Students may apply to Spring Hill College in one of two ways:

  • Complete the Spring Hill College application for undergraduate admission
  • Complete the Common Application

Complete either the Spring Hill Application or the Common Application, but please do not complete both.

As a test-optional applicant you will be required to submit:

  1. Official high school or home school transcript OR GED scores
  2. Standard application or the Common Application
  3. Letter of recommendation
  4. An personal writing sample (between 200-600 words)

Students are encouraged to submit a resume or outline. Please consider including in your resume or outline things such as: 

  • Community service or involvement
  • Clubs/Extracurricular activities
  • Church-related activities
  • Leadership Experience
  • Achievements/Awards/Honors

Test Optional FAQs

How are test-optional applicants evaluated?

Just as for all applicants, we thoroughly review your official high school transcript and an evaluation from your high school guidance counselor. We will require a personal writing sample both so that we can get to know you better and to evaluate your writing potential. (If you have written an essay for the Common Application, there is no need to write another essay or personal statement; we will use the one you already provided.) It is highly recommended that you provide a resume that outlines your participation in extracurricular activities and clubs and organizations in which you participated outside of school. The resume provides an opportunity for the admission committee to evaluate your performance and interests inside and outside of the classroom. We also suggest that you provide letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, employers or others who can attest to your preparedness to become a student at Spring Hill College.

Will I be eligible for scholarships?

As with any applicant, you will automatically be considered for merit scholarships during your admission review. For all other aid you will need to complete the FAFSA and have the information sent to Spring Hill. Our test optional policy does not diminish a student’s chance to receive merit-based scholarships.

If I choose to apply test-optional now, but wish to have my scores considered later, can I change my mind?

No. You are unable to change the method of your application once you have submitted it. Contact your admission counselor if you are unsure about applying test-optional.

If I apply test-optional, will I have to provide my test scores at some point?

Students will be required to supply test scores before enrollment for advising purposes to assure the best opportunity for students to be successful in their chosen field of study. Submitting test scores will also allow us to determine the validity of the test-optional policy.

Student-athletes who initially enroll full time during the 2021-22 or 2022-23 academic years may apply test-optional to meet NCAA initial-eligibility requirements.

These scores are submitted to the NCAA Eligibility Center and not necessarily to Spring Hill College.

If you have questions about whether or not applying as a test-optional student is right for you, contact the Spring Hill College Admissions Office at admit@shc.edu or call 251-380-3030.

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