First Year Students
Admission Process
1. Apply to Xavier University using either the Xavier application or the Common Application.
Students are encouraged to apply by December 1 to receive the most advantageous merit scholarship package, and to meet deadlines for Honors and Competitive Scholarship consideration.
2. Test Scores – Decide if you will be submitting ACT/SAT scores or applying test-optional. Submit Proof of English Proficiency, which is still required even if you are applying ACT/SAT optional.
Option 1: Xavier University offers test-optional admission. It is your choice to include ACT or SAT scores as part of your application. Indicate your choice within your application for admission. If you are considering this option, visit our Test Optional Admission FAQ and contact your admission counselor with questions.
Option 2: If you choose to submit your test scores, this requirement can be fulfilled in several ways:
- Official - Send SAT or ACT scores directly to Xavier from the testing service. Xavier's SAT code is 1965 and ACT code is 3366.
- Official – scores, with subscores, printed on official transcript.
- Official – scores sent to Xavier directly from your high school counselor.
- Unofficial - list your test scores, including subscores, in the Common Application. Students submitting scores using this option who are admitted and commit to attending Xavier will be required to submit scores via one of the official means before the start of their first term.
Minimum scores on English Proficiency Tests:
TOEFL: iBT 79, PBT 550
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 110
Cambridge Assessment English: 176, C1 exam recommended
PTE: 55
MELAB: 75
Step-Eiken: Grade Pre-1 (Japanese Students Only)
English Language Test Requirement Exemptions
There are four conditions for being exempt from taking a standardized test to demonstrate your English proficiency. If one or more of the four exemptions apply to you, please email us at internationaladmit@xavier.edu. We will work with you to waive the English requirements. Final exemption will be determined by the Admissions Office and the academic departments. Exemptions are not guaranteed.
Exemptions
- You have taken a full year of high school in the U.S.A., U.S. regionally accredited school overseas, or a first-language English country, and earned a C grade (or better) in one year of standard English (not ESL). This must be shown on your transcripts.
- You have earned a C or higher on the IGCSE or O-Level English (first language) Exam
- You have passed a full year of IB English Language & Literature or IB English A with IBDP1 HL with 4 or higher, SL with 5 or higher (not English B)
- Completed at least 24 semester hours with a U.S. accredited university and earned a C- or higher in English Composition.
3. Submit official high school transcripts.
By mail to:
Xavier University
Office of Admission
3800 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45207-5131
OR
By email (directly from your high school) to: internationaladmit@xavier.edu.
The following curricular requirements are strongly recommended:
- Four years of English
- Three years of mathematics
- Three years of science
- Three years of social sciences
- Two years of language study other than English
Applicants must have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent at the time of enrollment and submit final, official transcripts affirming diploma and graduation date.
4. Request that your high school submit the Common Application School Report, along with a recommendation.
Recommendation can be written by your counselor, teacher, coach, or other academic source.
5. If you have earned college credit while in high school,
request the college, International Baccalaureate or Advanced Placement service which granted you credit to forward your official record to Xavier. These records are not required for initial admission consideration, but will be need before enrollment in order to assign appropriate credit. Learn more about how Xavier awards college credit for IB and AP exams.
6. Submit applications for Honors Programs and Competitive Scholarships by December 1 deadline.
Before accessing scholarship and honors applications you must submit your application for admission to Xavier, either through the Common Application or the Xavier application. Upon submission of your application for admission you will receive an email with log-in credentials that will allow you to access scholarship applications, honors applications, and your personal application status page.