Test Optional FAQs

Drury University selects students for admission in a holistic way and thus considers a number of factors in determining a student’s potential for success.  After researching how standardized test scores impact academic performance and graduation rates, we realized that a student’s academic record is the best predictor.  Furthermore, we recognize that not all students have the same access to the ACT and SAT and wanted to level the playing field for these students.

Once you begin the Drury Application for Admission, you will select the box Test Optional.  This will ensure any ACT or SAT scores we receive (directly from ACT or College Board, or from your Transcript) will be embargoed until after you have enrolled at Drury.  Later in the application, you will be prompted to complete a 250-500 word essay on one of 4 topics. This essay will be scored on a 1-36 scale and this score will be considered for both admission and academic scholarship purposes.

We encourage you to take the ACT or SAT tests. Once you receive your results, if you think they are an accurate representation of your ability, please submit them. If you decide your test scores do not represent your abilities and potential then feel free to choose our test optional process. Furthermore, if you want to apply before you take the ACT or SAT, you may also elect to apply test optional.

Test optional admits will also be considered for academic scholarships.  We will score your essay on a 1-36 scale based up on rubric determined by our faculty.  We will use this score in determining your award.

Absolutely. If you select test optional on the application for admission, we will embargo your test scores until you enroll. Your admissions counselor and the admission committee will not have access to your score during the application review process.

If an admission decision has not been made, you can change your option. If an admissions decision has been made, you won’t be able to change your option for scholarship purposes.

Homeschooled students still must submit an ACT or SAT score. Test optional is not an option for homeschooled students.

Your application will receive the same scrutiny and review as an application with a test score.  The same level of emphasis will be placed on your academic record—i.e. your curriculum, grades and grade trend—and we will continue to value your ability to make a difference on campus through curricular and extracurricular activities.  After you admissions counselor has made the first review and a recommendation is made, it will be passed along to the admission committee for final review.  This is the same process regardless of the application you apply with (Drury or Common Application) or the test score option you choose (submitted score vs. test optional).

Let’s call Drury’s approach test flexible for international students.  We accept TOEFL, IELTS, SAKAE, iTEP, Duolingo scores if you are from a country where English is not the primary language.  Students from countries where English is the primary language, may apply test optional.

Absolutely not.  Your application will receive the same scrutiny and review as an application with a test score.  The same level of emphasis will be placed on your academic record—i.e. your curriculum, grades and grade trend—and we will continue to value your ability to make a difference on campus through curricular and extracurricular activities.  

Yes.  For research purposes only, we request that you submit an ACT or SAT when you enroll.  This is after any admissions or financial aid decisions are made so your score has zero impact on either process.

3 of the 5 medical schools in the Pre-Med Scholars program require an ACT score and the Drury Honors program also requires an ACT score.

In lieu of the ACT or SAT score other applicants are submitted, we are requesting another data point to consider in reviewing your application.  We determined a written response to be the appropriate additional material needed to holistically review your application.

Choose 1 of the following and write 250-500 words in response to your chosen option. Write to any or all of the sub-questions:

1. Describe a community with which you identify. How have you contributed to this community? What evidence is there you are a part of this community? How has this community impacted you? How has it prepared you to join the Drury University community?
   
   
2. The definition of ‘Go Beyond’ is: to do more than the expected; to go further than was required; to go past. Drury students Go Beyond. Explain a time that you have gone beyond and left an impact on a group or person and the world around you. What did you do? Predict how you will Go Beyond during your four years at Drury? What will you do? Who will your influence?
   
   
3. Define success. What is required for success? What does it mean to you? What would success look like for you at Drury? Do you think you will define success differently at 71 than at 17? Why or why not?
   
   
4. Describe a challenge you have faced and overcome. How does overcoming this challenge define you? What has been your greatest takeaway from this experience? In what way has overcoming a challenge prepared you for your Drury University experience?