The admission evaluation at Loyola combines an analysis of academic information submitted along with a review of recommendations, the record of extracurricular involvement and evidence of special talent, leadership, and service. The admission committee does not use a formula or have strict cutoffs. Instead, the admission office’s goal is to conduct a balanced and individual review, taking a number of factors into account. Please see below for the factors considered during review.
Grades
Grades are the best single indicator of a student’s potential for academic success in college and, as such, we weigh high school grades most heavily in our evaluation of applications for admission. The most competitive candidates have achieved at least a B+/A- average (weighted) in a challenging curriculum in grades 9 through 12. Students are encouraged to take the most rigorous coursework (advanced subjects, honors courses, AP courses, IB courses, college-level courses) available at their school.
Loyola’s admission committee evaluates all grades earned, beginning with the 9th grade work. Since the most recent grades reflect a student’s current level of performance, we give extra weight to achievement in the junior and senior year grades available at the time the application is received and reviewed.
Students accepted to the Class of 2027 had a 3.69 (weighted) average GPA.
Standardized Tests
The office of undergraduate admission considers standardized test scores as one of many criteria in a holistic admission review process. Submission of SAT and/or ACT scores are not required for students applying for full-time undergraduate admission. Test scores are also not required for consideration for admission to the Honors Program or for merit-based scholarships.
Alternatively, if you believe your scores are a particularly strong component of your profile as an applicant, and representative of your academic achievements, then you are welcome to submit them for inclusion in your application file. Our evaluation process will utilize any scores that are submitted in evaluating eligibility for both admission and merit-based scholarship.
For additional information on Loyola's standardized testing and test-optional admission policies, please visit our Admission Policies page.
Recommendations
Loyola requires one teacher recommendation and one school counselor recommendation. If there are special circumstances (for example, a period of illness, personal difficulties, etc.) that an applicant wishes to bring to the attention of the admission committee, an additional letter from a counselor, teacher, or other party can be submitted.
Extracurricular Activities
When reviewing applications, we consider the candidate’s academic profile, as well as their extracurricular activities, work experience, service and community engagement, leadership roles, and family responsibilities.
Use of Criminal and Disciplinary History Information
Loyola University Maryland reviews all candidates for admission holistically. As a Jesuit institution, we are committed to treating those with a criminal or disciplinary history with dignity and respect. Therefore, past disciplinary or criminal history does not disqualify an applicant from consideration for admission at Loyola. Applicants must disclose information honestly and completely in response to the questions in the Common Application’s disciplinary history section. We encourage students to use the additional information section to provide the admission committee with details or context to best understand your experiences.