The following pattern of course work is recommended for admission to Gonzaga:
- 4 years of English
- 3 to 4 years of mathematics (including algebra I, geometry, algebra II/trigonometry)
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3 years of history or social studies
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2 to 3 years of the same foreign language; world language preferred, American Sign Language accepted
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3 to 4 years of natural or physical laboratory science
As an applicant for regular admission, you are expected to have graduated from an accredited high school with a college preparatory curriculum while showing evidence of ability to complete the University's requirements for graduation.
Our office reviews each application thoroughly, and while we do not publish minimums, we do offer guidelines. If you have a GPA below 3.1, an SAT combined score for Verbal/Critical Reading and Math below 1070, or an ACT composite score below 23, we encourage an interview. Interviews may be done in person as part of a campus visit, or on the phone with an Admission Counselor.
The office of admission carefully considers the following items as part of the application to Gonzaga University:
- Curriculum and School
- Grade Point Average and Grade Trends
- The SAT or ACT scores
- College Essay
- Activities and Honors
- Character
Updated SAT and ACT Policy
Gonzaga University would like students to provide all results from every administration of the SAT and/or ACT taken. Gonzaga will use the best scores for the students from separate exams. The university also uses the scores as a way to communicate early about specific programs of interest, scholarship opportunities and to give admission guidance.
We will accept all sections of the new SAT as it is provided, but will not universally use the new Written portion until further studies are done which examine the success of under-represented college-bound groups. However, our office will utilize the Written score in admission cases where more information specific to writing ability would be helpful in decision making.
We will not require the Written Section of the ACT until further testing is done.
Home-School Policy
Home-schooled students are a significant part of Gonzaga University's applicant pool. You and your parents may choose home schooling for a variety of reasons and may implement a variety of styles. Therefore, your application receives highly individualized attention.
In recognition of the unique perspective and experience you can provide to our student body, we encourage you to apply for admission. We request the following information:
- A high school transcript and/or test score that shows academic achievement (either a GED or an ACT)
- Test scores: ACT and/or SAT (all students entering as freshmen or transfers with less than 30 credits must take one of these two standardized tests)
- A portfolio of your work, including writing samples, a description of studies done in mathematics (with examples when appropriate), and examples of science projects
- A one to two-page essay (topics given in application)
- A list of activities and honors, or a resume
- One letter of recommendation, by someone other than a parent, addressing academic accomplishments
- Counselor/Dean's Report, which can be filled out by a parent/guardian
The Admission Committee will consider all material submitted and encourage you to arrange an admission interview, if possible. Please contact the Office of Admission with questions or for more information.
