Johns Hopkins University moves to test-optional admissions for Class of 2025

With testing availability and access severely limited this year due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, Johns Hopkins has adopted a one-year test-optional policy for students applying for entry in the fall of 2021.

The shift in policy acknowledges the profound effects of the pandemic on nearly every aspect of a student's high school experience, including changes to grading policies and structures, moves to remote instruction, and the cancellation of many opportunities for student involvement. Applicants will be considered within the context of the current situation, university officials said.

Those who feel they have scores that reflect their academic ability may still submit SAT, ACT, AP, IB, English language proficiency exams, and other scores for consideration with their applications.

"This year has presented unprecedented challenges for students around the world, but our mission to enroll the brightest minds hasn't changed," said David Phillips, vice provost of admissions and financial aid. "Because of test center closings and cancelations, many qualified students simply won't have the opportunity to sit for their exams in time to receive their test scores. We didn't want this to be a barrier for those interested in applying to Hopkins."

Johns Hopkins embraces a holistic approach to its admissions process, examining students' academic character, impact and initiative, and personal contributions through a multifaceted lens that considers the entirety of their high school career.

In mid-March, the university offered admission in the Class of 2024 to 1,992 applicants from 49 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 41 other countries. They will join 682 early decision students who were offered admission in December 2019.

More information about JHU's college search and application workshops, tips on financial planning, and answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about how COVID-19 will impact the application and review process this year are available via the JHU College Planning Toolkit.