St. Edward’s University Evolves to Serve Future Students During the Pandemic

Application deadline extensions and a new test-optional policy are some of the ways the university is transforming itself to better serve future students during the pandemic.

AUSTIN, Texas — High school students and their parents are navigating the college selection process in a changed environment.

St. Edward’s University is relying on its mission of educating the hearts and minds of students to guide supportive policy decisions to better serve future students and their families.

Below are some the changes the university has introduced.

Application and Deposit Deadline Extended to June 1

To better accommodate and support students with their college decisions, the university has extended the application and deposit deadlines to June 1. This will give families more time to make the college decision and review financial aid packages. Undergraduate students can choose one of three ways to apply to St. Edward’s.

Test-Optional Policy

In light of recent circumstances and the cancelation of upcoming ACT and SAT tests, the university has moved to a test-optional policy. Students are facing new challenges, and this policy will make the college application process simpler and more accessible.

Students applying for freshman admission to St. Edward’s for Fall 2021 and beyond will no longer be required to submit standardized test scores. Each applicant will be evaluated based on their online application, academic performance and involvement, personal essay, and academic recommendation. However, should an applicant decide to submit a test score, the admission committee will consider that score when reviewing the student’s file.

International applicants will still be required to submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) in order for the admission committee to evaluate English language proficiency. The DET (Duolingo English Test) may be submitted for supplementary evaluation of English language proficiency.

Virtual Visits and Financial Aid

Due to the evolving situation around COVID-19, St. Edward's University on-campus spring admission events have been canceled, but parents and students can still receive valuable information and support through Virtual Information Sessions and Financial Aid Webinars. Additionally, faculty and staff members are hosting webinars to answer questions about majors and provide information about various topics, such as student success, business and the Austin advantage, and campus recreation and wellness.

Future students can also build their own virtual experience, including scheduling one-on-one meetings with an admission counselor, financial aid advisor and current students. Prospective students are also invited to attend online classes.

To get the full picture of campus life, view options for virtual tours.

Virtual Orientation

In an effort to limit personal interactions on campus through the early summer, St. Edward’s will move to a series of virtual Orientations to welcome incoming students to the university community. The university remains committed to giving students the best Orientation experience possible, and teams are working creatively to develop a virtual experience that is fun and inspiring and that will energize students for their first year at St. Edward’s. Details will be shared as they become available.