Navigating Loyola University Chicago and New Orleans Admissions: A Comprehensive Guide

Gaining admission to a university is a significant milestone. This article provides a detailed overview of the undergraduate admission requirements for both Loyola University Chicago and Loyola University New Orleans. While both institutions share the Loyola name, their admission landscapes differ.

Loyola University Chicago: A Holistic Approach

Loyola University Chicago employs a holistic admission review process, considering many criteria to assess applicants. This means that admission decisions are not based on a formula or strict cutoffs. The university seeks students who reflect their academic ability, achievements, and potential.

Academic Expectations

Successful applicants typically present a B+/A- average (weighted) in a challenging curriculum in grades 9 through 12. GPA is a very important academic factor. While standardized tests are not required for admission, they are considered if submitted. Half the applicants admitted to Loyola University Chicago who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1170 and 1360 or an ACT score of 27 and 32. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges. Loyola superscores results, meaning the admission committee reviews the highest subscore from each section over multiple exams. If you include test scores, it is recommended to share all results.

Application Components

To apply to Loyola University Chicago, it's essential to complete the following steps:

Application Form: Fill out the application form, which can be found on the Loyola website or through the Common Application.
High School Transcript: Submit your official high school transcript. Electronic copies may come directly from your high school (i.e. Parchment, Naviance, National Clearinghouse or SCOIR). Send paper transcripts to: Loyola University Chicago Undergraduate Admission Office 1032 W. Sheridan Rd. Chicago, IL 60660.
Letter of Recommendation: Loyola requires one school counselor recommendation. A letter of recommendation may come from a teacher or school counselor who can speak to your ability to be successful at Loyola. Students using the Common Application will submit a letter of recommendation through that system. Students using the Loyola application may send recommendation letter requests within the application.
Test-Optional Policy: Loyola is test-optional, so you can decide if you would like to include ACT and/or SAT scores in your application. Students may self-report test scores or send them to Loyola via the testing agencies.
Activities Section/Resume: Complete the activities section of your chosen application or submit a resume after you've completed the application to showcase your involvement and achievements.
Essay/Personal Statement: Share more about yourself through an essay or personal statement.
Application Fee: An application fee is required; however, the fee does not pose a barrier for any student who wishes to apply. If paying the fee would cause a hardship for you and your family, please request a fee waiver. Indicate your fee waiver request directly through the Common Application. In the Profile section of the Common Application you will be asked if you believe that you qualify for a fee waiver. If you answer "Yes," you will be asked to select applicable qualification criteria.

Additional Considerations

Application Review: Your admission counselor will review your application, reading every single page to learn more about you during the process.
Merit Scholarships: You’re automatically considered for merit scholarships ranging from $20,000 - $34,000 when you apply for admission. Initial merit scholarship information will be shared in your acceptance letter. All students are considered for merit scholarships, whether or not they submit their scores.
Waitlist: Students are selected for the Wait List on a competitive basis, depending on available spaces. Students who are placed on the Wait List are notified regularly about their status.
Deferred Enrollment: Applicants may wish to postpone their enrollment to the following semester or year. Students may only defer their enrollment to the following spring or fall term.

Understanding the Acceptance Rate

Loyola University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 82%. This indicates that while not guaranteed, a significant portion of applicants are admitted.

Loyola University New Orleans: A Nearly Open Admission

Loyola University New Orleans distinguishes itself with a high acceptance rate, signaling a nearly open admissions policy.

Admission Requirements

The acceptance rate at Loyola University New Orleans is 93.1%. They accept nearly all students, so for the most part, you just need to submit an application to get in. The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. requires you to be around average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's. If you have a lower GPA, you can compensate with harder courses like AP or IB classes. Loyola University New Orleans hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Loyola University New Orleans will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students.

Test-Flexible Approach

Loyola University New Orleans considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.

Target Scores

To be safe, you should aim for a 1030 SAT or a 20 ACT or higher.

Additional Information for Both Universities

Orientation Programs

Both Loyola institutions emphasize the importance of orientation programs to help new students transition into university life. At Loyola University Chicago, Orientation is composed of two parts: An overnight stay at Loyola's Retreat and Ecology Campus (LUREC) in Woodstock, IL and a 3-day on-campus orientation. An overnight community building experience will be hosted at Loyola's Retreat and Ecology Campus (LUREC). You will meet at Maguire Hall where we will board busses to LUREC. The experience will involve community building, learning about the Arrupe mission and Student Promise, and become more connected with your fellow students. You will experience two days at Loyola's Water Tower Campus (home to Arrupe College) to meet you academic advisor, learn about campus resources, and get your campus essentials for the start of the new academic year, including your free laptop.

Read also: Applying for Loyola Scholarships

The Arrupe Mission and Student Promise

Loyola University Chicago emphasizes the Arrupe mission and Student Promise, which includes:

Care for Myself: Striving for excellence, embracing leadership opportunities, challenging oneself academically, and seeking experiences that positively influence personal development.
Care of Others: Recognizing the value and unique perspective of each individual.
Care for Community: Acknowledging and celebrating diversity, contributing talents and ideas to strengthen the community.

Read also: ACT Scores for Loyola

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