First-Year Application Process
If you can picture yourself here, we invite you to take the first step and start your application for admission. We can’t wait to learn more about you and what you hope to achieve academically, professionally, and personally.
Application Requirements
At JCU, we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications for admission. This means we look at all of the items in your application, including your academic performance, rigor of coursework, essay, recommendations, co-curricular involvement, and SAT/ACT scores (if you decide to submit them).
To apply to John Carroll University, you will need to submit:
- The Common Application or the Coalition Application
- An official high school transcript
- Essay
- Letter(s) of recommendation
There is no fee to apply to John Carroll. Have a unique situation or circumstance? Connect with your admission counselor to discuss it.
Application Deadlines
Knowing your deadlines means less stress and a smoother application process.
| Decision Plan | Application Deadline | Notification Date |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action (non-binding) | Nov 1 | Before Winter Break |
| Regular Decision | Feb 1 | Rolling |
*Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis after the February 1 Regular Decision deadline as space allows.
Recommended High School Curriculum
Choosing the right classes in high school sets you up for success in college — and in the admission process. At John Carroll, we look for students who challenge themselves with a strong college-prep curriculum. Doing so will help you feel more confident in your first year courses, and show us that you’re ready to make the most of your college experience.
| Subject Area | Minimum Units | Recommended Units |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4 | 4 |
| Math (college prep) | 3 | 4 |
| Science (labs preferred) | 2 | 3 |
| Social Studies | 2 | 4 |
| Foreign Language | 2 | 3 |
| Academic Electives | 3 | 3 |
| Total Units | 16 | 21 |
Information for Homeschooled Students
Since some homeschool programs do not follow a traditional high school curriculum, we ask that all homeschooled students provide us with complete and detailed documentation of their high school coursework and evaluations of progress from an approved homeschool evaluator or supervisor.Verification of high school graduation must be submitted prior to enrollment at John Carroll and can be presented through any of the following forms:
- A diploma from a homeschool agency governed by a State Board of Education
- A letter from a local school district verifying graduation
- A copy of the Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) transcript
Do I Need to Submit Test Scores?
We practice no-harm, test-optional admission. This means that submitting SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission. Test scores, if submitted, are one of many factors we consider when making admission decisions.
Test scores can strengthen an application, and our “no harm” policy means that if you choose to submit test scores that do not strengthen your application, the test scores are simply ignored. Test scores do not affect merit scholarships or the ability to pursue a particular major or program.
Any test scores submitted and used for admission are superscored. If you choose to apply test-optional, we will place additional weight on the rigor of your high school curriculum and course grades, particularly in English and math courses.
If you choose to apply without test scores for fall 2026, you may elect to change your decision by submitting a formal request in writing to your admission counselor, along with a copy of your test scores, by January 2, 2026.
We will only be able to consider SAT and ACT scores for tests taken through December 2025.
Test scores are optional, but we’ll need detailed documentation of your coursework. Please provide curriculum records and evaluations from a homeschool supervisor, teacher, or counselor so we can understand your academic progress.
Students planning to enter JCU in fall 2026 who wish to apply to the LECOM Early Acceptance Program are not required to submit an ACT or SAT score for the Pharmacy or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine programs, though submitting scores is strongly recommended. Submission of an ACT or SAT score is required for the Doctor of Dental Medicine program.
Students applying to the OU-HCOM Early Acceptance Program will not be required to submit an ACT or SAT score.
What Happens Next
Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your JCU applicant portal login. Through the portal, you can track your application status, see any missing materials, and connect with your admission counselor.
Choose Another Path
Not a first year undergrad student?
However your path begins, you belong here. Choose the option that fits you best, and we’ll guide you forward.
