There are many things students need to keep track of when applying to college. There are transcripts to be sent in, references to be requested, tests to take and potentially essays to write. These days, the average student applies to nine schools, and that’s a lot of requirements to keep track of. Below are five common questions our office receives from students wondering how PUC handles test scores.

“When does PUC need my test scores?”

A little different than most state and public schools, we don’t require test scores for admission for first-time college students, with the exception being for admission on academic probation and for international students.

The only real deadline for submitting test scores is the first day of school, as they are required to begin classes. However, waiting until then to submit your scores can impact what classes you’re able to register for, as test scores are used for placement into Math and English classes.

For transfer students, test scores are only required for students who have not successfully taken the equivalent to College Algebra or English 101.

“What test does PUC require – the ACT or the SAT?”

PUC accepts both the ACT and the SAT.

“What’s the minimum test score PUC accepts?”

Only international students must reach a certain minimum score for either the ACT or SAT; a score of 15 or higher on the English section of the ACTs, or a score of 380 or higher on the Critical Reading section of the SATs. (Please note, PUC also accepts scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, MELAB and iTEP for international students. Visit the Apply page of our website to learn more.)

“What scholarships does PUC offer for high test scores?”

PUC uses test scores for several scholarships for incoming freshmen, including our highest scholarship, the Maxwell Scholar Program worth $15,000 each year. Five winners can receive it, and five runners-up receive $12,000 per year. One of the requirements is having a minimum score of 26 on the ACTs or a 1700 on the SATs, in addition to leadership experience, Christian service, and a GPA of at least a 3.5.

The President’s and Dean’s Scholarships are other scholarships available to incoming freshmen and can be awarded based on high test scores (or high GPA). For the President’s Scholarship, worth $10,000 per year, students need a minimum score of 29 on the ACTs or a 1900 on the SATs. The Dean’s Scholarship requires a minimum of 26 on the ACTs or a 1700 on the SATs and is worth $9,000 per year. Both scholarships are renewable with a 3.5 GPA.

You can read more about the requirements for these scholarships by visiting the Finance page of our website. (Please note, the Maxwell Scholar Program cannot be combined with either the President’s or Dean’s Scholarships.)

“Why should I retake either test?”

With the New Year around the corner, there’s still plenty of time to take the ACTs or SATs, or retake them if you aren’t satisfied with your score. I know it doesn’t sound like the most fun to take a standardized test again since it’s several hours of your time, but as you’ve seen, there’s serious scholarship money available for students who do well on these tests.

Below is a list of all upcoming test dates and registration deadlines for both the ACTs and SATs.

For more information about the ACTs, including information about late registration deadlines and fees click here.

For more information about the SATs, including information about late registration deadlines and fees, click here.

Our six Enrollment Counselors are ready to help if you have questions about applying to PUC! Call our office at 800.865.7080 option 2 Monday-Thursday from 8 AM – 5 PM, and Friday from 8 AM – 1 PM to get connected with a Counselor. You can also email us at enroll@puc.edu or chat with us on our website (business hours only).

Editor’s note: This is dated material and does not necessarily reflect how the student financial services office at PUC and the financial process currently operates. Please contact your financial counselor for more information.