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First-Year Students

First-year students on lawn discussing

What it takes to join the Wolf Pack

Everything begins when you apply. For current high school students who haven't taken any college courses, it's an easy three-step process.

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1. Prepare

  • Review admission standards

  • Loyola is a test-optional institution. SAT and ACT scores are not required to determine admission. Applicants will have the choice to select if they wish to have their ACT or SAT scores considered when Loyola reviews their application for admission and merit scholarship decisions will not be considered during the admissions process. See our Test-Optional FAQ for more information.

    • Applicants who should still submit their test scores:

      • Louisiana applicants: Please submit qualifying SAT or ACT scores, as required by the Louisiana Office of Financial Student Assistance (LOFSA). Loyola will use the score to determine TOPS eligibility.
      • Recruited athletes: Test scores can be used as an option to confirm your National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) eligibility. Please visit the NAIA Eligibility Center for the more information.
  • Pay attention to admission deadlines.
  • Research majors
    • Take a quiz to help discover your major.
  • Review AP, IB and other credit guides

    • Students who complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program are eligible to receive up to 30 credits at Loyola University New Orleans, which is equivalent to one full year of study, or sophomore status.

  • Review College of Music and Media admissions requirements 
  • For high school juniors and younger, please share your music experience with us by filling out our Music Interest form.

2. Apply

3. After you Apply

  • Check your application status.
  • Send your high school transcript; if you attended more than one high school, be sure that we get a transcript from each school.
  • Keep in touch with your admission counselor and let them know about changes in your academic profile.
  • Be patient, admissions decisions will first be released electronically; admitted students will also receive official documentation via mail.
  • Have your family join our Loyno Family Portal. Learn more about Loyola and join communities that are important to you and your family. Personalize information that caters to you and your family's interests, and interact with other families going through the college search process.

Why Choose Loyola?

At Loyola, you're more than a major. You're an entrepreneur, an artist, a scientist, a musician—or some combination. Your neighbors will be makers and doers like you, and your teachers will guide you toward greatness. On this campus, you don't have to limit yourself. You can do everything that matters to you. 

Learn what sets our Jesuit education apart

Explore scholarships and financial aid packages that make Loyola affordable