NPR last year reported that a new study examined data from 36 test-optional schools. From the story:
“My hope is that this study will be a first step in examining what happens when you admit tens of thousands of students without looking at their SAT scores,” (study main author William) Hiss says. “And the answer is, if they have good high school grades, they’re almost certainly going to be fine.”
Hiss’ study, “Defining Promise: Optional Standardized Testing Policies in American College and University Admissions,” examined data from nearly three-dozen “test-optional” U.S. schools, ranging from small liberal arts schools to large public universities, over several years.
Hiss found that there was virtually no difference in grades and graduation rates between test “submitters” and “nonsubmitters.” Just 0.05 percent of a GPA point separated the students who submitted their scores to admissions offices and those who did not. And college graduation rates for “nonsubmitters” were just 0.6 percent lower than those students who submitted their test scores.
Here’s the Warren Wilson College press release:
Students applying to Warren Wilson College now may choose whether or not they wish to submit their SAT or ACT exam scores as a part of their application. The College’s application process includes high school GPA, the student’s personal statement, letters of recommendation and community service record. Nationwide, this comprehensive approach is proven to be the best method for evaluating an applicant’s potential for undergraduate success. The new admission policy goes into effect for fall 2016 applicants.
“This policy change makes sense,” said Janelle Holmboe, vice president for enrollment. “We value the whole student; the ways in which they innovate and apply knowledge, how they seek to serve others, and how they hope to make an impact in the world through hard work. Those qualities aren’t just reflected in test scores.”
According to the National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest), over 850 accredited schools offering bachelor’s degrees, including more than one-third of the top-ranked liberal arts colleges, have test-optional policies. Test-optional policies help create larger and more diverse applicant pools by lessening racial class, gender and cultural barriers to college enrollment posed by standardized testing. FairTest also saw increased access for low-income college applicants when the costs associated with testing, including preparatory courses, were eliminated.
“We believe a test-optional policy better connects our admission criteria with the educational experience we offer students,” said Holmboe. “The evidence supports and enhances Warren Wilson’s commitment to well-rounded approaches to learning in and out of the classroom and through work and service.”
FairTest reports more than 24 schools have adopted a similar policy since the spring semester of 2014.