386 Colleges Now SAT/ACT Optional
As many colleges begin reviewing their admissions testing requirements in response to University of California President Richard Atkinson’s proposal to drop the SAT I (see story, page 1) a new analysis by FairTest has found that nearly 400 bachelor degree-granting institutions already admit substantial numbers of their applicants without regard to SAT I or ACT scores.
At least 386 U.S. colleges — about one-fifth of all those granting bachelor degrees — now do not use SAT I or ACT scores to choose significant portions of their entering classes. The institutions on this list represent a sizeable movement around the nation to go “test-score optional” as many schools realize that such tests are not needed for sound admissions practices. Many others have chosen to systematically exempt students who meet modest grade-point average or class rank criteria. Even some which claim to ‘require’ test scores really use them only for placement or to conduct research.
The rapid expansion of the list reflects both a number of major institutions, such as the University of Texas (see Examiner, Summer 1997, Summer 1998, Fall 1999) and Mount Holyoke College (see Examiner, Spring 2000) which recently eliminated test score requirements for many or all applicants, and others that have clarified how the SAT I and ACT are actually used. As the FairTest report Test Scores Do Not Equal Merit demonstrates, admissions offices can enhance both equity and academic excellence by not relying on test scores.
The current FairTest list includes such highly selective institutions as Bates, Bowdoin, Connecticut, Dickinson, Franklin & Marshall, Mount Holyoke, and Muhlenberg Colleges, as well as large public systems in Iowa, Kansas, Texas and other states. Religious, for-profit, and specialty colleges are also included. The count was based on a methodical review of the College Board’s 2001 College Handbook, information posted on college and university websites, and interviews with school officials.
The full list of bachelor degree-granting institutions which do not use the SAT I or ACT to make admissions decisions about substantial numbers of freshman applicants is posted here. Printed copies may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope to FairTest, 342 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139.