Le Moyne College in New York and the University of Puget Sound in Washington have announced that they will no longer require standardized test scores for admissions, Inside Higher Ed reported.

The two universities will implement a test optional policy, allowing applicants to choose whether to submit standardized test scores. They are the latest institutions to drop the SAT/ACT score (s) as admissions requirement.

The Linda LeMure, president of Le Moyne College, said the decision to go test optional is closely aligned with the mission of the institution.

"While it's true that standardized tests can provide one indication of the qualifications of students applying to Le Moyne, we strongly believe that by becoming test optional our applicant pool will include more students from demographic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented," LeMure said.

Students applying to Le Moyne College will now have the option of submitting their SAT and ACT test scores or withholding them for consideration as part of the admission process. In recent years, the school has put an increasing reliance for admission on other criteria, including high school transcripts, the rigor of completed course work, extracurricular activities, community involvement, essays and personal recommendations.

The University of Puget Sound "cited similar reasons" for no longer requiring prospective students to submit standardized scores, Inside Higher Ed reported. However, prospective students will have to respond in writing to two short essay questions, in lieu of submitting SAT/Act scores.

"Educators have long known that personal characteristics such as leadership ability, determination, and resourcefulness are essential qualities for college success, as well as academic preparation and performance in high school," Jenny Rickard, vice president for enrollment at Puget Sound, said in a statement. "There are students who don't do as well in standardized testing, but who have the motivation and resilience to excel. We want to broaden access for students who we believe will make the most of their college experience, but who might be overlooked by traditional admission practices."

The change will be effective in August.