Dean College in Massachusetts announced Friday that it will no longer require test scores for admissions, joining the growing list of colleges to become SAT/ACT Test optional.

After years of requiring standardized scores for admission, the private college has decided to embrace the emerging policy beginning with students enrolling in the fall of 2016, Inside Higher Ed reported.

"The test-optional policy will better align the College with its commitment to a student-centered education. We do not want to put any barrier to enrollment at Dean. We value applications from students of all backgrounds and all academic experiences," John Marcus, vice president of enrollment and marketing, said in a statement.

The school's office of admissions will evaluate each prospective student based on the high school (and college if any) transcripts, personal essay, extracurricular and leadership activities and letters of recommendation.

However, students who take either or both standardized tests are encouraged to send them to the college to supplement their application. Students without test scores will receive the same consideration for merit scholarships based on their submitted application materials.

"We approach our decisions in a very holistic manner, considering the entire experience the student has had over their four years of high school. We are looking for student's potential for success based on their experiences both in and out of the classroom," Iris Godes, assistant vice president of Enrollment and Dean of Admission, said in a statement.

School officials hope this new policy will motivate students who did not take the test or have more modest test scores will be encouraged to apply.