Western New England University in Massachusetts will no longer require standardized test scores for admissions, school officials announced.
After years of requiring standardized scores for admission, the private four-year college announced that it has decided to embrace the emerging test-optional policy starting next month, Inside Higher Ed reported.
"Adopting a test-optional alternative allows us to consider your strengths that may be demonstrated in areas other than through an ACT or SAT score," according to the school's website. "Both our internal and external research show that your high school record, in particular your grades in challenging core subjects, is the most important academic component that predicts a student's likelihood to succeed in a rigorous college academic curriculum."
Students applying to the Springfield-based institution can choose whether or not to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of the application. However, those who decide to not submit their standardized test scores will be required to submit an additional essay, Inside Higher Ed reported.
There are two groups of students who cannot apply test-optional: students who are applying to the College of Engineering, Pre-pharmacy, Pre-physician Assistant, or Pre-optometry, and international students looking for full admission.
Due to the demand of the engineering and medical programs, test scores are taken in consideration as criteria for admission. International students are required to submit test scores to prove English proficiency.
The National Center for Fair & Open Testing reports that more than 850 accredited bachelor-degree granting schools now do not require all or many applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores, including more than 165 schools ranked in the top tiers of their categories.
The new admissions policy goes into effect for fall 2016 applicants.
