Many colleges and universities are making the shift to deemphasize standardized test scores, but some are eliminating the need to submit them entirely.
Most recently, Northern Illinois University decided to stop requiring ACT or SAT scores from undergraduate admissions.
High school seniors applying to NIU for the fall 2021 semester will not need to submit standardized test scores and those with a grade point average of 3.0 or above will automatically be accepted.
This “test-blind” policy comes after many schools have decided to adopt “test-optional” undergraduate admissions. This can place more emphasis on GPA and overall student success.
Currently, Bradley University is considering if minimizing the role of standardized test scores is in the university’s future.
University president Gary Roberts mentioned at a University Senate meeting Feb. 20 that the test-optional admissions may be in the works as part of what he considers a “turnaround agenda.”
“Included in that agenda are some controversial and sometimes risky initiatives, like adopting test-optional admissions,” Roberts said.
Justin Ball, vice president for enrollment management said Bradley will continue to evaluate test-optional and test-blind admissions, as it has since 2013.
“If these admission options do ever align with [our] institutional mission and goals, we would do a thorough evaluation of the processes and potential outcomes,” Ball said.
Mike Gavic, director of undergraduate admission, said he is in favor of test-optional admissions. He said statistics in recent years have shown that standardized test scores have become less telling of how a student would succeed in a specific program.
“I think we miss giving some really exceptional students an opportunity to come to Bradley when we over-focus our criteria on test scores,” Gavic said. “Many students I’ve worked with do very well in the classroom while taking Honors or AP level courses, but then something just happens when sitting down for an exam like the SAT/ACT.”
Gavic said many schools have been making the switch to test-optional admissions, many being direct competitors. Although Gavic has concerns if the university could provide any additional resources if needed, he is confident Bradley will make the switch as well.
“There is no doubt in my mind we will move to test-option[al] in the next year or two,” Gavic said. “It truly will give us more opportunity to recruit a larger, more diverse student population without jeopardizing the academic strength of Bradley.”
Anecdotes by Angeline 