Providence College, in an effort to bridge a “Student accessibility gap” (read: increase its applicant pool) has implemented a new initiative whereby they will no longer require undergraduate applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of the admission application. (emphasis mine)

http://www.providence.edu/Admission/Undergraduate/Test+…

The new “test-optional” policy is effective immediately for students applying for admission in September 2007 (Class of 2011). Prospective students who choose not to submit standardized test scores will receive full consideration, without penalty, for admission.

The new policy is the second strategic initiative launched by Providence College to close the “student accessibility gap” since Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., assumed office as president one year ago. He has pledged to attract more applicants from under-represented populations, including economically disadvantaged students from urban schools. [...]

But, it isn’t permament. Not yet, at least. They want to make sure the quality of their applicants doesn’t drop. At other highly competitive test-optional schools, this hasn’t been the case–those without standardized tests submitted (usually because the scores were low) but who were accepted did, statistically speaking, just as well as anyone else. GPA-wise, at least. From my touring / info sessioning experience, even the least sincere admissions officers will say that they wish they didn’t have to take the standardized tests into consideration, but that they must reluctantly do so as it’s “part of the system” or some other excuse like that. In reality, it gives highly selective colleges another means to distinguish themselves from other institutions (i.e., high test scores = high prestige, as its perceived by the public, as they are marketed to) and it just contributes to that aura and mystique that leads to applicants, which leads to rejections, which leads to higher selectivity, which leads to… more money for the college.

The test-optional policy at Providence College will be offered as a pilot program for the next four years, after which time it will be evaluated before permanent implementation. If test scores are available, students will be required to submit them after enrollment, to support academic advisement and to assist with the necessary studies for assessment of the pilot program. [...]

We’ll see how this one works out. And, oh, sorry to seem cynical–I don’t mean to be here, really. The monks are legit. Providence College does seem quite sincere about it, as evidenced by cute past statements they’ve made, like this one from their President: “Universities and their teachers should not treat students as consumers whose demands have to be met for fear of losing market share. ” Thanks to Delaney Kirk for pointing me out to that one.

via Chronicle of Higher Ed. 7/26/06

Here’s a list of all those colleges in the US (4 year universities) that are SAT / ACT test optional.

[tags]test-optional, providence college, SAT, ACT, monks, catholics, college admissions[/tags]