A coverage adopted by Ivy League establishments, and plenty of different universities, permits candidates to decide on whether or not or to not submit standardized check scores, such because the SAT or ACT, as a part of their utility. This strategy acknowledges that tutorial achievement is multifaceted and goals to guage candidates holistically.
The shift to this admission consideration gives a number of potential benefits. It may well broaden entry for college students from various backgrounds who might face boundaries to standardized testing, corresponding to monetary constraints or restricted check preparation assets. Moreover, it compels admissions committees to think about a wider vary of things, together with grades, essays, extracurricular actions, and letters of advice, probably resulting in a extra complete analysis of an applicant’s potential. This strategy gained traction previous to the COVID-19 pandemic and was broadly applied throughout it because of testing disruptions. The coverage has prompted ongoing dialogue relating to its long-term influence on fairness and selectivity in increased schooling.