A coverage adopted by Ivy League establishments, and lots of different universities, permits candidates to decide on whether or not or to not submit standardized take a look at scores, such because the SAT or ACT, as a part of their utility. This method acknowledges that educational achievement is multifaceted and goals to judge candidates holistically.
The shift to this admission consideration supplies a number of potential benefits. It could actually broaden entry for college students from various backgrounds who might face obstacles to standardized testing, reminiscent of monetary constraints or restricted take a look at preparation sources. 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 method gained traction previous to the COVID-19 pandemic and was extensively carried out throughout it as a result of testing disruptions. The coverage has prompted ongoing dialogue concerning its long-term influence on fairness and selectivity in greater training.