Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina: As put on the school’s website: “For the record, it’s not that we think standardized tests are evil. We just think that the measure of your intelligence and potential requires a deeper dive. It’s about life experience, aspiration, work ethic, engagement and all of what makes you who you are.”
Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine: The school’s website points out that Bowdoin has been “test optional” since 1969. "This policy allows applicants to decide for themselves whether or not their test results accurately reflect their academic ability and potential." Roughly 30 percent of the class of 2018 did not submit scores, according to the school’s website.
College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts: "We are concerned about the inherent racial and socioeconomic bias in standardized testing, and believe that our test-optional policy addresses this issue," the website says. "Additionally, the policy communicates to students, teachers and parents how Holy Cross focuses on the four-year academic program as well as outside-the-classroom interests in admissions decisions -- instead of on a single number or score. Finally, we believe it helps de-emphasize the attention, expense and stress surrounding test scores and test preparation."
Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, New York: "We are a community of learners, committed to and passionate about creative expression, intellectual exploration, innovation, entrepreneurship and artistic growth," the website says. “ … Sarah Lawrence is committed to a holistic review process, and we know that standardized testing may not accurately reflect the potential and contributions of all students. If you decide not to submit your test scores, you will not, in any way, diminish your application.”
Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut: Describing its test optional policy, the school website says, “We believe that students should have the power to decide how best to present themselves to the admission committee and whether -- or not -- their standardized test results accurately reflect their academic ability and potential."
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Opinion: Digging Out from Under a Student Loan
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