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Home > Admissions > Prospective Freshmen >
Q&A: SAT/ACT-Optional Policy
- What does Whitworth consider for admission?
As one of the most selective colleges in Washington, Whitworth University's academic profile of entering freshmen, the freshman-to-sophomore retention rate, and the overall graduation rate are all well above national averages. The following factors will continue to be considered in evaluating applicants for admission:
- High school record of academic rigor – we evaluate the courses taken and assess the difficulty of those courses in the context of each specific high school.
- High school grades – high school GPA is a reliable predictor of college success.
- Admission interview – meeting in person or speaking with an applicant on the phone helps brings the application file to life. This is required if a student chooses to not submit test scores.
- Recommendations – teachers and counselors often have tremendous insight and can offer a perspective that helps us know an applicant better.
- Extracurricular activities – Whitworth students tend to be very involved in campus and community life outside the classroom.
- Personal statement – we offer applicants an opportunity to tell us something interesting or unique about themselves.
- SAT I and/or ACT scores – if the student chooses to have the scores considered.
- Why has Whitworth adopted an SAT/ACT optional admission approach?
The role of standardized testing in predicting success in college continues to be a controversial topic – especially in light of the new writing sections for both the SAT and ACT tests. In addition, we are concerned that the SAT and ACT tests tend to disadvantage minority students, rural students, and those unable to afford the costs of taking the test multiple times and/or test-preparation courses. We are also increasingly concerned that the steady rise in Whitworth's average test scores over the past decade may deter applications from highly qualified students who may be equipped to succeed at Whitworth. Evidence shows that a student's record of accomplishment and involvement over a four-year period in high school can be a stronger indicator of academic success in college than a single standardized test.
Results from a 20-year study conducted by Bates College show that standardized test scores are not necessary to be able to predict academic success in college. Since implementing an SAT/ACT-optional policy in 1984, Bates has found that there were no significant differences in academic performance or graduation rates between those who submitted SAT or ACT scores and those who elected not to submit test results. The Bates study report is available at: www.bates.edu/ip-optional-testing-20years.xml.
- Does this mean that Whitworth will be accepting less qualified students?
No. Whitworth will continue to be highly selective and we will continue to look for students who are academically talented, intellectually curious, self-motivated, and actively engaged in high-school and community activities. We expect that promising students with a high GPA and strong college-prep coursework, who may otherwise not have considered Whitworth because of their test scores, will now be more likely to apply for admission. With greater numbers of applications comes an applicant pool with greater depth and breadth resulting in greater admission selectivity and the opportunity to enroll an even stronger freshman class.
- Will SAT or ACT scores be required for any applicants?
While no applicants for admission will be required to submit SAT or ACT scores (international students are still required to submit TOEFL scores), test scores will be required to qualify for the Mind and Heart Academic Scholarship, the Presidential Academic Scholarship, and the Trustee Academic Scholarship.
Because standardized test results are used for academic advising and course placement, all entering freshmen must submit scores over the summer prior to enrolling.
- Does this represent a change to Whitworth's admission standards?
No. Whitworth will continue to evaluate applicants for admission based on a holistic approach. Our comprehensive applicant review process serves to identify students who will greatly benefit from and contribute to the Whitworth community of scholars. Adopting a test-optional admission policy reaffirms the importance of an applicant's full record of achievement, involvement, accomplishment, and preparation for college throughout the high-school years.
- Will an applicant be at a disadvantage in the admission process if he or she decides not to submit standardized test scores?
Not at all. Students opting not to submit SAT or ACT scores will be evaluated by all of the factors described in Question #1 above; students who choose not to submit test scores will be evaluated, without prejudice, based on the other components of their application file.
- Will we require anything to replace standardized tests scores for those applicants who opt out of having scores considered?
Applicants who choose not to submit a standardized test score will be required to have an interview with a Whitworth admissions representative. Ideally, the interview will take place on campus, but it may take place over the phone or at another location. As is always the case, applicants can submit additional information that they feel is pertinent and helpful to their application file.
- Has a test-optional admissions approach been implemented at other selective liberal arts colleges?
Whitworth will be the first liberal arts college in Washington to adopt a test-optional admission policy and will join the ranks of other selective colleges such as Bates (Maine), Mount Holyoke (Mass.), Franklin and Marshall (Pa.), Bowdoin (Maine), Gustavus Adolphus (Maine), Lawrence (Wis.), Holy Cross (Mass.), Messiah (Pa.), Pitzer (Calif.), Muhlenberg (Pa.), Knox (Ill.). Currently, 28 of the top 100 liberal arts colleges, as ranked by U.S. News and World Report, have an SAT/ACT-optional policy.
- Why should any student take the SAT or ACT?
As is currently the case, most prospective students will continue to take standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT so they may fully explore their college options and to prepare for later standardized tests for graduate-school admission, such as the GRE, GMAT, MCAT and LSAT. Prospective students will benefit from the knowledge before taking the SAT or ACT that they may choose whether to have their scores considered as part of the admission process at Whitworth.
- What percentage of freshman applicants to Whitworth will opt not to have their standardized test scores considered in the admission process?
Based on the experience of other colleges and universities that have implemented a test-optional admission policy we would expect that 15-20% of freshman applicants would decide that their standardized test scores do not adequately reflect their ability and potential for success at Whitworth.
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