ERIC Number: ED656102
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Jun
Pages: 63
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Exploring the Relationship between Test-Optional Admissions and Selectivity and Enrollment Outcomes during the Pandemic. EdWorkingPaper No. 24-982
Kelly Rosinger; Dominique J. Baker; Joseph Sturm; Wan Yu; Julie J. Park; OiYan Poon; Brian Heseung Kim; Stephanie Breen
Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
Most selective colleges implemented test-optional admissions during the pandemic, making college entrance exam scores optional for applicants. We draw on descriptive, two-way fixed effects, and event study methods to examine variation in test-optional implementation during the pandemic and how implementation relates to selectivity and enrollment. For "test-optional" colleges during the pandemic, we found substantial variation in policy type (e.g., test optional, test free) and whether the policy extended to all applicants and scholarship consideration. Findings suggest test-optional implementation related to increases in Black student enrollment, mostly at moderately selective colleges and when policies extended to all applicants and scholarships. At highly selective colleges, findings suggest test-optional implementation related to an increase in applications but not consistent gains in enrollment.
Descriptors: Selective Admission, College Admission, Institutional Characteristics, College Entrance Examinations, Pandemics, COVID-19, Admission Criteria, Educational Policy, Policy Analysis, Enrollment Trends, Trend Analysis, Scholarships, African American Students, Student Characteristics, Standardized Tests
Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. Brown University Box 1985, Providence, RI 02912. Tel: 401-863-7990; Fax: 401-863-1290; e-mail: AISR_Info@brown.edu; Web site: http://www.annenberginstitute.org
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Authoring Institution: Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: ACT Assessment; SAT (College Admission Test)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A