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ERIC Number: EJ1437205
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 5
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0897-5264
EISSN: EISSN-1543-3382
Test-Free Admissions at Selective Institutions: Perspectives from Admissions Professionals
Julie J. Park; Nancy Wong; Pearl Lo; Jia Zheng; OiYan Poon; Kelly Rosinger
Journal of College Student Development, v65 n4 p438-442 2024
While preferable over requiring standardized tests, test-optional policies also have some unintended consequences. The limitations of test-optional policies do not warrant a return to required standardized testing, which is even more counterproductive to equity given that race and class are substantial predictors of performance on such tests. However, these limitations signal a need to explore other options regarding testing. One alternative is test-free admissions. Little is known about the ramifications of test-free policies at selective institutions, including the perspectives of admissions professionals who now evaluate applicants without test scores. The authors analyzed responses from 17 participants who worked at institutions that went test-free after March 2020, representing 10 institutions in three states. The smaller sample size is appropriate for the study focus, which narrowly explores admission professionals' reactions to test-free admissions policies. Also, while the number of test-free institutions has grown, it is still relatively small. Thus, the sample represents a noteworthy proportion of institutions that became test-free during the pandemic (10 of 86). The authors identified three key findings regarding the adoption of test-free policies at selective colleges and universities: (a) admissions professionals supported test-free policies to promote equity; (b) they generally felt well prepared to implement test-free policies; and (c) respondents noted ramifications for admissions, such as not relying on test scores as a shortcut when reviewing applications. The current study provides valuable insight related to how test-free policies are experienced on the ground.
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A