In its latest update, Davidson College announced that it will no longer require SAT or ACT scores from applicants as the college goes permanently test-optional.
The announcement was made by the college's Board of Trustees, making the pandemic-era pilot programme into a policy.
Commenting on the development, Davidson College's Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Christopher Gruber said they know that standardised tests create a barrier for some students, adding that it only shows a part of their academic potential.
Gruber said that after two years they have realised how impactful the test-optional programme has been on the overall class. He further added that this programme has also allowed students to present themselves fully and increased the calibre of the incoming classes in terms of grades, test scores and life experiences.
After the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Davidson College had enacted a three-year pilot programme of a test-optional admission process. The decision was made after almost all the SAT and ACT centres were shut down during the time of the pandemic.
The success of the pilot programme in two years showed that the college can also assess the applicants without asking for standardised test scores.
Gruber asserted that the college authorities make a holistic review of the applicants to appreciate their different backgrounds. This also showcases the college's commitment to allowing education to be accessible to all qualified applicants, despite their financial circumstances.
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He further concluded by saying that Davidson College has the capacity to lead in an effective test-optional policy and to support or back the high school students in the United States and other countries to prepare them for lives of leadership and service.
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Source: Davidson College
