Assumption College

Assumption College has announced test-score-optional admissions, beginning with students applying for the 2010-2011 academic year. Prospective students no longer will be required to provide SAT or ACT standardized scores. The Assumption board of trustees approved the new admissions policy in May following extended discussions with the college’s key governing bodies, including administrators, academic deans and faculty leaders. The new admissions policy will be in place for the 2009-10 recruiting season.

Nationwide, the evidence is mounting that standardized test scores are not the best predictors of success in college, said Assumption’s vice president for enrollment management Evan Lipp.

“In recent years, more than 800 other colleges and universities from around the nation have adopted test-optional admissions,” Lipp said. “In 2008, our enrollment management division, in conjunction with Eduventures, a research and consulting firm, analyzed four years of Assumption’s admissions data and academic records to examine standardized testing’s ability to predict academic success specifically for the students we admit. The study found that high school GPA (cumulative grade point average) is, in fact, a better predictor of academic success at Assumption. Our conclusions mirror those of national studies.”

In light of these findings on and beyond its campus, Assumption no longer will require applicants to submit standardized testing scores. This change will strengthen Assumption’s ability to increase its success rate for attracting prospective students who may be considering other educational institutions within its competitive set,  said Lipp.

“The change to test-score-optional status will not affect Assumption’s admissions standards,” Lipp said. “We will continue to hand-select only those students best qualified for entry. By focusing on a more holistic approach, Assumption will be able to assemble the best possible incoming class.”


Why did Assumption College choose to go Test Optional?

Assumption College has carefully evaluated the data regarding our students and reviewed results from other college and universities that have become test-score optional and determined that standardized test scores are not the best predictors of success.

This decision will allow Assumption to recruit a more diverse pool of candidates who will do well in this academic environment. In the past, students who felt their test scores were not a true reflection of their ability may not have applied to Assumption despite their strong performance in the classroom.


How will this change the way Assumption evaluates my application?

Making Assumption admissions SAT/ACT optional will not affect the College’s rigorous admissions standards. Assumption will carefully consider your high school transcript, the strength of the curriculum you chose, your letters of recommendation, the nature and quality of your college essay and your extra-curricular involvement. The holistic approach to admissions decisions affords Assumption the opportunity to select the best applicants for admission and assemble the best-possible incoming class.


How should I determine whether or not to send my test scores to Assumption for consideration?

If you feel that your test scores are a true reflection of your ability, then the scores should be sent and they will be considered along with the other application items. If you elect not to send your scores, you will not be penalized.

 
How do I indicate that I do not want my test scores to be considered for admission?

The colleges application supplement form gives you the opportunity to declare if you want your scores to be included as part of the application evaluation.