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George Washington University drops SAT, ACT requirement

By Amy R. Connolly

WASHINGTON, July 28 (UPI) -- George Washington University on Tuesday became the latest top-notch school, and quite possibly the largest, to drop SAT and ACT testing requirements for most applicants.

The private school, which has an enrollment of about 25,000, made the testing optional for acceptance into the school, reflecting a growing trend among some colleges to increase access to disadvantaged students who typically don't do well on standardized tests. The change takes effect Aug. 1 for the 2016-2017 school year for freshmen and transfer admissions.

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"It is our goal to create an approach that aligns with our admissions philosophy of holistic review, supports the university strategic plan on access, reflects the most current data analysis regarding the use of testing in admission, and is clear and easy to communicate and understand by prospective students, families and school counselors," the school said.

School administrators said in their search for well-rounded applicants, they will go beyond test scores, acknowledging that some students do not fare well on standardized tests even with stellar academic performances in the classroom. Testing will still be required from home-schooled applicants, college athletes and students applying for the school's seven-year program for aspiring physicians.

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"We want outstanding students from all over the world and from all different backgrounds – regardless of their standardized scores – to recognize GW as a place where they can thrive," said Dean of Admissions Karen Stroud Felton.

Testing will still be required from home-schooled applicants, college athletes and students applying for the school's seven-year program for aspiring physicians.

The National Center for Fair and Open Testing, known as FairTest, lists more than 180 schools that allow the optional use of SAT or ACT testing for admissions. In March, the College Board is expected to roll out a new SAT, the first revision since 2005, with the essay becoming optional and the perfect score being reverted to 1600. The ACT is now more widely used than the SAT in the United States.

FairTest Public Education Director Bob Schaeffer said the optional testing surge "recognizes that no test—not the SAT, old or new, nor the ACT – is needed for high-quality admissions."

"Many independent studies and practical experiences have shown that test-optional admission enhances both academic excellence and diversity," he said.

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