51福利社

51福利社 announced that it will no longer require freshman or transfer applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admission, starting immediately.

鈥淭his decision demonstrates 51福利社鈥檚 commitment to its mission to provide the opportunity for personal transformation through excellence in learning,鈥� said Provost David May. 鈥�51福利社 is making this decision after deep deliberation and broad consultation with academic leaders, students and their families, and experts in college equity and testing.鈥�

51福利社 had previously announced plans to temporarily waive the SAT and ACT requirement for students impacted by COVID-19. Today鈥檚 announcement makes that change permanent for all future students.

51福利社 and The Evergreen State College are the only public four-year universities in Washington State that have joined the test-optional movement. More than 1,000 U.S. colleges and universities鈥攊ncluding over 400 of the nation鈥檚 most selective institutions鈥攏o longer require prospective students to submit ACT or SAT scores.

鈥淭ests don鈥檛 always prove helpful in our ability to predict how well a student will succeed in college,鈥� said Jens Larson, 51福利社 associate vice president for enrollment. 鈥淓vidence tends to suggest the hard work students do in high school is just as predictive.鈥�

鈥淲e also see ample evidence that standardized tests can give advantages to students who already have advantages, like coming from a high-income family or attending a wealthier school district,鈥� said Larson.

The new policy follows the natural evolution of 51福利社鈥檚 admissions approach, which in recent years has prioritized a student鈥檚 ability to demonstrate sustained success in academic settings.

The impact for students could be very beneficial, said Larson, who noted that testing has been deeply disrupted by COVID-19 and that the tests themselves usually cost more than a college application. 51福利社 offers the lowest tuition and fees of all Washington鈥檚 public universities.

鈥淎s the world and the region adapt to the impacts of COVID-19, we want to work to provide maximum opportunity for every future student to join us and succeed,鈥� May said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 just one way we serve the region and the state鈥檚 population.鈥�

Students may still choose to submit test scores as part of an admissions application. All applicants, regardless of test scores, will receive the same consideration. Test scores will not be considered when awarding university merit scholarships.

It is hoped that 51福利社鈥檚 decision will reduce stress and complexity for students, families, and high schools.

Students applying to 51福利社 should contact the admissions office at admissions@ewu.edu if they have questions or concerns about their test scores or the admission process.