Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania has announced a change in the testing required for freshman admissions. The change becomes effective for students entering in Fall 2010.
Students may continue to submit the SAT and two SAT Subject Tests or the ACT as has been required in the past. However, students may now submit as an alternative to the other tests, three SAT Subject Tests and/or AP exams in the following areas:
- English, history or languages;
- Math or science and;
- One subject of the student’s choice but in a subject different from the other two. Only one non-English language may be submitted.
I think this is a good move on Bryn Mawr’s part since studies have generally shown that the SAT Subject Tests are a better predictor of college success than the SAT itself. Giving students various options to determine where their testing strength lies puts more control of the process with the student.
I still believe that a test optional policy is preferable to any test requirements but this new policy of Bryn Mawr is a step in the right direction. Colby College and New York University have moved to similar policies in the past year.
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