Why did Providence College choose to make standardized test scores optional in the admission process?
After more than a year of study, the test-optional policy was approved for two primary reasons. First, our research has confirmed that the combination of the strength of a student’s high school curriculum and the grades received are the strongest predictors of academic success in college. This new policy reinforces our longstanding message that a student’s high school career is the most important academic component in the review for admission. Second, despite our efforts to communicate the importance of high school performance over standardized test scores, students often believe a low test score rules out their chances for admission. In keeping with Providence College’s mission of serving students from diverse backgrounds, this policy encourages all students who have achieved success in high school to strongly consider Providence College.
