American International College Will Become Test Optional Spring Semester 2017

  • 07/14/16

SPRINGFIELD, MA – American International College (AIC) will become one of the first local institutions of higher education to become SAT/ACT optional beginning spring semester 2017. This will include all applicants for all majors.

A growing trend nationally, more than 850 schools including big names such as George Washington, Wesleyan and Fairfield Universities are now test optional. Thirty-five schools in Massachusetts are on board.

In a study conducted by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), college performance was evaluated for more than 100,000 students at 33 test optional colleges. It was determined that the differences in college performance of those students who submitted SAT scores and those who did not were negligent in terms of grade point averages and graduation rates. The study also found that those students who did not submit SAT scores were more likely to be first-generation-to-college applicants, minority students, women, Pell grant recipients, and students with learning differences.

According to Dean of Undergraduate Admissions Jonathan Scully, “Moving to test optional admissions is core to our mission of educational access for first generation students and students from underserved backgrounds. We’re invested in our students’ success and recognize that standardized tests don’t typically serve those populations well. There is a direct correlation between test scores and economic resources. Students who have the financial means to afford test preparation will do better than those who don’t. We shouldn’t be basing our admission decisions on test scores. It’s important to look at the whole student.”

A multiyear study at AIC determined that high school success is two to three times more predictive of retention and college success than standardized test scores. High school success includes rigorous courses and good grades, meaning a heavy academic course load at the highest level in which the student will excel. In addition, AIC looks for the student who is well rounded, excelling outside of the classroom as well. In other words, an individual who will not only be an outstanding member of the AIC community but the community at large.

Founded in 1885, American International College (AIC) is a private, co-educational, master’s institution located in Springfield, MA. AIC is an interfaith, interracial and international educational institution with the School of Business, Arts & Sciences, the School of Health Sciences and the School of Education. AIC supports and advances education, diversity, and opportunity for its students and the community. More information about American International College, including the more than 40 programs available at the undergraduate level, can be found online at www.aic.edu or by calling 413/205-3201.

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