SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. — Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College announced Monday that effective immediately, standardized tests will be optional for undergraduate admissions.
The test-optional policy allows prospective students to choose whether to submit test scores such as ACT or SAT, as a part of the admissions process.
Factors such as GPA and high school curriculum will be used to evaluate prospective students who elect test-optional. If a student chooses to submit test scores, the scores will also be included in the overall evaluation process.
This holistic approach will allow SMWC to consider student strengths that are exhibited in other areas than just ACT or SAT test scores.
“Research indicates that a test is not necessarily the best determining factor for student success in college,” said Brennan Randolph, vice president for enrollment management and information technology. Randolph adds that the high school GPA, alongside a student’s transcript of courses are stronger factors in determining academic performance.
Despite going test
optional, SMWC still encourages applicants to take the standardized tests and
submit the scores during the admission process. Submitting test scores will
allow SMWC to consider prospective students for more scholarships. In addition,
students will only be eligible to compete for certain scholarships, including
SMWC’s full-tuition Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Scholarship, if they submit
their test scores.
The college also recently announced that beginning with the fall 2020 class, tuition will be guaranteed for full-time students enrolling in undergraduate classes for eight semesters. Over 95% of SMWC students receive financial aid with over $9 million awarded in scholarships annually.
To find out more about the process for applying to SMWC, visit
www.smwc.edu/admission/
