<p>I was just listening to the local news here in Providence, and they did a piece announcing that Providence College has decided to go to an SAT optional policy. The administrator interviewed said PC has always emphasized students' grades and quality of curriculum in making their admissions decisions, and now want to "put our money where our mouth is".</p>
<p>MAP - I just logged on to post the same news. I guess we are both watching NBC-10 - LOL! (I'm in southeastern MA). My D walked in while the report was on and said "does PC have a communications program?". Up to now - Providence was just way too close to home.</p>
<p>While PC's never been on the list of schools of interest for either of my kids, all the PC grads I've known have spoken very highly of their experiences there. I think this article is interesting for the insight it gives regarding the thinking behind the decision, and so has some food for thought even for those not interested in PC per se. It will be interesting to see how the prediction that they're in the vanguard of a growing trend plays out.</p>
<p>another school adds to the growing list of those recognizing that a 4 hour test is not indicative of college potential. the only thing disturbing was the socio-economic, diversity babble from their administration</p>
<p>Here is the list of SAT/ACT not required/optional provided by FairTest:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fairtest.org/optinit.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.fairtest.org/optinit.htm</a></p>
<p>"It will be interesting to see how the prediction that they're in the vanguard of a growing trend plays out."</p>
<p>THe only trend brought by optional SAT policies is more evidence of spineless hypocrisy. </p>
<p>Do not like the SAT? Why not drop it altogether. Saying that the school won't consider the SAT would take courage. Obviously, optional policies are better for manipulating rankings. </p>
<p>As far as the SES reason behind the decision, it is pure and unadulterated horse manure.</p>
<p>I would venture to guess if UNSWR put SAT optional schools in their own category that these schools would quickly reinstate the SAT /ACT as a requirement. Becoming sat optional is a win-win for colleges that already have a decent applicant pool--only applicants with good sat's/act's will submit scores, and applicant's with decent grades (and money?) will get in.</p>
<p>It is interesting that students need to submit SAT scores after they are accepted - if they did not do so with their application. The school says it is for class placement and advising purposes and so they can also track how the students do. </p>
<p>The SAT optional policy has a four year trial period.</p>
<p>If I'm not mistaken, PC has traditionally offered merit money for certain levels of SAT scores. </p>
<p>I didn't apply there when I was looking at schools, preferring instead to look outside Rhode Island. So I don't know how accurate this was.</p>