Holy Cross (Jesuit University in Worcester Mass)–excellent LAC–announced it will place standardized testing in the “optional” category. Its reasoning may be called into question but the decision is a good one, IMHO. This is extremely interesting as their former policy was somewhat burdensome for the burned out senior (junior) sick of taking more and more tests. How many more are soon to announce a revision to their policies?
<p>College of the Atlantic already does this.</p>
<p>Lawrence University recently announced this too.</p>
<p>what I find to be most interesting is that Holy Cross is among the top 3 Jesuit schools--Georgetown and BC being the other two. Fordham could also be up there but haven't kept up to date with it. The reasons given by HC could provide enough justification for the other Jesuit schools to drop such requirements at their schools which would be a somewhat signficant hit to the SAT and ACT and lead other schools to start concentrating on the overall work performed by the student over 4 years rather than a 4 hour test that can be skewed by the amount of prep classes received. Perhaps a senior thesis might take the place of the ridiculous essay.</p>
<p>Or perhaps America might finally catch up with the rest of the world and have the interview actually count for something.</p>
<p>Sarah Lawrence doesn't require SATs either</p>
<p>I was talking to a woman in my gym this evening and she said her niece got a full ride to H.Cross. She was a bright student, very sweet and had done community service with her church since she was young. She had trouble though focusing for over 4 hours and didn't test well on long tests. (my S is similar) They took that in consideration and she's very happy. Her teachers and G.C. also praised her work and character. What she got might be rare,especially at H.C. (not known for aid) but all her mother could do was frame the "amount owed: 0" on her tuition statement. : ) It gave me a rush and she's not my kid!</p>
<p>"Or perhaps America might finally catch up with the rest of the world and have the interview actually count for something." Then instead of a four hour test we'll be judging people on a 30 minute interview. Because this world isn't already skewed in favor enough of people born as outgoing.</p>
<p>I'm against this.</p>