This is our second recruitment cycle at Drew employing the SAT Optional policy and I am happy to report it has been successful on a number of levels for the University. First, let me clarify just what SAT Optional means at Drew. It means applicants to the traditional Bachelor of Arts program have a choice as to whether or not they submit standardized test scores for admission consideration. Those choosing not to submit test scores must instead submit a graded paper from a high school class.
It is important to note that our new policy does not mean that the Admissions Committee disregards the scores submitted by applicants. Rather, it allows each student to decide which – test scores or a graded paper – best represents his/her academic and intellectual ability. Drew joins a growing number of colleges and universities who have taken this step. We believe that factors other than standardized test scores can be better predictors of success in college, e.g. a student’s high school program and grade point average.
When President Weisbuch first introduced a three-year pilot for this initiative it was based on his philosophy that Drew should focus more on what a liberal arts education has to offer and less on test scores. Why admit students based on impersonal criteria when we claim to treat them so personally once they join our community? As Dean of College Admissions and Financial Assistance I also am a believer in this holistic approach. At Drew our goal is to get to know each student as best as we can. The graded paper serves as yet another tool to help us fully understand our applicants. At the conclusion of this trial, we shall be able to quantify even further our success in this area. Because if it succeeds it will be harder, not easier, to be admitted to Drew.
Drew traditionally has always given more consideration to an applicant’s course of study in high school and grades, than to standardized test scores. Our own research has shown that the high school student’s grade point average is by far the most important predictor of success in college. An internal study last year showed no correlation between test scores and the success of our students but significant correlation between that success and high-school performance. Our approach to application review is an increasingly holistic one. Through the application process, we ask students to tell us as much as they can about themselves. They take the time to do that. Therefore, we feel it is our responsibility to give each and every one of them as comprehensive an evaluation as possible.
Starting with President Weisbuch’s announcement in the fall of 2005, the University has benefited from national media coverage on the topic. Besides public media exposure, our SAT optional policy has been the subject of numerous presentations within the guidance community over the last year. Feedback from alumni, prospective students, and guidance counselors has been extraordinarily positive and supportive. This strategy has further helped position Drew in the “public eye” as a liberal arts school that emphasizes individual strengths over statistics.
As a recruitment tool, this new policy has also benefited Drew. Last year the number of applicants who submitted graded high school papers in lieu of SAT scores was 729. This year that number has jumped to 792 representing almost 17% of all our applications. The increase among international applications is even more noteworthy, with an increase of over 100% for those submitting graded papers. Those applicants submitting a graded paper who self-reported a Hispanic or African-American background also increased by 55%.
These numbers are encouraging because they support our goal to make our campus community not merely inclusive but diverse and dynamic. It shows we can raise quality rather than lowering it by allowing us to consider and to admit students who are great learners but who may test poorly. We are fortunate in our small size because it permits us the flexibility to look at individuals vs. numbers.
The overall quality of our admitted students this year has actually risen. Our average GPA remains strong at 3.45. Coupled with our ever-increasing number of annual applications, we found ourselves this year in the happy position of being able to heighten our selectivity. Last year we admitted 64% of our applicants; this year 61%. As of this point in time we do not have our final enrollment numbers but are fully optimistic that we shall achieve our enrollment goals.
In a nutshell, Drew remains highly selective. Our new SAT Optional Policy has resulted in positive media coverage for the University, increased the number of applications, allowed us to become more selective, and broadened the ethnic diversity within the application pool. It reinforces our message that Drew offers personal attention to its students and that the individual is always more than the sum of his or her credentials.
