In this essay, Father Brian J. Shanley discusses Providence College’s pilot program to eliminate standardized test scores from the required components of an admission application. Building on the college’s ninety-year history of opening the doors of higher education to underrepresented populations, Providence College’s test-optional policy is designed to ensure that students with strong academic preparation are not excluded from matriculating because of poor test performance. Shanley provides insight into the college’s process of holistic application review and the institution’s plan to study the impact of its new policy on the makeup and success of its student body.

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