Holy Cross Makes Standardized Test Scores Optional

WORCESTER, Mass. – The College of the Holy Cross announced today that beginning with students matriculating in September 2006, standardized test scores will no longer be an admissions requirement. Students can now opt not to include SAT I, SAT II, and ACT scores as part of their applications without any negative impact on admissions decisions.

"This decision - made after several years of study, discussion, and serious consideration -reflects our existing admission policy," said Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., president of Holy Cross. "We have a highly personalized admissions process that already de-emphasizes standardized test scores. In addition, the application process itself is a window into the academic and intellectual life at a college, and we want prospective students to understand that Holy Cross is committed to the holistic education of young men and women."

Admissions decisions at Holy Cross have historically placed more weight on a student’s high school course of study and other qualitative evaluations than on standardized test scores, said Frank Vellaccio, Senior Vice President, who oversees admission policy.

"We look at the whole student," he said. "We evaluate a student’s academic career and consider the choices he or she has made both in the classroom and outside activities. While standardized scores give some snapshot indication of a student’s abilities, we are increasingly concerned with the inherent racial and socioeconomic bias in standardized testing - as well as the fact that no test can communicate a student’s passions, interests, motivations, and achievements."

Director of Admissions Ann McDermott added that when questions and published reports arose this spring about changes in the SAT and the addition of essay-writing to the test, the College was convinced that it was an appropriate time to drop the requirement.

"We see the stress students and their parents experience during test-taking season, as well as the amount of money and time spent in test preparation," she said. "Since classroom work, writing, and intellectual exploration are more important to Holy Cross, we wanted to send the message that that’s where students should be spending their time and energy."

She noted that any student may opt to submit scores if they believe a standardized test score helps present the fullest picture of their academic and intellectual accomplishments. "We want to put the responsibility of portraying their academic career back into the hands of the student."

International students whose first language is not English will still be required to submit results of the standardized test TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

Information related to this decision and specifically for applicants can be found on the Admissions Web site: http://www.holycross.edu/departments/adm-fa-bur/admissions/newtesting.htm