Examining the Impact of Partial Test-Optional Policies on Enrollment Demographics at Public Research Universities

• In Event: Reforming College Admissions Policies: Evidence From Institutional Data and Perspectives From Admissions Officers

Abstract

American colleges and universities are increasingly adopting test-optional admissions policies, arguing that standardized tests may not reflect students’ academic ability or potential. However, there exists limited research on how these policies impact the demographic composition of the students enrolled at public institutions. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the enrollment demographics at George Mason University (GMU) following the adoption of a 2007 test-optional policy. Utilizing a synthetic control method, I find that the policy, while increasing underrepresented minority student enrollment, has had little impact on low-socioeconomic status student enrollment. These findings suggest that GMU may have enrolled students capable of paying sticker price, rather than those who could most benefit from the removal of testing requirements.

Author

• Paul G. Rubin, University of Georgia