Where Do Standardized Test Scores Fit in a Test-Optional Environment?

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Five
  In Roundtable Session: Institutional Mechanics: Navigating Recruitment, Admissions, and Accessibility (Table 1)

Abstract

As of June 7th, 2022, over 1,800 postsecondary institutions have instituted test-optional policies. This study used a survey to investigate why ACT test takers submit their scores to test-optional institutions and whether score sending, acceptance, and enrollment differ based on race/ethnicity, gender, or family income. We found students take the ACT to get an edge in scholarships and placement and to boost acceptance chances. We did not find that Black or Hispanic students are more likely to apply or be accepted into a test-optional college. Furthermore, low-income students have a lower probability of being accepted or enrolling in a test-optional institution than high-income students, and submitters had a higher probability (79%) of being accepted than non- submitters.

Authors

• Edgar I. Sanchez, ACT, Inc.
  Presenting Author

• Eveline De Medeiros Miranda, Brigham Young University
  Non-Presenting Author