Pencils down

EAST STROUDSBURG — East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (ESU) is eliminating the mandatory submission of SAT and ACT scores, a long-standing requirement of the admissions process, starting next spring.
ESU will be the first university in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education to introduce test-optional admissions for all applicants. More than 850 educational institutions nationwide, including many colleges and universities, are now test optional, including Temple University, Bryn Mawr College, Duquesne University, Franklin and Marshall College, Juniata College, and Saint Joseph’s University.
Jeff Jones, director of admissions, said the college will place greater emphasis on grades, curriculum, extracurricular activities, community service and attendance.
The primary use of the scores has been to place students in the appropriate freshman English, mathematics, and science classes rather than in the admissions process. School officials found that test scores deny admission to otherwise talented and qualified prospective students.
“We’ve examined best practices and results from a number of institutions prior to our decision to run a test-optional pilot for ESU,” said David Bousquet, vice president for enrollment management. “There is evidence that standardized tests are not the best predictor of college success. Rather, the level of courses selected and the grades received in those college preparatory courses continue to stand as the best predictor of college success.”
Peter Hawkes, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the college will give initiative a try and then assess the results.
“ESU’s Council of Trustees hopes that the pilot offers increased access to education for those seeking such opportunities," Hawkes said.

Increasingly many colleges and universities are moving away from requiring standardized test results as a part of the admissions process. In a 2015 article in Maine’s Morning Sentinel, it was reported that The College Board, the not-for-profit organization that administers the SAT, reported the number of non-profit, four-year colleges in the U.S. that require or recommend standardized test scores has declined from 82 percent in 2003 to 78 percent in 2013.
“There are students who do not fare well on these on standardized tests but present a record of solid grades,” Bousquet said. “By removing the stigma of poor standard test results, we hope to remove a barrier for students who don’t think their SAT or ACT scores are accurate indicators of their academic ability. Students will still have an option to submit their SAT and ACT scores if they choose.”
The academic performance of those who submit and those who do not submit test scores will be conducted following the 2017-18 academic year.
For more information or to apply to ESU, visit esu.edu or call 570-422-3542.
"ESU signs dual admission agreement with Bucks County Community College": http://bit.ly/1r3bh3O