Indiana’s Ball State University is revamping its admissions process to make its courses accessible to students across the entire state. The university is making submitting of SAT or ACT scores optional for its next upcoming recruitment class that will start college education in the fall of 2019.
“Our research shows high school grade point averages are the strongest predictor for student success,” Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns said.
“This change will create opportunities for even more high-achieving students to take advantage of our distinctive academic programs, our unique immersive learning experiences, and our supportive campus community. The new policy also aligns with our Beneficence Pledge to maintain high standards of scholarship and excellence,” Mearns added.
The university is making the change after a deliberative process that began in the Spring of 2017 after freshman class in its history attracted the most academically qualified and diverse students as a result of making standardized tests optional.
“We want to build on this success. By becoming test-optional, we will become more attractive and accessible to students across the entire state of Indiana,” said Dr. Kay Bales, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services.
Ball State is Indiana’s largest and first four-year public university to make test-optional, but it is not alone in re-examining admission criteria. Research shows public colleges across the country see applications increase 11 percent, an increase in graduation rates, and more diversity within the student population after they become test-optional.