EEPAAthens, GA— Andrew’s research on test-optional admission policies was recently published in Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, which is widely considered as one of the top journals in all of education.  The study analyzes the relationship between test-optional admission policies and subsequent growth in the proportion of low-income and minority students enrolling at adopting liberal arts colleges.  It also examines whether test-optional policies increase institutional standing through greater application numbers and higher reported SAT scores.

Results of the study show that, on average, test-optional adoption enhances the perceived selectivity, rather than the diversity, of participating institutions–suggesting that, despite popular belief, test optional policies do little to promote equity of access in higher education. Andrew hopes that the study compels educators and policymakers to consider what is really required to improve diversity at America’s most competitive colleges.

To view an electronic copy of the article, click here.

The paper is coauthored by Kelly O. Rosinger, doctoral candidate in the Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia, and Dr. James C. Hearn, Professor in the Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia.