Emory University revised its standardized testing requirements in 2022 to become “test-optional” through 2025. This entails that prospective students applying for undergraduate admission for fall 2023, 2024, and 2025 are not required to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
This change in policy is intended to broaden access to Emory for talented students from all backgrounds, particularly those who may have been disadvantaged by the challenges of standardized testing. Emory recognizes that standardized test scores are not always an accurate predictor of a student’s ability to succeed in college and that they can introduce bias into the admissions process.
Emory’s decision to become test-optional is part of a growing trend among colleges and universities across the United States. In recent years, a number of institutions have eliminated or made standardized testing optional in an effort to reduce barriers to admission and create a more equitable playing field for applicants.
1. Access
Emory’s test-optional policy is designed to make the admissions process more equitable and inclusive. Standardized testing has been shown to be biased against certain groups of students, including students from low-income backgrounds, students of color, and students with disabilities. By making standardized testing optional, Emory is removing a barrier to admission for these students.
- Reduced bias: Standardized tests have been shown to be biased against certain groups of students, including students from low-income backgrounds, students of color, and students with disabilities. Emory’s test-optional policy will help to reduce this bias in the admissions process.
- Increased access: Emory’s test-optional policy will make it easier for students from all backgrounds to apply to Emory. Students who may have been discouraged from applying in the past due to standardized testing requirements will now have the opportunity to apply to Emory.
- More holistic review: Emory’s test-optional policy will allow the admissions committee to review applications in a more holistic way. The committee will be able to consider a wider range of factors, such as a student’s academic record, extracurricular activities, and personal statement.
Emory’s test-optional policy is a positive step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive admissions process. It will allow Emory to attract a more diverse and talented student body, which will benefit the entire Emory community.
2. Equity
Standardized testing has been shown to be biased against certain groups of students, including students from low-income backgrounds, students of color, and students with disabilities. This bias can be introduced in a number of ways, such as:
Cultural bias: Standardized tests are often culturally biased, meaning that they favor students from certain cultural backgrounds over others.Socioeconomic bias: Standardized tests are also biased towards students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, who have access to better educational resources and test preparation.Disability bias: Standardized tests can be difficult for students with disabilities to take, and they may not accurately reflect their academic abilities.
Emory’s test-optional policy will help to reduce the impact of bias in the admissions process. By making standardized testing optional, Emory is giving all applicants a fair chance to be evaluated, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The decision to make standardized testing optional is a significant step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive admissions process. It is a positive change that will benefit all students, and it is a model that other colleges and universities should follow.
3. Success
Standardized test scores have been shown to be a poor predictor of college success. In fact, a 2019 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that standardized test scores only account for about 13% of the variation in college GPA. This means that there are many other factors that are more important in determining a student’s success in college, such as their academic record, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.
Emory’s test-optional policy is a recognition of the fact that standardized test scores are not a reliable indicator of college success. By making standardized testing optional, Emory is giving all applicants a fair chance to be evaluated, regardless of their test scores.
The decision to make standardized testing optional is a positive step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive admissions process. It is a change that will benefit all students, and it is a model that other colleges and universities should follow.
FAQs
Emory University’s decision to go test-optional through 2025 has raised a number of questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Question 1: Why is Emory going test-optional?
Emory is going test-optional in order to create a more equitable and inclusive admissions process. Standardized testing has been shown to be biased against certain groups of students, such as students from low-income backgrounds, students of color, and students with disabilities. By making standardized testing optional, Emory is removing a barrier to admission for these students.
Question 2: Is Emory still accepting standardized test scores?
Yes, Emory is still accepting standardized test scores. However, they are no longer required for admission. Students who choose to submit test scores will have their scores considered in the admissions process, but they will not be penalized if they do not submit scores.
Question 3: Will Emory’s test-optional policy affect the quality of the student body?
No, Emory’s test-optional policy will not affect the quality of the student body. Emory has a long history of admitting talented and successful students, and the university expects that to continue under the test-optional policy.
Question 4: What are the benefits of Emory’s test-optional policy?
Emory’s test-optional policy has a number of benefits, including:
Increased access: Emory’s test-optional policy will make it easier for students from all backgrounds to apply to Emory.Reduced bias: Emory’s test-optional policy will help to reduce bias in the admissions process.More holistic review: Emory’s test-optional policy will allow the admissions committee to review applications in a more holistic way.Question 5: What are the challenges of Emory’s test-optional policy?
Emory’s test-optional policy does have some challenges, including:
Increased applications: Emory may see an increase in applications under the test-optional policy, which could make the admissions process more competitive.Less information: The admissions committee will have less information to consider when evaluating applications under the test-optional policy.Question 6: What is the future of standardized testing in college admissions?
The future of standardized testing in college admissions is uncertain. However, the trend towards test-optional policies is likely to continue. More and more colleges and universities are recognizing the limitations of standardized testing and are moving away from using them in the admissions process.
Emory’s test-optional policy is a positive step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive admissions process. It is a model that other colleges and universities should follow.
For more information about Emory’s test-optional policy, please visit the Emory University website.
Tips for Applying to Emory University as a Test-Optional Applicant
Emory University’s decision to go test-optional through 2025 provides an opportunity for students to apply to Emory without submitting standardized test scores. While standardized testing is not required, it is still accepted and considered by the admissions committee. Here are some tips for applying to Emory as a test-optional applicant:
Tip 1: Focus on your academic record.
Your academic record is the most important factor in the admissions process, regardless of whether or not you submit standardized test scores. Make sure to earn strong grades in your high school courses, and take challenging coursework, including honors, AP, or IB classes.
Tip 2: Get involved in extracurricular activities.
Extracurricular activities show the admissions committee your interests and passions, and they can also demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to your community. Get involved in activities that you are passionate about, and make sure to take on leadership roles.
Tip 3: Write a strong personal statement.
The personal statement is your chance to tell the admissions committee about yourself and why you want to attend Emory. Make sure to write a well-crafted essay that highlights your unique qualities and experiences.
Tip 4: Get good letters of recommendation.
Letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, and other adults who know you well can provide the admissions committee with valuable insights about your character and abilities. Make sure to ask for letters from people who can speak to your academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.
Tip 5: Apply early.
Applying early can give you an advantage in the admissions process, especially if you are applying as a test-optional applicant. Emory offers two early decision deadlines: November 1st and January 10th.
Tip 6: Visit Emory.
Visiting Emory is a great way to learn more about the university and to get a feel for the campus and community. If you are able to visit, be sure to take a tour and meet with an admissions counselor.
Tip 7: Be yourself.
The most important thing is to be yourself throughout the application process. The admissions committee wants to get to know the real you, so don’t try to be someone you’re not. Just be honest, authentic, and genuine, and let your personality shine through.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits
Applying to Emory as a test-optional applicant is a great option for students who do not want to submit standardized test scores. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of admission and get one step closer to achieving your dream of attending Emory University.
Transition to the article’s conclusion
Emory University is a world-renowned institution of higher learning, and it is a great place to learn, grow, and succeed. If you are interested in attending Emory, I encourage you to apply as a test-optional applicant. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your dream of becoming an Emory Eagle.
Emory’s Commitment to Access and Equity
Emory University’s decision to extend its test-optional policy through 2025 is a significant step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive admissions process. Standardized testing has been shown to be biased against certain groups of students, and Emory’s test-optional policy will help to level the playing field for all applicants.
Emory’s test-optional policy is part of a larger trend among colleges and universities to reduce the reliance on standardized testing in admissions decisions. This trend is based on the growing recognition that standardized test scores are not always an accurate predictor of a student’s ability to succeed in college. Emory’s test-optional policy will allow the university to admit a more diverse and talented student body, which will benefit the entire Emory community.
