NORMAN, Okla. — The University of Oklahoma is making a change in its admissions process for the next five years.
OU officials announced it will make the submission of common standardized tests, such as the ACT and SAT, optional for admission. It's the first public university in the state to adopt a multi-year test-optional undergraduate admissions policy, officials said.
The decision follows guidance issued in July by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education that lifted the testing requirement for students applying to enter OU in the spring and fall 2021 semesters, according to university officials.
Since 2012, officials said the university evaluates prospective students on four components:
- academic rigor and performance
- activities and engagement
- personal essay
- letter(s) of recommendation
The university said holistic admission allows OU to use many factors to predict the likelihood of student success, and now the university can make admission decisions without relying on a test score.
Looking to the future, we view operating as a test-optional institution as a necessary and important move to increasing access to the state’s flagship institution, and this pilot program allows for that consideration. Test scores can be a helpful tool in determining readiness, but they are not the only measure that projects that. Through our holistic admissions process, we are looking for proven academic excellence and for students who demonstrate grit, perseverance and a passion to make a positive impact on the world.
Students are still encouraged to submit test scores, because they allow for accurate course placement and could improve a student's opportunity to gain admission and scholarships. However, the university said it will consider students for scholarships holistically as well.
The OU application for fall 2021 is now open. For more information about OU’s test-optional admissions process, click here. To contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment, click here.
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