The Rise of Test-Optional Admissions in Higher Education

In this episode of the Holistic Success Show, Anju Visen-Singh, Dr. Kelly Dore, and Dr. Alex MacIntosh examines the rapid shift toward test-optional admissions in higher education. As more universities reconsider the role of standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, and GRE, this conversation explores the implications for fairness, access, and holistic admissions strategies.

Key topics include the definitions of test-optional, test-flexible, and test-blind policies, the impact of GPA inflation, and the role of contextualized academic metrics. The episode also discusses how tools like situational judgment tests (SJTs), multiple mini-interviews (MMIs), and rubric-based reviews help institutions evaluate both academic readiness and personal attributes more equitably.

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