Framingham State SAT-optional on pilot basis

Photo/Google Framingham State University is the latest public college in Massachusetts to give students an option of applying without giving their SAT or ACT scores.

Write a Comment

By Grant Welker

Framingham State University is giving students an option of not providing their SAT or ACT scores when applying to the school as part of a state pilot program.

The university announced its inclusion in the program on Monday, joining a list that also includes Bridgewater State University, UMass Boston, UMass Lowell and others. Worcester State University announced last year it is going test-optional for most of its applicants beginning with those enrolling this fall.

Framingham State chose to join the pilot program after a study found weighted high school grade-point averages were a better predictor of success than SAT scores.

At Framingham State, students who take the SAT or ACT will not be required to share them during the admissions process. They will, however, be asked to provide them following admission to allow the university to analyze how standardized tests, combined with grade-point average and course selection, influence retention in a student's first year in college. That analysis will guide future admission selection criteria, the university said.

Some students will still be required to submit SAT scores, including those interested in pursuing a major in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, students seeking admission into the honors program, those who were home-schooled, and those who submit transcripts with narratives rather than grades.