WPI Makes the SAT Optional
In May, WPI became the first nationally ranked science and engineering university to make the SAT an optional requirement for admissions.
The SAT-optional policy, which takes effect for students applying for admission in fall 2008, has been adopted by many liberal arts colleges and research universities over the past 20 years. While the move is unprecedented within the science and technology education arena, implementation of the new policy is consistent with national efforts to attract a broader range of students to science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines— particularly women and minorities.
“The SAT may capture academic aptitude, but aptitude itself doesn’t necessarily reflect success in this type of setting,” says Kristin Tichenor, vice president for enrollment management at WPI. “The students who are most successful at WPI are those with high motivation levels, willingness to take initiative, and creativity in solving problems.”
WPI will conduct a five-year pilot study to examine the academic performance of students who do not submit SAT scores, compared to those who do.
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