Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) announced today that it will no longer consider SAT or ACT scores in its admission process. The change to fully “test-blind” admissions will begin with the Fall 2021 application cycle and supports WPI’s mission of expanding access to a high-quality STEM education to all students. The new policy was endorsed by the university’s faculty and will be enacted as an eight-year pilot.
“I’m proud that WPI is one of the very first STEM universities to fully eliminate the test score barrier,” said President Laurie Leshin. “WPI’s immersive project-based approach to STEM education engages students in solving real problems around the world, and our most successful students are those with drive, curiosity, and passion—factors that no standardized test can measure. We know that a WPI education can change a person’s lifelong career trajectory, and is a highly effective engine of social mobility. This is particularly true for women, underrepresented students of color, economically disadvantaged students, and other diverse populations, who are often among those students whose test scores may discourage them from seeing themselves on our campus. By eliminating this barrier, we hope to accelerate bringing to WPI learners with the varied perspectives and experiences that are vital to helping to develop contextualized, human-centered, and sustainable solutions. I applaud the WPI faculty for embracing this bold step designed to bring the WPI opportunity to talented students everywhere.”