DENVER — Prospective students applying to the University of Denver are no longer required to submit their SAT or ACT scores.
The private university announced Tuesday that test scores will be optional for students applying for the fall 2020 term or later.
University officials said that by making SAT and ACT scores optional, admissions staff will focus on factors that better predict a student’s academic potential, such as high school grades and the difficulty of classes a student takes.
“Oftentimes an ACT or SAT score is more reflective of a student’s economic background and the resources of their school, rather than demonstrating the student’s academic abilities and college preparedness,” said Todd Rinehart, vice chancellor for enrollment. “We want to place our focus on curriculum and performance in school, and provide students the choice as to how their academic record is presented.”
A growing number of colleges and universities nationwide no longer require SAT or ACT scores, including Wake Forest University and American University, according to U.S. News and World Report. Many others are “test flexible,” meaning they give students the ability to choose which test scores they submit.
