Carleton implements test-optional policy for college admissions following 5-year pilot and extensive analysis

Carleton will no longer require students to submit standardized test scores as part of the admissions process. The decision, which came at the recommendation of the College’s Admissions and Financial Aid Committee (AFAC), follows extensive analysis, discussion, and community feedback, including an externally conducted study that showed Carleton’s holistic application review process is effective at assessing the academic readiness of each student, regardless of whether or not they submitted test scores.

“Like many colleges and universities, Carleton piloted a test-optional admissions practice in 2020 due to challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Art Rodriguez ’96, vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid. “Five years later, we now have years of data indicating that a test-optional approach makes Carleton more accessible to all populations of students without hampering our ability to determine whether an applicant is likely to succeed in their studies here.” 

AFAC — which includes faculty, staff, and students as members — utilized an analysis conducted by the Huron Consulting Group in making its recommendation. Among the study’s key findings:

• The Academic Rating, an official assessment done for every Carleton applicant by staff from the College’s Office of Admissions, was the strongest predictor of a student’s first-year GPA, showing that the College is capable of effectively assessing academic preparedness with or without test scores.
• Students who did not submit test scores to Carleton had the same or higher retention rates than those who did. 
• Non-white students, Pell-eligible students, and students from lower-income neighborhoods with lower educational attainment are much more likely to apply test-optional. 

“Carleton seeks to attract curious and engaged students who bring the widest possible range of backgrounds and experiences, and the decision to remain test-optional supports this important goal,” Carleton President Alison Byerly said. “We feel confident in our ability to admit students who are poised to thrive in this intellectually stimulating environment.” 

The results of Huron’s analysis were shared with the Carleton community last fall before faculty, staff, and students were invited to an open meeting in October 2024 to ask questions and provide feedback. When formulating their recommendation, AFAC considered Huron’s findings as well as any concerns raised at the open meeting, in addition to conversations with experts in the Office of Admissions and Student Financial Aid and members of the Enrollment and Admissions Committee of the Board of Trustees. The decision to implement a permanent test-optional policy was ultimately made by the President’s Cabinet. 

“Decisions like these are very institution-specific, and we believe this is the right decision for Carleton at this time,” Rodriguez said. “Our data shows that our admissions staff can make clear judgments about student aptitude based on our existing application review process. We’re glad to be in a position to confidently move our test-optional practice from a pilot to a policy — reducing uncertainty for students and families, and for high school counselors and our partners in community-based organizations.”

Under the new policy, students will not be required to submit test scores, but will continue to have the option to do so. Carleton’s test-optional policy will be evaluated periodically to ensure admissions staff remain confident in their ability to assess academic preparedness without test scores, and to consider whether the national landscape around testing has changed in a way that suggests the policy should be revisited. The College also will conduct ongoing research to determine potential impacts on graduation data, major selection, and engagement across other academic opportunities, such as research, off-campus study, and internships.