GEM OPERATIONS
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Removing Barriers to Admission– The Effects of Waiving/Removing Entrance Test on Graduate Applicant GPA and Academic Performance Presented by Melissa Webb, EdD, University of West Florida Reported by Patricia Pothour, University of Iowa, Tippie College of Business
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Standardized test scores have been used in admissions for more than a hundred years. These tests are used to evaluate and screen applicants and are considered a more quantitative measurement of merit than GPA. While these tests provide additional criteria to be used in the admissions process, there are pros and cons. Standardized tests can provide an objective measurement, specific information regarding verbal, quantitative, and writing abilities, as well as showing intent to enroll (being willing to prepare and sit for the exam shows motivation). However, standardized tests have not been shown to be a good predictor of success, may create bias, and are not being used consistently across admissions. What happens if we stop requiring standardized test scores? The University of West Florida (UWF) began waiving graduate admission test scores in 2014, requiring tests based on GPA. The waiving of standardized tests was broadened in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. UWF wanted to understand how students felt about the lack of standardized tests in the admissions process. A survey was sent to 1584 students who were admitted without the need to submit test scores with a 20% participation rate. This survey revealed, of those who responded, 75% would not have applied for admission 22
Summer 2022
or would have considered not applying for admission had test scores been required. The top reason these students would not have applied if tests were required, was the time needed to prepare and take the exam (48.63%). This survey showed more students would have questioned if they would have applied for admission or not, but UWF also wanted to see how students who did not need to submit standardized tests were performing in the classroom. UWF reviewed eight semesters of data and over 5000 students looking at the GPA at the point of admission and the GPA at the end of the first semester. On average, the incoming GPA of those who did not submit test scores was higher than those who did submit test scores. In looking at the GPA of these students after the first semester, the GPA of those who did not submit scores and those who did, were nearly identical. Through the student survey and the data review, UWF found waiving the standardized test scores resulted in increased applications, as well as consistent incoming and first semester GPAs. While admissions was not able to use this additional piece of information in the admissions process, there was no difference in academic performance after admission. The presentation stressed the importance of tracking academic performance, retention, and the continual evaluation of admission practices to minimize barriers. n NAGAP Perspectives
