College introduces test-optional admission policy
U of R launches online GIS certificate program
The University of Redlands is shifting to a test-optional admissions process in its College of Arts and Sciences, beginning with students entering in the fall of 2021.
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n a major update to its undergraduate admissions policy, the University of Redlands will shift to a test-optional admissions process, providing most applicants the choice of whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores. The policy will go into effect for students entering college in the fall of 2021. “Nearly a decade of internal data shows us that a student’s high school grade point average [GPA] is the greatest predictor of success,” says Kevin Dyerly ’00, ’04, vice president for enrollment. “We believe the test-optional admissions policy will assure greater educational equity for those seeking admission, without compromising our ability to make sound assessments of applicants.” The University of Redlands has been studying the move for several years, including an analysis of the first two entering classes (2017 and 2018) taking the redesigned SAT. The team found that those students with the strongest high school GPAs persisted at Redlands at higher rates and performed well in the classroom, regardless of test scores. Instead of standardized test scores, the University will assess other components of the application, including high school GPA, quality of writing, strength of curriculum, course sequences, contribution
“ Nearly a decade of internal data shows us that a student’s high school grade point average is the greatest predictor of success.” — Kevin Dyerly ’00, ’04, vice president for enrollment to the community, and community college courses taken, if applicable. All applicants will be considered for admission and achievement scholarships, whether or not test scores are submitted. “As a parent of a daughter who recently applied to college, the idea of a testoptional policy is appealing,” says Caryl Forristall, professor of biology at the University of Redlands. “I believe students will feel empowered by the opportunity to decide how they present themselves to a school.” For more information on admissions and aid during the pandemic, see page 34.
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he University of Redlands will offer an online geographic information systems (GIS) graduate certificate, with courses beginning this fall. GIS Department Chair and Professor Fang Ren notes the program was created in response to many inquiries about online coursework. “Working adults and professionals often can’t relocate to Redlands to study GIS, so we wanted to provide a learning opportunity for them,” she says. “In addition, the certificate provides a stepping stone to our master’s programs. A graduate degree can sound intimidating, and this certificate allows students to grasp the foundations of GIS through smaller-scale projects.” U of R also offers two master’s degrees in GIS and an undergraduate minor in spatial studies. Many of the professors in the programs also work at nearby Esri, an international supplier of geographic information systems software, web GIS, and geodatabase management applications. Ren emphasizes that GIS is no longer restricted to environmental sciences: “GIS touches many different parts of our lives, from using navigation tools when we drive to searching for a restaurant and beyond. Everything is related to location information, and this certificate explains how to utilize GIS software and other aspects of the technology for real-world applications.” To learn more about the University’s GIS programs, visit www.redlands.edu/gis.
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COCO MCKOWN ’04, ’10
COCO MCKOWN ’04, ’10
“ GIS touches many parts of our lives,” says GIS Department Chair Fang Ren.