Bloomfield College Announces Test Optional Admission Policy

Bloomfield College has announced the adoption of a test-optional (SAT/ACT) policy. Undergraduate, first-year applicants will no longer be required to submit SAT/ACT test scores for evaluation during the Fall 2018 application review process.

A specific cohort of programs and scholarship opportunities will still require students to submit test scores.

“Our internal data analysis and studies at other institutions have demonstrated that the best predictor of college success is applicants' high school performance and co-curricular involvement along with other demonstrations of motivation,” said Richard A. Levao, College President. “Rather than continue to insist that all applicants take one or more standardized tests, we will evaluate students on the other criteria. Our goal is to identify those capable of having a successful college career, rather than place barriers to admission in their path.” 

SAT/ACT opt-out students will be evaluated based on high school grade point average, curriculum, recommendations, and writing skills among other achievements. Test optional applicants may be required to submit additional materials or participate in an official college interview.

“The decision to go test-optional was based both on data and our desire to stay true to our mission. One that is deeply rooted in promoting college access to those historically underserved by higher education,” said Adam Castro, Vice President for Enrollment Management, noting research, both national and internal, has proven that high school GPA is a stronger predictor of success in college than standardized test scores. “By going test-optional, we can expand our access mission to exceptional students with limitless academic potential but maybe without the means to afford pricey test preparation courses.”

According to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, the colleges and universities that have adopted a test optional policy experienced an increase in applicants that are more diverse and demonstrate higher academic quality.

“We have long been one of the most affordable private colleges in New Jersey. Then, we eliminated fees to ensure transparency in our cost of attendance. Going test-optional is another example of Bloomfield College putting our students first,” said Castro.

To learn more about the test-optional policy for Bloomfield College, please visit the web page.