GU to permanently continue test-optional policy for student applications

Published: April 26, 2021

Greenville University will permanently continue the test-optional policy it instituted earlier to accommodate admissions and scholarship-award processes during the pandemic.

The Universitys Inter-Scholastic Academic Affairs Committee (ISAAC)affirmed its recent decision tonot require test scores for acceptance into the University or for scholarships. These include ACT and SAT scores.

We realize that students face several barriers in the college admissions process, says Victoria Clark, GU director of admissions. GU wants to be a place that removes barriers so that students can experience how they were uniquely made to shape the world.

Many institutions, including GU, adopted a test-optional policy for the 2020-21 school year due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions that made in-person testing impossible. Even before 2020, however, GU had integrated other elements such as strong character and acts of service as criteria for admissions and scholarships.

"In a post-COVID time of uncertainty, Greenville University remains firmly committed to delivery on its mission to see student lives transformed for character and service, says Brian Hartley, GUs chief academic officer.

He cites faculty commitment to deliver unique learning opportunities through the Universitys Experience Institute. There, faculty mentors guide students through on-the-ground learning experiences that inform their vocational growth and discernment."

In 2018, the University announced itsPanther Preferred Scholarshipprogram, the first scholarship program at GU to evaluate students primarily on character, community service, and a students determination to succeed academically. The first cohort of Panther Preferred students enrolled in fall 2019. The University reports a high retention rate among students selected on these non-test criteria.

In a 2019 interview, Greenville University President Suzanne Davis said the University found students would actually rather be recognized for things such as acts of service.

Whether its in high school, (like) the Big Brother Big Sister program, or its something theyve done in their youth groups, or other service (organizations), students would rather be recognized for that in a scholarship than a score that they got on their ACT or SAT.

As college-bound high school graduates consider their plans, Greenville University also announced it will return students to campus this fall for continued in-person classes. GU students have attended classes in person without interruption since fall 2020, thanks in part to weekly COVID-testing made possible througha partnership with the University of Illinois.

Because we are committed to offering students quality, experiential learning in a safe environment, we have no reservations saying well continue to be open for on-campus students, Davis says.

For more information about Greenville Universitys COVID-19 response and updated testing results,click here.