ROSEMONT, Pa., Sept. 25, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rosemont College has announced a new admissions policy: test optional. Now in effect, students applying to Rosemont College for admission in the fall of 2019 who have a weighted, cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher will have the choice to submit their SAT/ACT scores or not as part of the new policy - called ROCO Option.
Since its founding in 1921, Rosemont College has had a highly personalized approach to education. Prospective students who select the ROCO Option during the application process will be interviewed by an admissions counselor rather than submitting their standardized test scores. The interview will allow the College to become familiar with the prospective student in a meaningful and personal way as well as assess if he or she will be a good fit for Rosemont. If a student cannot travel to campus to be interviewed, interviews may take place virtually through FaceTime, Google Hangout, or Skype.
“We are thrilled to announce the ROCO Option for prospective students,” said Dr. Sharon L. Hirsh, president of Rosemont College. “We value an individualized approach to education, so it is natural for us to acknowledge that the admissions interview will be more informative to us about a prospective student than his or her standardized test score.”
Increasingly, research shows standardized tests are not a key predictor of a student’s academic performance in college. In a recent study published in the spring of 2018 by Steven T. Syverson, Valerie W. Franks and William C. Hiss, “Defining Access: How Test-Optional Works,” researchers found that students who apply to college without submitting their standardized test scores succeed in college at the same rates, or slightly better, than those who submit their scores. Students who elect not to submit their standardized test scores also graduate from college in four years at the same rate, or slightly better, than those students who submit their scores.
Rosemont’s internal studies show that high school GPA is the best predictor of academic success and graduation within four years. Students entering Rosemont College with a high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher are more successful. Prospective students who choose the ROCO option will still be eligible for merit scholarships and admission to the Honors Program.
Students who are homeschooled and international students are not eligible to elect the ROCO Option.
Further information and frequently asked questions about the ROCO Option can be found online: www.rosemont.edu/MoreThanAScore.
Founded in 1921 by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, Rosemont College is a private, coeducational Catholic institution. Rosemont offers a comprehensive education through small group and experiential learning experiences while providing campus-wide academic, spiritual, and professional support. The college respects and embraces diversity and individuality and promotes students’ lifelong success. For more information, visit www.rosemont.edu.