Swarthmore College announced last month that it has adopted several changes to its standardized testing requirements, Inside Higher Ed reported.

Beginning with the 2015-2016 admissions cycle, the private liberal arts college will no longer consider the essay portion of SAT and ACT exams.  Prospective students are still required to submit standardized test scores.

 "We value writing, and it is of critical importance in being a successful college student," Jim Bock, vice president and dean of admissions, said in a statement. "But the essay sections of both exams have now been made optional by the testing agencies and we believe there are other ways to determine success in college. These new requirements will better serve our holistic review of new student applications."

Despite this change, writing remains an integral part of the College's evaluation of new students.

"Our 'Why Swarthmore?' essay is an opportunity for applicants to showcase their writing skills, as well as communicate a sense of who they are," Bock said. "This component of a student's application remains a very valuable part of the process."

The changes to the testing requirements are consistent with Swarthmore's commitment to an accessible application process in which students submit credentials that are meaningful indicators of success once enrolled.

 "We hope this change in our testing requirements reduces barriers to college access for all students," Duck adds.  "First-generation, low-income, and other under-represented students in particular often have limited access to college planning resources. Unnecessarily complicated or expensive testing requirements do not serve these students well on their path to selective colleges. Where we knew we could remove obstacles that didn't add much value to our process, we did."

The school will continue to require students to "submit and essay on 'Why Swarthmore' with their applications," The Inquirer reported.

Applicants in the 2016-2017 admissions cycle may submit either the ACT or the existing or revised SAT. Each will be given equal consideration.