Sep 22, 2015 12:44 PM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. announced Monday that it will no longer require test scores for admissions, joining the growing list of colleges to become SAT/ACT Test optional, Inside Higher Ed reported.

The private university announced that first-year and transfer applicants will receive full consideration for admission and merit-based scholarships regardless of whether they submit the results from their standardized test scores.

"This policy implements the findings of our research: that a student's academic program in high school and his or her classroom performance are the best predictors of academic success," Catholic University President John Garvey said in a statement. We recognize that standardized tests can sometimes present an impediment to students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. We want to assure all potential applicants to the University that their record of achievement in high school is the foundation of our review for admission."

Christopher P. Lydon, vice president for enrollment management and marketing at Catholic University, said that despite efforts to communicate the importance of high school performance over standardized test scores to prospective applicants, many students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, often believe their test scores rule out their chances for admission.

 "Our review of the predictors of success mirror studies that have taken place at a variety of institutions in recent years. Our study looked at student performance from the classes of 2009 through 2013; academic rigor and classroom performance were by far the most predictive measures," Lydon said. "Our evaluation also considers each candidate's extracurricular profile, the required essay, personal recommendations, and other pertinent information to select a class with the academic talent and personal qualities that are the best fit for the University."

The test-optional policy at Catholic University will be offered as a pilot program for the next five years. 

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