Oct 27, 2015 01:50 PM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

The College of Idaho will no longer require test scores for admissions, joining the growing list of colleges to become SAT/ACT test optional, Inside Higher Ed reported.

After years of requiring standardized scores for admission, the four-year private, residential liberal arts college has decided to embrace the emerging test-optional policy.

"The admission committee at The College of Idaho has always prided itself on providing holistic application review," according to the school's website. "While the high school transcript will continue to be the most important part of the evaluation of an application, we strongly believe that by allowing you to decide how to best present your academic potential, The College is also giving you the opportunity to take the first steps in taking ownership of your college education ... The test-optional alternative allows us to consider strengths that may be demonstrated in areas other than your ACT or SAT scores."

Students who decide not to submit standardized test scores will have to answer several short essay questions.

School officials said the review process for students who submit ACT or SAT scores and for students who choose not submit scores is very similar. The factors that go into an admission decision include overall high school academic record, recommendations, co-curricular activities, community involvement, writing ability, and other achievements.

International students have the same opportunity to apply without submitting SAT or Act scores. They must, however, submit the TOEFL/IELTS if their first language is not English, or if it is otherwise requested by the College.

See Now: Covert Team Inside Newsweek Revealed as Key Players in False Human Trafficking Lawsuit