Oct 27, 2015 02:32 PM EDT By J Dionne, UniversityHerald Reporter

Salem State University in Massachusetts has adopted a test optional policy, Inside Higher Ed reported.

Beginning with prospective students for fall 2016, the university is eliminating standardized tests from admission requirements, joining the growing list of colleges to become SAT/ACT test optional.

"By eliminating test score requirements, we will focus our admission decisions on a student's academic work and grade point average, which research has shown are better predictors for academic success," school officials said on their website.

Applicants who have a high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher are encouraged to submit their test scores (SAT/ACT) as it will assist with academic placement at orientation when registering for classes.  Prospective students with a GPA below 2.5 who choose test optional must submit a letter of reference from a teacher or high school guidance counselor. 

Applicants who are homeschooled must submit test scores. 

National studies have pointed to the need for more flexibility for students when applying to college. A study conducted by the University of California at Berkeley found that high school grade point average was the best predictor of student success.

According to the National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest), bachelor-degree granting schools now do not require all or many applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. This includes more than one-third of the top-ranked liberal arts colleges

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