Most students applying for admission to the University of New England will no longer need to submit standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT, beginning in the fall of 2019.
The Biddeford-based school follows in the footsteps of dozens of others that have adopted "test-optional" admissions policies over the past four years.
Dean of Admissions Scott Steinberg says UNE has found that high school grades predict college success far better than standardized tests.
"We hope that you'll look at the totality of your experience, and most notably, on the academic side, your high school record, to determine whether or not you should apply to UNE," Steinberg says.
Steinberg hopes the new policy will make UNE more accessible to underserved populations, including first-generation college students and those from rural communities.
"Audiences that might otherwise be discouraged from applying for a top-notch college education," Steinberg says.
However, a few applicants will still need to submit test scores to UNE. Those include international students and applicants to the school's nursing program.
Bowdoin College has been 'test optional" since 1969, and Bates since 1984.
