Policy Library - Office of Policy & Compliance

Policy Title: College Admissions Use of National Test Scores	Category: Admissions and Enrollment
Owner: Vice President for Enrollment and Access	Policy ID#: 10-1060-003
Contact: Vice President for Enrollment and Access Web: https://vpea.colostate.edu/ Email: vpea@colostate.edu Phone: (970) 491-2682	Original Effective Date: 8/16/2023
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PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

Colorado State University is committed to attracting, enrolling, and graduating a talented and broadly diverse student body. To this end, all applications for Admission to the university are reviewed individually by the Office of Admissions. The purpose of this policy is to codify the already existing institutional practice of not requiring ACT or SAT scores for either Admissions or financial aid decisions. This policy is being instituted to comply with C.R.S. §23-1-113.

APPLICATION OF THIS POLICY

This policy applies to anyone applying for undergraduate Admission to the university or to a specific college, school, or program at CSU and additionally applies to all financial aid processes.

EXEMPTIONS FROM THIS POLICY

None.

DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS POLICY

Admission: A student’s acceptance as an undergraduate at Colorado State University.

National Test Scores: Content standard performance level assessments, e.g., ACT and/or SAT results.

POLICY STATEMENT

Colorado State University is a test-optional institution, meaning that undergraduate applicants may choose to submit National Test Scores as part of their application materials but are not required to do so. National Test Scores are not required for Admission into the institution or for Admission into any specific college, school, or program. Additionally, these National Test Scores are not required to receive any financial aid.

POLICY PROVISIONS

The Office of Admissions manages the requirements of the application process. The application requirements are outlined within the Office of Admissions materials (both print and electronic), within the University Catalog and with the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE).

The test-optional policy states that students may submit test scores as part of their application materials if desired. The Office of Admissions has an established process that allows students the opportunity to include test scores as test-optional. When submitted, the test scores are part of the student’s Admissions record.

The Office of Admissions, Financial Aid and Provost’s Office ensure through the Admissions and scholarship decision processes that test scores are not used as the basis for declining an application or for consideration in the scholarship award process. Test scores will only be added to an application and reviewed if emailed directly to admissions@colostate.edu by the applicant. If submitted, scores are not given much weight in the decision.

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY

Compliance with this policy is required. For assistance with interpretation or application of this policy, contact the Office of Enrollment and Access.