Butler University moving to test-optional admissions

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — Butler University will no longer require applicants to submit test scores for admission. The new policy will apply to high school seniors in the class of 2021, along with all future incoming classes. 

The Butler Office of Admission will not require ACT and/or SAT scores for admission, and some graduate programs will also waive GMAT and/or GRE score requirements. The university says the decision was based on the need to improve access for prospective students during the pandemic and beyond. 

“As admission officers, we are very aware that the college application process may be stressful in any given year,” says Lori Greene, Butler’s vice president for Enrollment Management. “Add the complexity of the COVID-19 crisis, and that process can be simply overwhelming. Our goal is to provide some clarity and reassurance to prospective students who are interested in the Butler experience, so they don’t need to worry about when and/or if standardized tests will be offered.”

Prospective students may still submit test scores, and the scores will be considered along with other factors, although certain undergraduate programs may still encourage or require test score submissions. The new policy officially goes into effect Aug. 1, 2020.