American University Makes SAT/ACT Optional for Early-Decision Applicants

American University in Washington D. C. has joined the ranks of other universities that have decided to make standardized testing optional for some applicants. In this case, the option is only open to students who are applying under the school’s early-decision plan. Incoming freshmen who apply under this plan can receive their admission decision early only if they agree to enroll in the school if accepted. The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that if the university decides to adopt this same policy for all of its 15,000 applicants, it would be one of the biggest of the “more selective colleges” in the nation to adopt this approach. In an interview with the Chronicle, AU spokeswoman Maralee B. Csellar described the policy as a “pilot program.” Click here to read more about the AU’s decision and the other universities that have already opted to adopt a test-optional policy.