For several years, Emmanuel considered eliminating the submission of SAT or ACT scores as part of the admission application process. During this time, the College carefully monitored changes in testing policies in the marketplace as well as research related to the best predictors in student success. Research has confirmed that the combination of the strength of a student's high school curriculum and grades are the strongest predictors of academic success in college. Our test-optional policy has reinforced the College's commitment to understand a student's overall academic experience as demonstrated through the high school transcript, as opposed to performance on a single test or combination of tests.
In addition, this has allowed Emmanuel to recruit candidates who challenge themselves academically and perform well in the classroom, but do not believe their test scores are an accurate reflection of their overall ability to succeed. The test-optional policy encourages all students who have achieved success in high school to strongly consider Emmanuel, regardless of their standardized test scores.