For several years, Emmanuel has been evaluating the admission process to determine the best predictors for student academic success. After studying national research and considering our own experiences, it is now clear that standardized test scores are not the best indicator of academic success in college.
The strength of students' high school curriculum and grades are much better predictors. Based on this careful analysis and discussion with faculty, administrators, secondary school guidance counselors and students, Emmanuel College became a test-optional institution.
Applicants for admission are not required to submit standardized test scores (SAT I, SAT II and ACT). Emmanuel has joined 800 other colleges and universities nationwide that deemphasize standardized testing in the admission process.
This test-optional policy has reinforced the College's commitment to understand a student's overall academic experience, regardless of performance on a single test. In addition, it has encouraged all students who have achieved success in high school to consider Emmanuel, regardless of their standardized test scores. The admission application review process has not changed significantly, as Emmanuel has always completed a holistic review of each admission applicant.
Fall 2022 applicants applying for Nursing can also apply test-optional.
The test-optional policy at Emmanuel allows applicants the option to either submit or not submit their SAT or ACT scores for the purpose of the admission process. We believe students should present the fullest picture of their academic and intellectual accomplishments when applying for admission to Emmanuel College. If a student believes his/her standardized test scores will be valuable supporting information during the review process then the results might be submitted. Students who feel their high school record alone is a better indicator of their academic achievement and ability may choose to exclude their test scores from their application without penalty. Typically, about 60% of applicants still choose to submit their test scores to test-optional institutions.
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.
The evaluation of prospective students considers a range of factors that reflect an individual's academic record. Carefully examined is the strength of the high school, the rigor of the curriculum, grades, teacher and counselor recommendations and extracurricular activities. Additionally, you have the opportunity to further bridge your academic and personal achievements through written short answer and essay questions found in the application.
There is no supplemental component in lieu of test scores. Your academic and co-curricular achievements are highlighted and examined during the application process. You are free to submit any additional information that reflects positively on your candidacy.
Yes, all applicants are considered for all merit scholarships whether or not test scores are submitted.
The application process is designed for students to show our admissions committee why enrollment at Emmanuel College would make a great academic and personal fit. If you feel confident that your test scores accurately display your abilities and work ethic in the classroom, the scores could strengthen your application. However, if your test scores are not a good indicator of your academic achievement throughout high school, they are not required to be submitted.
You can indicate your intentions on the Emmanuel College member page of the Common Application.
Counseling & health psychology major Christine came to Emmanuel knowing she wanted to pursue a career in health care, and the College’s opportunities and connections for students interested in the field—as well as a neuroscience course she attended at EC Incoming—made the decision an easy one.
When asking secondary education and biology double major Angela Girodier '22 if she’s more passionate about research or teaching, she quickly and emphatically says “both.”
From an early age, Campbell Shealy '22 was interested in two things—living in a big city and numbers.
As a mathematics and economics double major with a concentration in statistics, Matt found actuarial work of calculating the financial consequences of risk for companies right in line with his interests.
Robert’s interest in the workings of the wider world grew in 2011 as the Arab Spring became international news. “I love history,” he said, “so knowing the history of the states as well as their current affairs made their actions and interactions much more interesting to me.”
Michael chose Emmanuel because of its location in Boston and its proximity to the city's "big players," specifically its leading names in the financial industry.
What began as an on-campus job in Emmanuel's student center transformed into a new career path for Jessie, one that brought her to Harvard University as a master's candidate in higher education administration.
Chemistry graduate Jennifer Scarborough '17 has found a way to combine her love for science and education. She shares her enthusiasm for the subjects as an education associate in the Hall of Human Life exhibit at Museum of Science Boston—one of the top science museums in the country (according to National Geographic).
At Emmanuel, management major Juan Sebastian Levy '14 prepared to succeed in an increasingly global society, experience that has taken him to Wayfair's offices in Berlin and back to Reebok's international headquarters in Boston.
Just a few short weeks after graduating in May 2018, Kevin began working to make one of the country's fastest growing tech companies ever bigger.
As a high school student Benjamin Craig's motto was, "Here's my plate, load it on." He brought that mentality with him to Emmanuel, where he has always been ready to take on a new opportunity.
Kylia visited Emmanuel's Career Center for the first time during her freshman year and made key connections that would eventually lead her to a full-time position in research administration at Harvard University.
Emmanuel is a place where students broaden their sense of what’s possible and prepare for inspiring careers in an ever-changing world. Be here.
Questions?
617-735-9715
