Bryn Mawr Goes 'Test Flexible'

Expressing confidence in subject-based tests, Bryn Mawr College announced on Wednesday that applicants could now submit scores from a combination of three SAT subject tests and/or Advanced Placement exams rather than from the ACT or SAT.

Under the “test flexible” policy, students may choose to send scores from subject tests or AP exams in each of three areas: English, history, or languages; math or science; and one subject of an applicant’s choosing, as long as it is different from the other two. New York University recently announced a similar testing policy.

Bryn Mawr’s previous requirement that applicants send scores from either the ACT or the SAT and two subject tests is now optional. Under the new policy, applicants who send SAT scores can submit scores from two subject tests or two AP tests or one of each.

Jennifer J. Rickard, dean of admissions and financial aid, said on Wednesday that for many students at Bryn Mawr, subject tests predict academic performance better than the ACT or the SAT does. “We still see a role for standardized tests as one part of a holistic review,” she said, “but we thought it would be helpful for students to have this option.” —Eric Hoover