To help remove barriers to enrollment amid the ongoing public health crisis, Oakland University (OU) will offer test-optional admission for the fall of 2020 and 2021 to students with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
“We feel that offering test-optional admission is the best way we can support students who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Shane Lewis, director of Undergraduate Admissions. “We want to be sure we are doing all we can to assist our future students in reaching their goals for post-secondary education, despite the challenges they have faced with delayed or cancelled tests, and remote high school learning.”
Due to the pandemic, statewide administration of the SAT will not be taking place until fall of 2020, which places Michigan students at a disadvantage for the typical college application period. Students typically receive admission notifications beginning September 1, one year prior to the start of the fall semester. Without test-optional admission, students would not receive offers of admission until late November or December, after SAT scores from October are reported.
“With juniors and seniors in high school not able to access testing, it’s important for Oakland University to be flexible and make this change for future Golden Grizzlies, said Dawn Aubry, associate vice president for Enrollment Management.
OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz added, “Oakland University is committed to helping prospective students and their families during this challenging time. We view test-optional admission as an opportunity to expand access to an education, enhance opportunities for academic excellence, and increase diversity.”
Oakland’s test-optional admission policy will remain in effect for one year and will be reviewed next spring. View an FAQ list about the policy here.
For more information, email visit@oakland.edu or call 248-370-3360.