Test Optional Admission

By eliminating test score requirements, we support closing the “entrance” achievement gap for those applicants typically at a greater disadvantage. Our focus in making admission decisions for first-year applicants will be on rigorous academic work and grade point average in high school, which research has shown are better predictors for academic success. Westfield State is emphasizing that 4 years of perseverance, motivation, and effort during high school bear a direct relationship to college-level work and academic achievement.

Yes.

On the application, select “No Test Option.”

If you are satisfied with your test scores and believe they are indicative of your academic achievement, then we are happy to consider them as part of your application.  If you have a strong academic record demonstrated by above-average grades, but do not feel your test results are a good reflection of your academic performance, you may choose not to submit them. We offer these guidelines:

• Applicants with a high school GPA of 3.0 and higher are considered eligible candidates for admission and are encouraged to submit SAT/ACT scores.
• Applicants with a high school GPA of 2.69 or below are encouraged to submit SAT/ACT scores.

You must email admissions@westfield.ma.edu to change your status before your application is reviewed. If an admissions decision has already been made, then you cannot change your status to “no test option.”

Yes, however, in order to be considered for the Tsongas Scholarship, you must submit SAT/ACT scores

Yes. If you wish to be considered for the Honors Program, you may choose the no test option.

Yes, however, you must demonstrate English proficiency by:

• Submitting one of the following test results
  • TOEFL: 79 iBT, 213 Computer, 550 paper
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • PTE Academic: 53
• Submitting proof of competency in Level B2 of the program at the International Language Institue in Northampton, MA, OR
• Demonstrating that English is your (or one of your) primary language(s).  Your transcripts should validate that English was the language of instruction at your school.

If your scores are sent to us from the testing agency or are included on your high school transcript, you can still apply test optional as long as you indicate that option on your application. If you apply test optional, your test scores will not be taken into consideration as part of the application review.

No, you do not need to select the option.  Students who wish to apply to the Learning Disabilities Program are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores.  Students with a documented learning disability and/or ADHD should consider applying to our Learning Disabilities Program and indicate so on the admission application. Students will need to submit their Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), and cognitive and achievement testing to the Admissions Office to be considered for the Learning Disabilities Program and/or the University.

Whether a student chooses to send scores or not, our decision process will be similar. Students applying as first-year students are subjected to the State University Admission criteria, which dictates course work that must be completed.  Additionally, we focus heavily on academic achievement and the rigor of high school coursework.

Yes.

No. We will not require test scores once you enroll.