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Point Park University is joining more than 800 four-year colleges and universities by adopting a test optional admission policy for bachelor degree applicants.

The test optional admission choice is for students who do not believe their standardized test scores are indicative of their true potential and accomplishments. Instead, they would be evaluated by their college preparatory curriculum, extracurricular accomplishments and leadership performance.

Gary Bracken, vice president of enrollment management at Point Park, notes that national research and empirical evidence indicate standardized tests are not always a reliable predictor of academic success at the college level.

"The adoption of the test optional policy in no way diminishes the careful attention paid in evaluating a student's credentials in the admission review process," Bracken said. "In fact, this holistic review requires an even more thorough evaluation of a student's performance in all areas of high school and community contributions."

To be eligible, students must hold a 3.0 GPA in core academic courses, demonstrate acceptable writing skills, and show evidence of participation and leadership in school and community activities and organizations. Homeschooled and international students are not eligible for test optional admission.

The policy will be implemented immediately in the evaluation of applications for full-time, first-year students who will enroll in the fall of 2016.