Miami University extends admission policy change caused by pandemic into 2026

OXFORD, Ohio (WKRC) - A historic change in Miami University's admission policy that was forced by COVID-19 back in 2020 will now extend into 2026.

The university announced recently it will not require ACT or SAT scores from prospective students for the foreseeable future.

Since making the test scores optional, application has increased by 25 percent, and 50 percent of those who apply still want admissions to look at their scores.

“Since the time that the ACT and SAT have been widely in use, there’s been quite a bit of research that suggests the ACT and SAT are not really good determiners of students’ success,” said Brent Shock, vice president of enrollment at Miami University.

Amitoj Kaur is a senior majoring in technology and business, as well as political science. She's the student body president and has won countless awards for her academic achievements, but says her ACT score wouldn't have indicated she could do any of that.

Let’s not even talk about the equity gap of ACT prep," Kaur said. "A lot of folks that tend to do really well on the ACT have a tutor or they go to prep sessions. A lot of students can’t afford that. I certainly couldn’t my senior year.

The university says test scores alone have never been the focus of its admission process.

It has the highest four-year graduation rate for a public university in Ohio, which, officials say, is largely due to its selection process of looking for a well-rounded student -- from their GPA to their extracurricular activities.

“At Miami, it is up to the students whether or not we look at your ACT or SAT score,” said Shock.

Now, with scores being optional, the university says it's seeing students from more diverse backgrounds apply.

Miami says the data it gathers will determine if test scores remain an optional factor.

I don’t think my ACT score could have ever indicated my contribution to the Miami community," said Kaur. "Nor do I think my ACT score shows how I’m going to change the world someday.

After the university evaluates the outcome of the Class of 2025, it will decide whether or not to waive the test scores requirement permanently.

ACT or SAT scores are not necessary for scholarship consideration or for the honors program.

In addition, students can change their mind in the middle of the application process if they want the school to look at their scores or not.