Goucher Makes Bold Change To College Admissions Process

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Many schools are now making the submission of SAT and ACT scores optional in applying to college. Goucher College in Towson, Maryland, made that offer to applicants seven years ago.

However, Goucher has gone beyond, as the first institution accepting a self-produced video instead of test scores, high-school transcripts and recommendations, largely forgoing the traditional admissions requirements, making the college grade-optional as well as test-optional.

Using a smartphone or webcam to record themselves, applicants must describe in no more than 2 minutes "how they see themselves at Goucher," complete a short application, sign a statement of academic integrity and submit two scholastic works (including a graded writing assignment) by December 1st, the school's early admissions deadline.

Read more about Goucher's bold steps in The Chronicle of Higher Education.