By: Julian A. Wilmot
Welcome to our exploration of holistic admissions and how college admissions practices have evolved at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) to foster a more comprehensive review of student potential. Historically, TAMU-CC, like many universities, relied heavily on standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT as major admissions criteria. Over time, however, these tests were found to capture only part of a student's academic and personal capabilities.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TAMU-CC adopted a test-optional policy, aligning with broader shifts in higher education to emphasize holistic admissions. This transition, covered in the Texas Tribune article, represents a significant shift towards inclusivity and accessibility in admissions.
In this activity, we'll explore the evolution of TAMU-CC's admission practices from 2020 to today, examining how changes in criteria impact access, fairness, and diversity at our university.
Guiding Question:
How has the shift from test-only admissions to holistic criteria at TAMU-CC shaped access and fairness in college admissions?