NJIT Adopts Test-Optional Admission Policy for Incoming Freshman Students

Published: Wednesday, June 3, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
Contact Information: Media Relations, mediarelations@njit.edu or 973-642-7042

First-year students applying to New Jersey Institute of Technology for entry in the Fall of 2021 and Spring of 2022 can choose to not submit SAT or ACT scores. This does not apply to Albert Dorman Honors College or accelerated program applicants.

“NJIT is committed to the highest standards in education, and our admissions staff members take a holistic approach in examining all components of an application including rigor of academic coursework, grades, letters of recommendation and extracurricular activities,” said Fadi P. Deek, provost and senior executive vice president.

NJIT’s implementation of test-optional admission comes as a response to scheduling challenges faced by high school students taking the SAT and ACT tests due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students who wish to enroll in the Spring of 2021 can also have their scores waived on a case-by-case basis.

“This policy is being adopted because public health concerns have resulted in cancelations of standardized testing in the spring and summer of 2020, shifting exams to later dates, and it is unclear when and how normal testing schedule will resume,” said Deek. “In order to make sure that prospective students aren’t negatively affected, NJIT adjusted its admission requirement. This change offers prospective students more options to show their strengths.”

Students who have taken the SAT or ACT and are applying for the affected semesters are encouraged to submit their scores to be considered for endowed scholarships where a score may be required. However, students who do not submit scores will be considered for other scholarships.

NJIT is dedicated to helping students navigate the admissions process and will continue to monitor the test-optional policy as the situation develops with COVID-19.

One of only 35 polytechnic universities in the United States, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a top-tier research university that catalyzes economic growth and prepares students to become leaders in the technology-dependent economy of the 21st century. NJIT is one of only 131 universities rated an “R1” research university by the Carnegie Classification®, which indicates the highest level of research activity. NJIT conducts more than $155 million in research activity each year and has a $2.8 billion annual economic impact on the State of New Jersey. Ranked No. 1 nationally by Forbes for the upward economic mobility of its lowest-income students, NJIT also is ranked in the top 2% of colleges and universities nationally for the mid-career earnings of graduates, according to PayScale.com. NJIT is ranked No. 39 nationally by The Princeton Review as a Best Value College and is rated third in New Jersey and among the top 100 colleges and universities nationwide by the QS World University Ranking® 2021.