Carson-Newman announces test-optional admission policy

(June 18, 2020) JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — Carson-Newman University will begin test-optional admission in the 2021-22 academic year, allowing students meeting certain GPA criteria to choose whether they submit their standardized test scores.

The University chose to offer test-optional admission in hopes of increasing accessibility and equality as well as in response to ACT testing cancelations caused by COVID-19.

Students with 2.75 GPAs or higher will qualify for full admission and may decide if they wish to submit their standardized test scores for consideration of higher merit scholarships. Those with lower GPAs will need to submit their test scores for consideration or appeal to the University’s Enrollment Management Committee.

C-N’s average GPA is a 3.4.

“While we want to know students are prepared for the rigor of our programs, we also want to be fair and accessible,” said Aaron Porter, vice president for Enrollment Management. “COVID-19 caused some students to miss their opportunity to take a free standardized test. Some students struggle with test anxiety, while others’ financial restraints prevent them from being able to take the test multiple times to increase their scores.

“We’re excited to roll out this new admission policy,” Porter added. “It’s simple and transparent, which is exactly what students and their families need when they are making pivotal decisions for their futures.”

As soon as the 2021-22 test-optional application opens, Carson-Newman’s Admissions office will contact students who

join the priority list.

Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is a Christian liberal arts-based university affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. The University is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and has over 2,700 students. Carson-Newman offers 50 undergraduate majors, as well as associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.