Under
a
new
and
novel
approach
to
awarding
merit
scholarships,
first-year
applicants
to
Baldwin
Wallace
University
will
have
a
clear
and
easy
understanding
of
how
much
merit
awards
will
trim
their
tuition
based
solely
on
high
school
grade
point
average
(GPA).
While admission to BW has long been ACT/SAT "test-optional" for students with at least a 3.0 GPA, in the past, the University used a combination of standardized test scores, GPA and/or graded writing samples to determine merit awards.
That all changes for students entering BW in fall 2021, when BW permits all students to apply without providing an ACT or SAT score and ends the practice of factoring standardized test scores into merit scholarship eligibility in any way.
Under the new approach, which is unusual in higher education, BW merit scholarships will be based entirely on a student's cumulative weighted high school GPA established at the time an admission decision is made.
"We removed ACT/SAT test scores as a requirement for admission over a decade ago, realizing data showed GPA as the greatest determinant of a student's readiness and fit for BW," explains Scott Schulz, BW Vice President of Enrollment Management. "It makes sense, then, to eliminate the use of standardized test scores to determine merit scholarships, as well."
"This is now a more transparent process that offers certainty and simplicity," Schulz adds. "It also removes the proven disadvantage that test scores pose for underserved populations."
BW still accepts test scores from students who believe their test scores show additional evidence of preparation for BW and wish for them to be considered during the holistic admission review.
A
simple
chart
now
allows
BW
applicants
to
determine
their
level
of
merit
support
at-a-glance,
or
they
can
plug
their
GPA
into
a
streamlined
online
scholarship
calculator.
"Tying merit scholarships directly to high school GPA gives a student and family an up-front understanding of merit eligibility and how affordable an excellent BW education will be, even before they add in outside scholarships and financial aid based on need," Schulz says. "Overly complicated scholarship ranges and unclear qualification metrics add a layer of uncertainty for families. At BW, all that complexity is stripped away."
Schulz notes that BW's new fully test-optional approach also provides relief for students grappling with the additional layer of anxiety the COVID-19 pandemic has added to college entrance exams.
"This policy allows students to bypass the stress of scheduling tests and instead focus on their academic coursework, the best determinant for college success."
For more information, students and families can visit bw.edu/undergraduate-admission/first-year/tuition/ or contact the BW Admission Office at (440) 826-2222, or admission@bw.edu.
