HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — Northern Kentucky University announced several changes to its admissions and student support processes, including the elimination of standardized test scores for many students applying for the Fall 2021 semester.

Under the new process, freshman applicants with an unweighted 2.75 or greater high school GPA will be automatically admitted to NKU without submitting standardized test scores. Those with an unweighted GPA lower than 2.75 will need to submit ACT or SAT scores. 

“Multiple studies have shown that student high-school grade point averages are significantly stronger predictors of college success than standardized test scores,” said NKU President Ashish Vaidya. “This is an opportunity for accelerating change towards an equity-focused approach to student success. We must break down barriers, meet the needs of diverse learners and create greater access opportunities to an NKU education.”

NKU is also waiving application fees through Nov. 15. 

“We changed our admissions requirements and aligned them with institutional aid to be more equitable and enable greater student success. Our research demonstrates that the high school GPA is the best predictor of student's long-term success,” said Kimberly Scranage, NKU’s vice president for Enrollment and Degree Management. “NKU is unique because of the way we're uplifting students through enhanced academic support. Our Pathfinder Program and Student Success plans offer comprehensive resources for helping students have a successful academic journey and timely graduation.”

These changes are part of the university's strategic framework, "Success by Design," which includes goals that "challenge NKU to become a more student-ready and regionally engaged institution," according to a press release.