University of New Hampshire latest school to ditch the SAT

DURHAM, N.H. — More and more colleges are ditching the SAT.

The University of New Hampshire just launched a three-year pilot program where it will not require test scores from applicants.

Currently, there are more than 1,000 colleges across the country that no longer require test scores to get in. Experts say this is good news for both students and the universities.

"I'm not much of a good test taker at all," said Framingham State student Kyle Hicks.

College students like Hicks dreaded taking the SATs to get into college. As a theater major, he says his test score didn't reflect his capabilities as a student.

"I realized that ever since high school when it comes to presentations, that's where I flourish, as opposed to test taking," said Hicks.

>> Related: Should the SAT be optional? Bribery scandal renews debate

UNH announced Monday it's joining the growing list of colleges that will no longer require standardized test scores for admissions. The director of admissions says "The data consistently shows that grades earned in high school over four years bear a much greater relationship to how well a student will do in college than standardized test scores do.”

Collegewise executive director of counseling Casey Near advises families on the college admissions process.

"And it’s a big deal because it spurs this movement to say, this actually doesn’t define you, it doesn’t need to define you or define your success into the college process," said Near.

She says by becoming "test optional" universities like UNH are opening their doors to more diverse applicants.

"It's not a secret that testing is harder for low-income students to get access to resources to get test prep, so this move signals 'we’re an open and inclusive environment' which is a really big deal. I would love more universities to get into that realm," she said.

But will it look bad to not submit SAT scores?

Near says not at all since more admissions counselors are giving more weight to your high school GPA.

"If they don't look at testing they’re just going to jump right over that, but they know that the best indicator of the kind of academic student you will be is how you’ve done in high school, not how you did on one Saturday," said Near.

Near says if you're applying to a test-optional school, make sure you do your research.

Some students may still be required to submit SAT scores for certain scholarships or programs.

>> MORE: Why some colleges don't rely on SAT or ACT scores

Cox Media Group