Contact: Meredith Amor
Director of Communications
PR@Barry.edu
(305) 775-8629
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2020
Barry University Announces Test-Optional Admissions in Light of Pandemic
(MIAMI, FL) In recognition of difficulties prospective students face in sitting for standardized admissions tests during the global COVID-19 pandemic, today Barry University announced a test-optional admissions policy.
“We are pleased to be removing a potential barrier to access to quality higher education for qualified prospective students during a very difficult time,” said Roxanna Cruz, Associate Vice President of Enrollment.
“Grade point average has always been the strongest indicator of how well students will perform during their academic studies at Barry,” Cruz added. "We have confidence students admitted under this policy will be well-prepared to succeed.”
The University had been piloting a test-optional program this admissions cycle and made the decision to permanently extend the option to forgo submitting SAT and ACT scores to all applicants after swiftly convening a task force to evaluate the best course of action during the crisis.
“Our task force overwhelmingly agreed that implementing a test-optional policy for all applicants is the right thing to do for the benefit of our future students who have worked hard to earn admission to Barry,” said Provost Dr. John Murray, who constituted the group.
Barry University has a rolling admissions process, allowing prospective students to apply at any time of year, with applications still being accepted for Summer and Fall 2020.
The move to test-optional is one of several policies the Barry University Admissions Department has put into place in order to facilitate the application process for students, given the many new challenges associated with the pandemic.
Other measures include accepting self-reported qualifying information, in-house credential evaluations for international students, and working closely with guidance counselors and students who have run into difficulties obtaining final transcripts or taking end-of-year examinations.
Additionally, Barry will hold its first ever Virtual Admitted Students Day for accepted undergraduate students this Saturday, April 18. The event will allow students a virtual glimpse into life at the University, connecting them with faculty, current students and staff. The University is also arranging virtual campus tours and one-on-one virtual meetings for prospective applicants.