With large changes on the horizon for the state's universities, the topic of future admission standards has emerged as a hot button issue among university presidents and the Arizona Board of Regents. Under current admissions standards, which apply uniformly to ASU, the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University, any student who finishes in the top 25 percent of his or her graduating class, and has a minimum ACT score of 24, a minimum SAT score of 1040, or a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, is guaranteed admission.
Students who fall below this bracket, but are still in the top half of their graduating class or have a cumulative GPA of 2.5-2.9, are also automatically admitted, but on "conditional acceptance," meaning they are subject to academic probation.
ASU President Michael Crow proposed to the Regents on Thursday, along with UA President Peter Likins and NAU President John Haeger, to automatically admit only those who graduate in the top 40 percent of their graduating class. The next 10 percent would be subject to increased emphasis on personal assessments -- such as a personal statement, interview or heavy involvement in extracurricular activities. This stipulation would allow the universities to be more selective over who is admitted by providing more criteria with which to judge each applicant.
The presidents told the Regents that they want more control over admissions policies to accomplish their individual goals.
"In order to improve, we have to have control of our operations," Likins said.
"The board is setting the stage for major changes," said Matt Ortega, the Regents' assistant executive director for public affairs. "[They're] in serious discussion about letting the universities decide on whether students will be successful."
Regents indicated they would support the new admissions plan, but want to monitor it closely.
"We are holding universities responsible for their performance," said Regents President Jack Jewett.
Reach the reporter at benjamin.honingford@asu.edu.
