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Understanding The Effects Of Test-Optional Policies On Structural Diversity In U.S. Selective Institutions: A Difference-In-Differences Approach, Li Kang

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Postsecondary institutions, especially selective ones, use standardized tests such as SAT and ACT as important indicators to measure applicants' academic abilities. However, many studies have found that the test scores correlate to applicants' racial/ethnic backgrounds. Selective institutions work hard to secure their diverse classes. Hence, more selective institutions expect to improve diversity by implementing the test-optional policy. Can this policy meet their expectations in terms of diversity? The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the effects of the test-optional policy on the structural diversity of selective postsecondary institutions. This dissertation uses quasi-experimental techniques to assess the relationship between test-optional …