To Avoid Giving Some Scholarships To Test-Takers Only, WPI Backs Away From National Merit Award

Last month, Worcester Polytechnic Institute announced it will no longer participate in the National Merit Scholarship Award program.

The National Merit Award provides 7,500 scholarships every year to high school students who score highest on the PSAT exam. The recent move by the school follows its decision 10 years ago to adopt a test-optional admissions policy.

Andrew Palumbo, the dean of admissions and financial aid at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, spoke with us on campus about what is driving the college away from considering standardized tests in admissions and financial aid.