This week in college admissions, more students are including test scores in their applications, the White House investigates Smith over transgender admissions, Bard’s president will step down over Epstein ties, and USC receives a major gift for AI research.
In the most recent applications cycle, the number of students including test scores in their applications was up ten percent from the previous year. The vast majority of four-year colleges are still test-optional, although several elite schools have reinstated testing requirements after going test-optional during the pandemic.
The White House is investigating Smith College over its policy of admitting transgender students, claiming it may violate anti-discrimination laws. The majority of women’s colleges welcome transgender and nonbinary applicants, and some are expressing concerns that the investigation may discourage these students from applying.
Leon Botstein, the president of Bard College, is planning to step down over ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Botstein, who has served as Bard’s president since 1975, contacted and visited Epstein frequently between 2012 and 2019. He will step down at the end of this academic year, and the college will launch a nationwide search for its next president.
The University of South California has received a $200 million gift from venture capitalist Mark Stevens and his wife Mary. The gift will be used for AI research, and USC will launch an artificial intelligence bachelor’s degree program this fall.
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