BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Canisius College has a new policy for considering new students, one that SAT and ACT scores won’t be a part of.

Th school is adopting this policy beginning with students applying for admissions in the fall of 2024. It will be the first school in Western New York to offer test-free admissions.

The school had gone test-optional in March 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Standardized tests are just one of many factors Canisius historically utilized in the admissions process but they may be among the least valuable predictors of success,” school president Steve Stoute said, “This new policy will eliminate a barrier to a high-quality Canisius education for students from all backgrounds. As a Jesuit college, ours is a faith that does justice and this change will support our commitment to transform our society by inspiring a new generation of leaders who will not accept the status quo but will go out and redefine their field, think boldly, and act according to their principles.”

The school says that since they went test-optional, , applications increased by 18%, the admissions pool increased 12%, including an increase in students of color from 37% to 44%.

Stoute joined News 4 at 4 on Tuesday to talk about the move.

You can watch the full segment above.