The topic of test-optional admissions brings a wide variety of responses from enrollment leaders. On today's episode of Enrollment Edge, Jay will talk to Martin Aucoin, Vice Provost & Dean of Admissions at Belmont Abbey College. Belmont Abbey was one of the very first test-optional policy adopters in the country. Just two years ago, there were a few hundred colleges and universities that were considered test-optional. As many testing dates were canceled or delayed in the name of public health during the pandemic, thousands of colleges have adopted, both temporarily and permanently, a test-optional policy to help admit students even without available test scores. 

Jay will discuss with Martin the benefits and challenges of a test-optional admissions policy from the perspective of an early adopter and what lessons he has learned after more than a decade of practicing this controversial policy.

About Our Guest
Martin, a native of River Ridge, Louisiana, holds a Master’s in Higher Education from Appalachian State University and a Bachelor’s in Government & Political Philosophy from Belmont Abbey College. Similar to many students, he was not the first in his family to attend the Abbey and followed in the footsteps of his oldest brother. He began his career in college admissions his freshman year as an Abbey Ambassador and has since served the Admissions Office as an Admissions Counselor, Operations Manager, and Director of Admissions. Martin lives near campus with his wife and children and is passionate about welcoming new students to share in this unique tradition of Catholic higher education. Martin has over 10 years of progressive enrollment management experience at both 2-year public and 4-year private institutions. His expertise in unleashing the potential of systems and processes to make informed decisions, empower staff, and meet students' needs.