Standardized test score submission for admission to Gustavus became optional a year ago. So what did that mean for the incoming class? Eighty-one percent of applicants still presented test scores for consideration. The College enjoyed a 24 percent increase in applications and welcomed 670 first-year students and 40 transfer students to campus this fall. Twelve percent of first-year students come from underrepresented groups, mirroring Minnesota’s overall racial and ethnic demographics. So, did making test scores optional mean the quality of the education was reduced? No, professors continue to have high expectations and teach demanding and challenging courses.