Tennessee launches automatic college admission in 230 high schools
Why it matters: The "direct admissions" effort is meant to slash through the "forest of red tape" students face when navigating college searches, officials said. Participating students won't even have to apply to understand their options at dozens of participating in-state colleges.
"No applications, no essays, no fees," said researcher Taylor Odle, who is evaluating the experimental program to see how it improves college enrollment.
How it works: The program is in a pilot phase, and will only apply to students in about 230 randomly selected Tennessee high schools for now.
Students at those schools only need to sign up for the Tennessee Promise program by Nov. 1 to participate. They'll get a letter later that month laying out their college options.
During the pilot phase, about half of the direct admission letters will include personalized financial aid estimates, including merit-based scholarships students are likely to receive, as well as eligibility for Tennessee Promise, which offers students tuition-free community and technical college.
Yes, but: They'll still have to file the FAFSA to secure need-based federal aid.
Between the lines: During the pilot, researchers will track outcomes to see if including financial aid packages boosts enrollment numbers.
They'll use their findings to shape recommendations for long-term services in Tennessee and nationwide.
By the numbers: State leaders expect to send direct admission letters to 41,000 high school seniors this fall, telling them which colleges are saving a spot for them.
Fifty-three in-state colleges and universities are participating. That total includes private and public universities as well as technical and community colleges.
Colleges will use ACT and GPA thresholds to determine which students qualify.
The big picture: Tennessee has led the effort to improve college access for years. Programs like the Tennessee Promise have inspired policies nationwide.
The latest pilot program makes Tennessee the first in the nation to combine direct admissions with up-front financial aid estimates.
The bottom line: Complicated applications and financial aid boondoggles can drive students away from considering college.
Leaders hope that making the process more user-friendly will open up new opportunities, especially for low-income or rural students who are less likely to attend college.
"This effort is really about removing barriers and shifting the conversation to make it easier for young people," said Tennessee Higher Education Commission director Steven Gentile.
Participating Davidson County schools
Antioch High School
Cane Ridge High School
Glencliff High School
Hillsboro High School
Hillwood High School
Hume-Fogg High School
Independence Academy High School
John Overton High School
KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School
Knowledge Academies High School
LEAD Academy
LEAD Southeast
Maplewood High School
Martin Luther King Jr. School
McGavock High School
MNPS Virtual School
Nashville Big Picture High School
Nashville School of the Arts
Pearl-Cohn High School
Republic High School
The Academy at Hickory Hollow
The Academy at Old Cockrill
Valor College Prep
Whites Creek High School
Participating Rutherford County schools
Blackman High School
Central Magnet School
Eagleville School
Holloway High School
Lavergne High School
Oakland High School
Siegal High School
Stewarts Creek High School
Participating Sumner County schools
Beech Senior High School
Gallatin Senior High School
Hendersonville High School
Merrol Hyde Magnet School
Portland High School
Station Camp High School
Sumner County Middle College High School
Westmoreland High School
White House High School
Participating Williamson County schools
Brentwood High School
Centennial High School
Franklin High School
Fred J Page High School
Independence High School
Nolensville High School
Ravenwood High School
Summit High School
Participating Wilson County schools
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