Alaska Pacific University Announces Test-Blind Policy for Undergraduate Admissions
©Photovs | Dreamstime.com
Alaska Pacific University (APU) has chosen to become a test-blind school and will no longer consider standardized test scores when determining undergraduate admissions or merit-based scholarships. APU is the first university in Alaska to implement this change in procedure. The decision continues the university’s mission to expand equity and access initiatives for all students.
“For many low-income students and students of color, standardized testing is a barrier to higher education,” says Director of Admissions Toni Riley. “Years of research has shown that standardized testing is biased against Black, Latina/Latino/Latinx, Native, and some Asian students. Likewise, wealthier students who can afford test prep courses and retests are rewarded with greater scholarships. Even the location of testing sites is tied to privilege and access. By removing test scores from our undergraduate admissions process, we’re eliminating a bias and a burden that hinders many potential students, while cutting ties with a testing industry that continues to perpetuate systemic racism.”
As a test-blind university, the APU Admissions office will take a more holistic and meaningful approach to each applicant by prioritizing their experiences and goals in place of test scores. Scholarship consideration will follow a similar procedure, offering students equal access to an affordable education.
Current Issue
January 2026
“It is not enough to only remove testing as a barrier at the admissions level,” Riley added. “With the rising costs of higher education, it is imperative that university scholarships also be awarded without referencing test scores.”
The test-blind decision is one of many APU procedures designed to remove barriers to college. APU students can register for classes up until the semester or term begins. Students are also considered for merit-based scholarships at the time they apply, minimizing the need for multiple applications to secure funding. With a 7-to-1 student-faculty ratio, each APU student receives direct support to succeed.
“It is not enough to only remove testing as a barrier at the admissions level,” Riley added. “With the rising costs of higher education, it is imperative that university scholarships also be awarded without referencing test scores.”
The test-blind decision is one of many APU procedures designed to remove barriers to college. APU students can register for classes up until the semester or term begins. Students are also considered for merit-based scholarships at the time they apply, minimizing the need for multiple applications to secure funding. With a 7-to-1 student-faculty ratio, each APU student receives direct support to succeed.
Kinross Alaska Launches Manh Choh Community Fund with $1M Legacy Gift
Kinross Alaska creates Manh Choh Community Fund and seeds it with $1 million to benefit eight communities in the Tanana region.
Private Infrastructure Funding Team Builds a Case for Port MacKenzie Rail Project
Alaska Gasline Development Corporation signs with two Australian firms to make a case for completing Port MacKenzie Rail Extension.
907 Sweet Treats Selling Honey via Vending Machine
The Midtown Mall in Anchorage is home to a new vending machine packed with honey, tea, and candles sold by 907 Sweet Treats.
We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.
And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.
Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!