Reimagining College Admissions: The IBPLC Pilot Initiative
Northeastern University, in partnership with Big Picture Learning (BPL) and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), is helping to transform how students are evaluated for college. Through this innovative pilot, Northeastern will lead research and implementation efforts to test the International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC) as a credible, scalable alternative to traditional transcripts and test scores.
This initiative is supported by the Stuart Foundation and aligns with NACAC’s new Center for Innovation in College Admission, a national effort to build more equitable, student-centered admissions systems.
What Is the IBPLC?
The IBPLC is a global, validated framework that captures the full range of a student’s capabilities—academic, civic, professional, and personal—through interest-driven, real-world learning. It reflects:
- Project-based and experiential learning
- Mastery of skills and competencies
- Student growth over time
- Learning inside and outside the classroom
- By focusing on what students can do rather than just what grades or scores say, the IBPLC opens doors for learners from diverse and nontraditional backgrounds.
A Strategic Partnership to Drive Change
Northeastern’s leadership in experiential and competency-based education makes it an ideal anchor institution to test and scale the IBPLC in the U.S.
In Partnership With:
- Big Picture Learning (BPL) – pioneers in student-centered learning
- NACAC’s Innovation Center – a national hub rethinking admissions
- Stuart Foundation – funder and thought partner in education equity
Our 3-Phase Plan
Phase 1: Planning
- Develop a comprehensive research plan to validate the IBPLC in U.S. admissions
- Select pilot schools, including BPL and other innovative environments
- Refine research questions, methodologies, and tools
- Participate in NACAC convenings to share early insights
Phase 2: Implementation
- Conduct field research to assess reliability, predictive value, and student outcomes
- Pilot IBPLC in Northeastern admissions with a small group of BPL students
- Analyze how IBPLC influences admissions decisions
- Share results through NACAC networks and national presentations
Phase 3: Scaling
- Northeastern becomes a warrantor of the credential, ensuring quality and consistency
- Launch training and certification pathways for IBPLC coaches
- Collaborate with Enrollment Management to integrate IBPLC into CPS admissions
- Expand use across partner institutions nationally
Benefit & Impact
- Elevates diverse student strengths—from real-world experience to civic action
- Reduces reliance on standardized tests, opening access for marginalized communities
- Aligns K–12 and higher ed by valuing hands-on learning and lived experience
- Introduces a portable, transparent credential for use in U.S. and international systems