COVID-19 and College Admissions News - updated on 4/23
Cornell University would not validate online SAT or ACT score for their admission
“Cornell is unable to analyze at this time proposals from ACT and the College Board for offering expanded at-home and other online testing during 2020. While we affirm each of the test-makers’ qualifications, research, and intentions, this method of testing can’t yet be validated as an indicator of college success during the upcoming cycle.”
Cornell University is not adopting a “Test-optional admission”
Standardized test results are a valuable indicator of preparation for college-level work. Cornell overall is not adopting a “test-optional admission” policy, but rather providing a relief for applicants who will not have had enough opportunities during 2020 to prepare for and to take either exam because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yale University is not adopting a “Test-optional admission”
“Yale requires all applicants for first-year and transfer admission to report results from the ACT or SAT. At this time, we expect there will be sufficient opportunities for all applicants to complete the ACT or SAT before the next admissions deadlines. If Yale’s policies change, we will provide a public notice as soon as possible.”
States with mandatory school closures as of 4/18
Alabama
Alaska
Arkansas
Arizona
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Colleges and Universities do not require ACT or SAT score for 2021 admission cycle or more.
Williams College
Amherst College
Tufts University
Northeastern University
Boston University
Vassar College
Pomona College
Davidson College in North Carolina
Haverford College in Pennsylvania
Rhodes College in Tennessee
University of California systems (all campuses)
Washington State University
University of Washington
University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Scripps College in Southern California
Texas Christian University
Trinity University in San Antonio
Tulane University
Case Western Reserve University
Swarthmore College
Virginia Tech
Full list of colleges and universities which do not require Standardized Test
College Board announced COVID-19 Update on 4/15
College Board cancels June SAT test
Announced possible in-home SAT Test with remote proctoring technology
From 2020 August, the College Board will install SAT in every month - September test will be added
Many universities and colleges facing financial problems
many universities announced budget cuts and their responses including hiring freeze.
The percentage of people completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, was down two percentage points this April compared to last year. The most significant declines came from schools with more low-income students, who are the most likely to need financial aid to attend college.
Big budget cuts are coming to Pennsylvania, and the state's system of higher education is bracing for impact. A Republican state senator has already questioned whether all 14 state universities will remain viable after the crisis.
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/04/16/roundup-millennials-fafsa-and-artistic-recreations?utm_source=Inside+Higher+Ed&utm_campaign=8e5d2a9f1c-DNU_2019_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1fcbc04421-8e5d2a9f1c-234544433&mc_cid=8e5d2a9f1c&mc_eid=6bc677a5a0
Ivy League Won’t Extend Eligibility for athletes
The Ivy League will not allow an extra year of eligibility for students athletes and their sessions reduced/cancelled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
College Board
May 2nd SAT & SAT Subject Test have been cancelled.
College Board is reviewing June test schedule.
AP Test will be online test from home
Test Dates May 11 - May 22: each subject will be taken at same day, same time
45 minute online test, 5 additional minute for uploading
Open book, open note test
one or two free response questions per subject (restrictions may apply)
College Board will prepare tools to prevent plagiarism/cheating
ACT, Inc.
April 4 ACT test has been cancelled - April 4 National test moved to June 13
National University Day - May 1 has been pushed back to June 1
Accepted students who admitted can make their commitment and pay deposit by June 1.
University of California Systems & Cal State Systems
Both the UC and Cal State systems will suspend the letter grade requirement for the 15 prescribed college-preparatory courses completed in winter/spring/summer 2020 for all students, including the most recently admitted freshmen.
UC will suspend the standardized test requirement for students applying for fall 2021 freshman admission. Cal State is still evaluating its process for fall 2021.
Neither system will rescind admission offers that result from students or schools missing official final transcript deadlines.
For transfer students, UC will temporarily suspend the cap on the number of transferable units with pass/no pass grading applied toward the minimum 60 semester/90 quarter units required for junior standing. Cal State also will accept “credit” or “pass” for required courses taken in winter/spring/summer 2020 and reduce the number of transfer units needed to enroll.