4/22/20: Dozens of Colleges Drop ACT/SAT, and Consider Permanent Change (Fox News)

The 2021 college application process is shaping up to be one the most complicated one of our generation. With dozens of colleges dropping the requirement for standardized testing, some wonder if these schools will consider making this test-optional policy a permanent one.

What does the mean for students?

It’s important to remember that test-optional is not always the best course of action for all students. We help our students navigate the best testing strategy for them. But on a larger scale, it’s fascinating to observe that some colleges may drop ACT/SAT requirements all together.

A summer testing timeline like no other

This uncertain future of standardized testing has been under the microscope once again. This summer is shaping up to be the most unique one for juniors when it comes to SAT/ACT testing timelines. The SAT announced last week that they have cancelled the June administration (meaning that juniors will be able to sit for the SAT for the first time in August). The ACT has cancelled exams until June, with a new date announced for July.

From the Fox News article:

“To ease the pressure on students applying to college next year, an increasing number of institutions are waiving any requirement of a standardized test for admissions in 2021.

While not all schools have embraced the policy - with Cornell and Dartmouth, among others, saying they are not actively considering it - around 51 schools announced over the past month that they will drop the requirement of SAT or ACT score for admissions next year, including Colgate University, Vassar College, Williams College and Boston University, among others.”

Read more here.