How To Move Forward With College Planning During The COVID-19 Outbreak - Part 2
Here is the latest news in College Admissions and the shifts made in response to Covid-19. I’ve also included some online resources to help Juniors and Seniors navigate the college admissions and enrollment process during these uncertain times!
PLEASE NOTE: Changes are happening daily, so it’s important to always check with the college admissions office directly before making any assumptions!
Change in Standardized Test Policies …. the list is growing!
Some Colleges/Universities have decided to temporarily, or in some cases, permanently change their standardized test policy for students applying for admission next year. Here are some of the latest announcements:
Boston University will go test-optional for undergraduate students applying for the fall 2021 and spring 2022 semesters. This is a one-year adoption of the policy!
Tufts University is introducing a test-optional admissions policy for all undergraduate applicants for a 3-year period, beginning with applicants who apply for the fall 2021 semester.
University of California is suspending SAT/ACT requirements for fall 2021 applicants. This is a one-year adoption of the policy. They are also suspending their letter grade requirement for the 15 prescribed college-prep courses completed in winter, spring, summer 2020, including UC’s most recently admitted freshmen.
University of Oregon and Oregon State are introducing a new admissions policy that will make standardized tests optional for undergraduate applicants, starting with the next admission cycle. Starting with the fall 2021 cycle, students will have a choice about whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores.
Case Western Reserve University is adopting a test-optional admissions policy for students entering the fall of 2021. Students will not be required to submit a standardized test score and without such a test will face no penalty. Students still can choose to submit scores. The university will assess the policy for future classes this coming winter.
Scripps College will adopt a test-optional policy for admissions beginning in fall 2021.
Chapman University has adopted a test-optional policy for admissions where students may opt out of submitting SAT or ACT scores as part of their application, starting fall 2021.
Vassar College will not require applicants to submit SAT/ACT scores beginning with the 2020-2021 admissions cycle and will evaluate the test-optional pilot after the 2021 admissions cycle.
Pomona College has adopted a (one year) test-optional policy for first year and transfer applicants for admission for Fall 2021 entry.
Several other colleges/universities recently adopted new policies for standardized tests…among the most notable are Indiana University who announced in December 2019, they will no longer require SAT/ACT scores, beginning with fall 2021, and California Institute of Technology and MIT no longer will require SAT Subject 2 Tests starting with fall 2021 applicants.
A Virtual College Fair
Although the annual college fair near you in April was cancelled, you can still explore colleges at the four day “Virtual College Fair held April 20th -23rd. It’s open to Juniors in high school and it’s FREE…. just go to this link to register https://www.strivescan.com/virtual/
3 Months of FREE Math Review from “Thinkwell” (All math levels in high school up through Calc 2)
If students are concerned about finishing courses or getting the most out of their online learning (especially in math) they can take advantage of these review courses offered for free by Thinkwell. The three-month window begins when students first access the Essential Review Courses here Essential Review Courses
Delayed Enrollment Deposit Deadlines
Due to closures related to Covid-19 many colleges are extending their enrollment deposit deadlines to June 1 or later. Here is the most recent list. If you’ve been accepted to colleges with a mix of May and June deadlines, call the admissions office and ask if they can be flexible!
https://blog.ivywise.com/blog-0/colleges-with-extended-enrollment-deposit-deadlines
Students Who Have Been Waitlisted
First, if you have been waitlisted and you are still very interested in that school, accept your spot on the wait list right away and follow their direction on next steps. You want to continue to demonstrate interest. This year, students can expect a lot of movement happening on the wait list, some movement could happen earlier than usual (this month), and in some cases, later than usual, late into the summer (especially if enrollment deadlines have been moved to June 1.)
That’s all I have to share right now. I’ll continue to update all of you on the latest changes as they come out, but in the meantime, feel free to contact me if you have a general question on college admissions. I’m happy to help students and their families any way that I can!
Stay Safe!
Paula