As a result of Covid-19, we’re seeing seismic changes within college admissions. In fact, these changes are happening so fast, it’s hard to keep up. To help out students and families, we will update this page with key changes to the admissions process.

4/10 – Middlebury and Colgate announce test optional trials.

4/7 – Northeastern and Williams College introduce test-optional policies. Amherst announces 1 year test optional policy and will no longer consider SAT II scores.

4/3 Update – Pomona and Vassar have both announced 1 year test-optional pilot programs.

The University of California is going test optional, temporarily…

The entire UC system will waive its ACT/SAT requirement for 2021 applicants.

Students applying for fall 2021 are not precluded from taking standardized tests (SAT or ACT) and sending scores if they are able. Doing so can support their statewide UC eligibility, application for certain scholarships, and help them fulfill some University graduation requirements. Campuses will adjust their internal processes accordingly to ensure that no student is harmed in admissions selection should they not submit a test score. This modification to the test requirement is not intended as an admissions policy shift but is rather a temporary accommodation driven by the current extraordinary circumstances.

Tufts is piloting a test optional program.

MIT has dropped its SATII requirement.

Boston University is piloting a test optional program for 2021 applicants.

Davidson College is adopting a 3-year test optional methodology.

Clarkson Colleges will drop its ACT/SAT requirement.

Trinity College is going test optional.