Changes to Testing Dates and Admissions Requirements in Response to Coronavirus
*Please note that we will continue posting updates to the bottom of this article as we learn more.
It’s hard to keep up with the rapid pace of changes occurring in the world of school admissions and standardized testing in response to new restrictions prompted by coronavirus.
Here’s what we know (as of the time writing this, April 2020):
APs - the College Board is now offering test-at-home.
SATs & SAT IIs - the June test date has been cancelled. The SAT will add more test dates in the fall (registration will open in May) and/or potentially offer a test-at-home option.
ACT - will offer a flexible schedule for summer 2020 test dates and a test-at-home option for fall/winter 2020.
SSATs - have cancelled all upcoming test dates.
ISEEs - have announced a potential test-at-home option, which they say will roll out later this spring.
In addition to the above information, we’re honored to be part of a wide network of professionals who have been working tirelessly to provide as accurate and up-to-date information to parents as possible.
School Admissions:
NACAC updates
Check out these comprehensive updates and suggestions from Kate Stone and the experts at University Gurus
Consider getting on the mailing list for:
David Montessano and the experts at College Match
Felicia Fahey and the experts at Fahey Associates
Dr. Amy Morganstern and the experts at Blue Star Admissions
Sandy Eiges and the experts at LA School Scout
We will continue to update this blog post as we learn more.
UPDATE: Tuesday May 12, 2020
The SSAT has now announced they will be offering a limited at-home SSAT option starting in May. For more information, please visit this link.
UPDATE: Tuesday June 2, 2020
SSAT:
The SSAT has now announced they will allow SSAT flex and benchmark administrations to begin at some flex test center locations.
For non-flex and benchmark administrations, the June 13/14 test date has been canceled in the US, Canada, and most locations around the world.
More test dates may open in the near future depending on location. Check this page for updates.
ISEE:
Some test centers are opening in certain states. All programs can resume testing where permitted regionally.
The ERB had announced a new on-demand remote proctoring solution for ISEE online but due to unusually long wait times, registration for remote proctoring has been suspended until further notice.
SATs & PSATs:
The College Board is pausing on offering an at-home SAT this year because, they say, “taking it would require three hours of uninterrupted, video-quality internet for each student, which can’t be guaranteed for all.”
The College Board will be providing weekend SAT administrations every month through the end of the calendar year beginning in August, which includes a new administration on Sept 26th. Students who registered for the June SAT or subject test and didn’t cancel their registration can transfer their registration to any available administration.
Later this week, registration will open for all students for August, September and October test dates. Learn more here.
ACTs:
Some test centers will be open for the June test date. This week, ACT will email all students registered for the June 13 test with an update on test center availability and capacity. For more information, check this webpage.
UPDATE: Wednesday June 24, 2020
ACTs:
Testing centers and state-level officials have been asked to provide open/closed status updates to ACT by June 19th. For the latest updates on summer testing, including FAQs, click here.
ACT test registration for fall 2020 and spring 2021 test dates will open at the end of July. As of now, section retesting has been postponed to increase capacity for full testing.
See this press release for more information.
ACT is adding new Fall 2020 national test dates to address students’ need for scores.
See this press release for more information.
High School Applications:
UHS will NOT require any standardized tests for the 20-21 admissions cycle. Other high schools may follow. Stay tuned!
See this press release for more information on UHS.
SATs & PSATs:
Fall SAT registration is open to all students. Be aware that some students may encounter delays due to the high volume.
Because of public health restrictions and high demand, there is limited seating capacity for students testing in certain areas. The College Board recommends: “If you can't find a test center when you first try to register, try again by logging back in to My SAT, selecting the registration you started, and then follow the required steps. On the Select Your Test Center page, you'll see any new seats added in your area.”
Fall 2020 SAT dates are: Aug 29, Sept 26, Oct 3, Nov 7, Dec 5.
See this press release for more information.
APs:
The deadline for choosing which college, university, or scholarship program that you want to send your 2020 AP scores to for free has been extended to June 30.
See this press release for more information.
Update: Monday July 6, 2020
ACT:
Due to test center capacity issues for the July 18 ACT, test center changes are no longer available. Check to see if your test center has been cancelled. For those who have not yet been able to take the ACT test, new fall dates have been added, for which registration will be open near the end of July.
Update: Wednesday July 22, 2020
SAT & PSAT:
There will be a new SAT administration on September 26 and a new SAT Subject Test administration for international students on November 7. If there is a demand, College Board is also planning on adding a test date in January 2021. To provide more opportunities for students to take the SAT in fall 2020, College Board is also adding a School Day administration on September 23. Schools can administer School Day on both September 23 and October 14. Please see this updates page for more information.
ACT:
Registration for fall ACT test dates will be opening near the end of July. Check here for updates. There is also a new statement regarding the July National Testing and students who showed up to canceled test centers. Please check out this page for more information.