What you need to know about the changes starting this month. The sections of the SAT will remain the same as well as the scoring process. The test will be shorter in time. The adaptive exam structure is being introduced and it will change the level of difficulty according to the student's proficiency.
Read moreNews Round-up - September 9th, 2020
These posts are here to catch the highlights from the world of college admissions over the past few weeks.
Although this is not the end-all-be-all for higher education news, I hope that it’s a nice resource for you moving forward.
As always, for more specific information about what a college or university is doing check directly with that institution.
Back-to-School Resolutions for At-Home ACT Testing - Tiffany Sorenson, US News and World Report
COVID-19 changes lead to Zoom college fairs, new advertising strategies - Gabriel Brady, The Alestle
When and when not to submit test scores in applying to college - Dale Price Special to the Picayune, The Statesman
UH System offers test-optional admissions through 2022 - Brittany Britto, Houston Chronicle
Here’s the Deal on the COVID-19 Question on the Common App - Niche.com
Be Careful What You Wish For - Scott Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed
The Coronavirus May Change College Admissions Forever - Frank Bruni, The New York Times
News Round-up - September 4th, 2020
These posts are here to catch the highlights from the world of college admissions over the past few weeks.
Although this is not the end-all-be-all for higher education news, I hope that it’s a nice resource for you moving forward.
As always, for more specific information about what a college or university is doing check directly with that institution.
I apologize that this is such a long list! There is some great information below addressing the latest in testing, behind the scenes admission information, and how to write a COVID-19 essay if you need to. I believe that not every student needs to write a COVID-19 essay, so be sure to read the article to determine if this is the right essay to add to your application.
The Secrets of Elite College Admissions - Jeffery Selingo, Wall Street Journal
University of California must stop all use of SAT and ACT in admissions, judge orders - Michael Burke, EdSource
Memo: NCAA to furlough its entire staff for 3-8 weeks - Ralph D. Russo, AP News
Political Influence on Fall Plans - Madeline St. Amour, Inside Higher Ed
A Question of Trust - Lilah Burke, Inside Higher Ed
Collaborating in Admissions - Scott Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed
It’s time to question reliance on standardized tests for college admissions - Tribute Content Agency
NACAC's Statement on Standardized Testing Requirements at Public Universities - NACAC
How Applying to College Will Be Different This Year, Thanks to the Coronavirus Pandemic - Julia Glum
Fewer colleges are relying on standardized testing for admissions decisions during coronavirus, but that change should be permanent - Angel B. Perez, Hartford Courant
Ex-Google employees form virtual tech ‘school’ for gap year students amid college closures - Jennifer Elias, CNBC
Moody's: Coronavirus Drives New Business Models, Disruption for Higher Ed - Rick Seltzer, Inside Higher Ed
Covid-19 and College Admissions: 3 Rumors, 3 Truths & 3 Predictions - Kristina Miller, WGN 9 - Chicago
The Character Moment in College Admission - David Holmes, Inside Higher Ed
Late Deciders, Late Withdrawals: The Headaches Of Predicting Fall College Enrollment - Adolfo Guzman-Lopez, LAist
A Guide To Writing The Covid-19 Essay For The Common App - Kristen Moon, Forbes
Report Sees Shift to Public Colleges During Pandemic - Scott Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed
These schools have the largest endowments in the country — yet they’re still raising tuition during the COVID pandemic - Jillian Berman, MarketWatch
Students may have their offer of admission rescinded’: Northeastern issues warning about partying - Dialynn Dwyer, Boston.com
How Coronavirus Is Upending High School Extracurricular Activities - US News and World Report
These lawsuits could change the stakes for higher ed - Natalie Schwartz, Education Dive
News Round-up - August 24, 2020
These posts are here to catch the highlights from the world of college admissions over the past few weeks.
Although this is not the end-all-be-all for higher education news, I hope that it’s a nice resource for you moving forward.
As always, for more specific information about what a college or university is doing check directly with that institution.
The August SAT is Cancelled for Nearly Half of Students - Susan Adams, Forbes
Colleges should rethink using standardized test scores for admissions, major counselors’ group says - Valerie Strauss, Washington Post
Tracking how the coronavirus is impacting colleges - Hallie Busta, Jeremy Bauer-Wolf, and Natalie Schwartz, Education Dive
Coronavirus College Money Dilemmas For Parents And Children - Richard Eisenberg, Next Avenue group for Forbes Magazine
New policy gives students another option to qualify for merit scholarships - Leslie Reed, University of Nebraska - Lincoln communications office
Thinking Twice About Testing - Scott Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed
This Week in Admission News - Inside Higher Ed
Registered for the SAT, Unable to Take the Test - Scott Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed
News Round-up - August 12, 2020
These posts are here to catch the highlights from the world of college admissions over the past few weeks.
Although this is not the end-all-be-all for higher education news, I hope that it’s a nice resource for you moving forward.
As always, for more specific information about what a college or university is doing check directly with that institution.
NACAC announces virtual college fairs for fall 2020 - NACAC.org
“Back” To School: College Admission Ready - Brennan Barnard, Forbes
The Return of the Campus Tour - Scott Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed
Extra Tuition-Free Time on Campus - Emma Whitford, Inside Higher Ed
Countdown to college: Helping teens deal with COVID-19 anxiety - Lee Shulman Bierer Tribune News Service (TNS), Indiana Gazette
COVID-19 may have bigger impact on Enrollment in 2021 - Dino Flammia, New Jersey 101.5
At Harvard, other elite colleges, more students deferring their first year - Laura Krantz and Deirdre Fernandes, Boston Globe
Taking a Stand and Sitting It Out - Greta Anderson, Inside HigherEd
Should students get a discount if they won't be on campus because of COVID-19? - Robert Massa, The Houston Chronicle
August Wave of Campus Reopening Reversals - Emma Whitford, Inside Higher Ed
High School Seniors Struggle with ACT Registration Problems - Lauren Victory, CBS 2 Chicago
Nervous Freshmen, Nervous Colleges - Scott Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed
Colleges That Change Lives Virtual Presentation Scheduled - Colleges That Change Lives
Students get creative in ways to stand out when looking ahead to college - Jovana Lara, ABC 7 Los Angeles
News Round-up - July 23, 2020
These posts are here to catch the highlights from the world of college admissions over the past week. Although this is not the end-all-be-all for higher education news, I hope that it’s a nice resource for you moving forward.
As always, for more specific information about what a college or university is doing check directly with that institution.
Colleges Say They Can Reopen Safely. But Will Students Follow the Rules? - The Chronicle of Higher Education
Loan Relief Proposal From Top Republican - Kery Murakami, Inside Higher Ed
Coronavirus Update for Higher Education - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
We are suspending our SAT/ACT requirement for the 2020–2021 application cycle - Stu Schmill, MIT Admission Blog
Georgia’s Top-Down Management of Higher Ed Causes Covid-19 Chaos - Michael Vasquez, The Chronicle of Higher Education
U-Md. suspends requirement for SAT or ACT scores, joining test-optional movement for one year because of pandemic - Nick Anderson, Washington Post
UTSA to cover tuition for San Antonio ISD grads in top half of their class - Alia Malik, The San Antonio Express-News
COVID-19 Roundup: Virtual Falls and Faculty Pink Slips - Inside Higher Ed
Some Students Couldn't Take ACT Exam - Scott Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed
A Year of Chaos and Flexibility - Scott Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed
What’s the plan for this fall? Texas colleges are still working out the logistics - Brittany Britto, Houston Chronicle
The Week in Admissions News - Scott Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed
The Future of the Campus Tour - Geoff Broome, Inside Higher Ed
Texas A&M Covid 19 Guidance - Texas A&M
A Never Before Seen On-Campus Experience: How Colleges Plan To Reopen For Fall Semester - Jeremy Hobson and Samantha Raphelson, WBUR Boston
News Round-up - July 13, 2020
These posts are here to catch the highlights from the world of college admissions over the past week. Although this is not the end-all-be-all for higher education news, I hope that it’s a nice resource for you moving forward.
As always, for more specific information about what a college or university is doing check directly with that institution.
Will coronavirus change college admissions? - Colleen Walsh, Harvard Gazette
Athletic Adjustments - Scott Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed
Ivy League Postpones Athletics Until 2021 - Greta Anderson, Inside Higher Ed
What Harvard and Your Local Commuter College Now Have in Common - Kevin Carey, NY Times
British Universities Explore Charter Flights for International Students - Simon Baker, Times Higher Education
Trump Visa Rules Seen as Way to Pressure Colleges on Reopening - Miriam Jordan, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, and Dan Levin, NY Times
MIT makes Fall 2020 announcement on FAQ page - MIT COVID-19 Information Center
Brown invites students back to campus with three-term model, reduced density for 2020-21 - News from Brown
International Students Banned From Online-Only Instruction - Emma Whitford, Inside Higher Ed
Will the Coronavirus Forever Alter the College Experience? - Jon Marcus, NY Times
News Round-up - July 8th, 2020
These posts are here to catch the highlights from the world of college admissions over the past week. Although this is not the end-all-be-all for higher education news, I hope that it’s a nice resource for you moving forward.
As always, for more specific information about what a college or university is doing check directly with that institution.
Texas Tech tests the waters for fall semester - Raga Justin, The Texas Tribune
International students at Texas universities can’t return without in-person classes - Raga Justin, The Texas Tribune
At least 7 colleges cancel fall sports because of the coronavirus - Natalie Schwartz, Education Dive
How COVID-19 is affecting school loans, financing and the college application process - Abbey Slattery, WRAL Digital Solutions
More colleges breaking summer enrollment records - Matt Zalanick, University Business
What more than 300 colleges are looking for during the pandemic - Austin Horn, NPR
COVID-19 Roundup: Changing Course for the Fall - Inside Higher Ed
What’s Missing From A New Report On Competing For Admission During Covid-19 - Aviva Lagatt, Forbes
How Will Covid-19 Affect the Next Round of College Applicants? Here’s an Early Look - Eric Hoover, The Chronicle of Higher Education
How COVID-19 has made some colleges question the academic calendar - Matt Kruppnick, The Hetchinger Report and PBS Newshour
A Discounted ‘Gap Year’ Online - Lindsay McKenzie, Inside Higher Ed
News Round-up - June 29th, 2020
These posts are here to catch the highlights from the world of college admissions over the past week. Although this is not the end-all-be-all for higher education news, I hope that it’s a nice resource for you moving forward.
As always, for more specific information about what a college or university is doing check directly with that institution.
ACT Adds Fall Test Dates - ACT Newsroom
Harvard fall plans informed by other northeastern colleges - John S. Rosenberg, Harvard Magazine
Muhlenberg Extended Learning Program Offers Free Summer Study - Meghan Kita, Muehlenberg College
A Guide to Virtual College Admissions Tools - Josh Moody, US News and World Report
Haves and Have-Nots on COVID-19 Protection - Kery Murakami, Inside Higher Ed
A Tale of 2 Colleges, Two private colleges have distinctly different plans for reopening - Bill Burger, Inside Higher Ed
Pulling back the veil: The truth about Princeton admissions - Liam O'Connor, Daily Princetonian
Why Some State Universities are Seeing an Influx - Anemona Hartocollis, New York Times
Texas A&M Will Be Test Optional For The Spring, Summer And Fall Of 2021 - Lesley Henton, Texas A&M University Division of Marketing & Communications
3 College Admissions Steps for Rising Seniors in the Coronavirus Era - US News and World Report
How to control college costs in the age of COVID-19 - Thomson Reuters
Guinea Pigs, Campus labs are starting to open back up - Colleen Flaherty, Inside Higher Ed
UT won’t require ACT or SAT scores for fall 2021 applicants - Lara Korte, The Statesman
Texas universities shelving SAT, ACT; Coronavirus scrambles admissions - Raga Justin, The Texas Tribune
How MIT Is Crowdsourcing Its Reopening Plans for the Fall - Jeffrey R. Young, Ed Surge
Parenting with PEP During the Pandemic - Parent Encouragement Program
News Round-up - June 22nd, 2020
My apologies that the news roundup post is happening on Wednesday instead of Monday!
I have added a button below that takes you to the most up to date list of all colleges and universities who are test optional for the ‘20-’21 admission cycle. This list is sorted by state.
As always, for more specific information about what a college or university is doing check directly with that institution. Here are the updates that caught my eye from last week:
Colleges Are Backing Off SAT, ACT Scores — But The Exams Will Be Hard To Shake - Elissa Nadworny, NPR
ACT Testing Updates: Summer Testing & Postponement of Section Retesting for 2020 - ACT
Colleges adapt gap year programs as coronavirus limits options - Natalie Schwartz, Education Dive
Public Research Universities' OK Year on Admissions - Scott Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed
Harvard, other top colleges are ditching required admission tests over COVID-19 - Nick Anderson, Washington Post for Boston.com
Here’s how Ivy League universities are changing admission requirements for the Class of 2025 - Pia Singh, Daily Pennsylvanian
Recorded College Presentations from StriveScan - StriveScan Virtual College Exploration
News Round-up - June 15th, 2020
With news changing so quickly due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, I have started to post weekly news round-ups. These posts are here to catch the highlights from the world of college admissions over the past week.
Although this is not the end-all-be-all for higher education news, I hope that it’s a nice resource for you moving forward. As always, for more specific information about what a college or university is doing check directly with that institution. Here are the updates that caught my eye last week:
More than Half of All US Four-Year Colleges and Universities Will Be Test-Optional for Fall 2021 Admission - FairTest.org
To Reopen Campus, Colleges Prepare To Take On Contagious Students - WBUR Boston
Harvard Tells Faculty Most Teaching This Fall Will Likely Be Online - WBUR Boston
Historically black colleges fight for survival, reopening amid coronavirus pandemic - Safiya Charles and Byron Dobson, USA TODAY
Public Research Universities' OK Year on Admissions - Inside Higher Ed, Scott Jaschik
UW drops SAT, ACT requirement, extending coronavirus accommodation - Katherine Long, Seattle Times
Updated Testing Policies For Top 20 Colleges During The 2020-2021 Application Cycle - Christopher Rim, Forbes
Tracking how the coronavirus is impacting colleges - Education Dive
Fall Comes Into View - Lilah Burke, Inside Higher Ed
What college admissions will look like next year in light of COVID-19 - Allison Slater Tate, Today
Coronavirus News Roundup for June 8 - Madeline St. Amour, Inside Higher Ed
The Week in Admissions News - Scott Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed
Amid virus, US students look to colleges closer to home - Collin Binkley, The Associated Press for Mojave Daily News
News Round-up - June 8th, 2020
With news changing so quickly due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, I have started to post weekly news round-ups. These posts are here to catch the highlights from the world of college admissions over the past week.
Although this is not the end-all-be-all for higher education news, I hope that it’s a nice resource for you moving forward. As always, for more specific information about what a college or university is doing check directly with that institution. Here are the updates that caught my eye last week:
How to Normalize the College Search Process for Juniors - Jeffrey Selingo, New York Times
What Will College Be Like in the Fall? - Emily Bazelon, New York Times
College of Charleston goes test optional for Fall 2021 - Moultrie News
Amid virus, US students look to colleges closer to home - Collin Binkley, The Associated Press for Mohave Valley Daily News
Breaking News: College Board encourages greater flexibility in testing requirements for the class of 2021 - Appelrouth Tutoring Blog
More career services offices are planning for a hybrid fall term - Hallie Busta, EducationDive
Reopening campuses is vital, college presidents tell lawmakers - Jeremy Bauer-Wolf, EducationDive
College Board Scrambles To Maintain Status In The College Admissions Game - Christopher Rim, Forbes
Inside Higher Ed’s news round up - Inside Higher Ed
SAT and ACT May Never Regain Their Role in College Admissions - Janet Lorin, Bloomberg News
Coalition Application Adds Questions on COVID-19 - Scott, Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed
It’s college decision day — here’s where students stand - Jessica Dickler, CNBC
News Round-up - June 1st, 2020
With news changing so quickly due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, I thought I would post weekly news round-ups! These posts are here to catch the highlights from the world of college admissions over the past week. Although this is not the end-all-be-all for higher education news, I hope that it’s a nice resource for you moving forward. As always, for more specific information about what a college or university is doing check directly with that institution. Here are the updates that caught my eye from the past week:
Live Updates Map with Latest News on Colleges' Plans for Fall - The Daily Pennsylvanian
Testing Turmoil, ACT replaces leader and moves to cut costs; College Board accused of difficulties in SAT registration. - Inside Higher Ed
2020 SAT and SAT Subject Test Dates: What You Need to Know - The College Board
ACT to offer students summer test date options and remote proctoring - ACT Newsroom
Teens are getting into their dream schools as colleges dip into their waitlists during the coronavirus pandemic - Insider.com
College-bound students to miss out on billions in financial aid due to pandemic - CNBC
Half of presidents aim to restart classes in-person this fall, survey finds - EducationDive
With higher ed in limbo, students are switching to community colleges - The Hechinger Report