College Board, the organization that administers the SAT exam has decided to scrap at-home tests in the coming months and requested schools not to punish students who are not able to submit their SAT scores. In mid-April, College Board announced that it was developing a digital version of the SAT in case the lockdown continues for more time, as, this would make it difficult for the board to offer enough testing dates and centers. According to the College Board, the technology requirements for taking the SAT test would not be possible for every student. Students need three-hours of non-stop internet service to complete the multiple-choice exam. Almost 2.2 million students took the SAT test last year, so, there are technological challenges in developing a test that all the students can take it, which is the reason, the board decided to drop it.
Earlier candidates who took Advanced Placement exams faced technical hiccups and were not able to submit their answers via computers and mobile phones. The online AP tests were shortened this spring to 45 minutes each after schools were closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the testing dates are irregular, the College Board has requested selective schools to extend their deadlines for students to submit SAT scores, and not punish candidates who are not able to take the test because of the Coronavirus.
In many places, demand for seats in testing sessions to be held in August and September exceeds the number of centers where the SAT Test will be held. Social distancing and other precautionary measures have also made the administration of tests at large-scale difficult.
A large number of top colleges have waived SAT and ACT test requirements because of COVID-19. However, not all the universities have made SAT test scores optional for the next round of admissions. Top universities like Harvard and Stanford are asking for the SAT and ACT scores from prospective students.
The ACT testing organization has also said that it is planning to at-home tests if necessary. Registration for the SAT exam opened last week for students in the classes of 2020 and 2021 who do not have SAT scores but faced difficulties in signing up for the test. College Board and ACT have encountered various challenges in recent weeks.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Some universities require a consolidated SAT cutoff while the other universities may resort their admission policies towards SAT sectional cutoffs. Either ways if something is in the applicant's favour, will drive him to qualify for the said university's admissions. But in case the applicant fails to meet either of the said circumstances, chances are that they disqualify for the admission. Thus, if mentioned, applicants should aim for the given SAT cutoff or slightly higher than the given cutoff.
In case the applicant is submitting SAT scores and the SAT cutoff is mentioned, then it is likely that the applicants will have to submit the SAT cutoff based on the given requirements. It is important to meet SAT cutoffs if the applicants have them mentioned in the admission requirements. Thus, if the applicant has not taken the test it becomes less important to submit these scores, but if the applicant feels that the scores will enhance their applications and give a better impression, then they should go for it.
Pick your stage and get free guidance from counsellors who've helped thousands get into top universities.
Starting research
Shortlisting colleges
Exam preparation
SOP/LOR writing
Scholarship & finance
Visa application
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Comments
(2)
S
2 years ago
S
2 years ago
Located across 44+ cities, there are around 73 designated SAT exam centres in India. Indian students registering for SAT exam can choose for any one of these test centres out of 65 based on their city and area of accommodation. The SAT centres in India are located at all possible cities and in possible areas of these cities too. Each SAT centre has a unique centre code which differentiates one test centre from the other. Students must exercise caution while choosing a SAT exam centre.