US Universities go test-optional as SAT/ ACT get cancelled due to coronavirus COVID-19

As the title suggests, many universities abroad are going test-optional as SAT/ ACT are being canceled. What it means for students and whether this arrangement is here to stay? Read on to have all your questions answered.

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• Affected by Coronavirus: what all international students and aspirants should know
• How is Coronavirus affecting Study Abroad Students?

Universities in the US have called off their SAT/ACT eligibility criteria and gone test-optional as the world fights a failing battle against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While most bachelor programs in the US require students to appear or their SAT or ACT, however this time around given the current situation, US Universities are going test-optional for the academic year starting 2021.

While universities like the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), University of California, Tufts University and Davidson College have put in place this arrangement for the next three years, some universities such as the University of Oregon and Oregon State University have permanently gone test-optional. However, many universities plan to go back to the earlier format once the current situation is history.

While US Universities going test-optional is likely to increase the number of applicants, however, this would also mean more applicants competing for university seats. Hence, candidates are required to apply early to universities to book their admission slots. Students can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counselors for more on the same.

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• International Students left in confusion as universities shut campuses
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List of Universities and Colleges that have temporarily waived off SAT/ACT requirements due to COVID-19

Here is a list of universities and colleges that have temporarily waived off SAT/ACT requirements for study abroad admissions 2020 due to coronavirus COVID-19. (we will be updating this list as more colleges follow suit.)

• Adelphi College - New York
• Alabama A & M University (AAMU) - Alabama
• Alabama State University - Alabama
• Auburn University at Montgomery - Alabama
• Austin Peay State University - Tennessee
• Bethany College - Kansas
• Bethel University - Tennessee
• Bismarck State College - South Dakota
• Bluefield State University - West Virginia
• Brigham Young University - Idaho
• Capitol University - Ohio
• Chicago State University - Illinois
• Cleveland State College - Ohio
• Clarion University - Pennsylvania
• Concordia University Irvine - California
• Cottey College - Missouri
• Eastern Michigan University - Michigan
• Edward Waters College - Michigan
• Emmanuel College - Georgia
• Emory & Henry College - Virginia 
• Fairmont State University - West Virginia
• Franklin College - Indiana
• Governors State University - Illinois
• Graceland University - Missouri
• Idaho State University - Idaho
• Indiana University Kokomo - Indiana 
• Indiana University Northwest - Indiana 
• Indiana University Southeast - Indiana 
• Indiana Wesleyan University (Indiana
• Iowa Wesleyan University - Iowa
• Jackson State University - Mississippi
• Kent State University - Ohio
• Kutztown University - Pennsylvania
• Limestone College - South Carolina
• Lincoln University - Missouri
• Lincoln University - Pennsylvania
• Longwood University - Virginia
• Madonna University - Michigan
• Malone University - Ohio
• Mansfield University - Pennsylvania
• Marymount Manhattan College - New York
• Midway University - Kentucky
• Millersville University - Pennsylvania
• Millikin University - Illinois
• Minnesota State University - Mankato
• Mississippi College - Mississippi
• Missouri State University - Missouri
• Newberry College - South Carolina
• Northern Kentucky University - Kentucky
• Northwest Missouri State University - Missouri
• Saginaw Valley State University - Michigan
• Saint Vincent College - Pennsylvania
• St. Francis University - Illinois
• St. Thomas Aquinas College - New York
• St. Thomas University - Florida
• Savannah College of Arts and Design - Georgia
• Schreiner University - Texas
• Slippery Rock University - Pennsylvania
• Southern Arkansas University - Arkansas
• Southwest Baptist University - Missouri
• Texas Tech University - Texas
• Thiel College - Pennsylvania
• Trine University - Indiana
• University of Akron - Ohio
• University of Dayton - Ohio
• University of Mobile - Alabama
• University of Mount Union - Ohio
• University of Nevada – Las Vegas
• University of Nevada – Reno
• University of North Dakota – Grand Forks
• University of Pittsburgh - Regional Campuses (Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown, and Titusville)
• University System of Georgia - (all public campuses except Georgia Tech and UGa)
• University of Virginia - Virginia
• Washington State University Vancouver - Washington
• Wayne State University - Michigan
• West Virginia State University - West Virginia
• Westminster College - Pennsylvania
• Winthrop University - South Carolina
• Wright State University - Ohio
• Youngstown State University - Ohio

*the list of universities/colleges have been sourced from fairtest.org

What is SAT?

SAT is a standardized test administered by the College Board and is required to be taken by students seeking admission to undergraduate schools. The full form of SAT is the Scholastic Assessment Test, which was earlier known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test. SAT exam has been developed to evaluate the written, verbal and mathematical skills of the candidates. Applicants aspire to pursue undergraduate courses, particularly in the US and Canada, are required to take the SAT exam.

What is ACT?

The ACT is administered by the ACT, Incorporated. ACT full form is American College Testing. It is a standardized test that is required to be taken by students looking for admission in undergraduate schools based in the US and Canada. The ACT exam has been developed to evaluate the written, mathematical, verbal and scientific skills of the candidates.