Standardized Testing Updates Spring 2020
***Breaking News*** Released on May 21, 2020: The Regents of the University of California have announced a plan to phase out the use of SAT or ACT tests for admission to the UC system. Quoting from the UC announcement (link):
The following outlines the Regents’ actions:
***Breaking News*** Released on April 17, 2020: The CSU system is suspending the standardized test requirement for students applying for Fall 2021. The CSUs are going even further than the UCs by stating that standardized tests will not be considered in admissions decisions at any campus for Fall 2021 (including impacted campuses like Cal Poly SLO). What, if any, supplemental criteria they will use instead has not been announced as of yet.
Both the CollegeBoard (SAT) and ACT have canceled their spring tests, including the June dates. They have announced plans to add dates in the fall once schools reopen. If you have not yet tested, don’t panic. This is a perfect opportunity to do free practice tests to decide which format you prefer. Try a PracticeACT and PracticeSAT. There are many more available online or in prep books. Try to do the tests under test conditions, setting time limits and following testing guidelines. There are lots of free test prep options available - Khan Academy is one - once you have chosen your preferred test. Check the College Board and ACT websites for testing updates and to register for the June tests.
There is a growing trend amongst colleges to go test optional, which means you will be able to apply to many colleges without submitting test scores. Some, like Boston University, are only test optional for the 2020/21 admissions cycle, but many, like the University of Oregon, are permanently test optional.
AP tests College Board has announced that this year’s AP exams will be 45-minute online free-response exams at home. They will be offered on two separate dates (to be confirmed). Check here for the latest information.
SAT subject tests are no longer required by any college (MIT was the last holdout and they have just changed their policy). In rare cases, they may still be considered by some highly selective colleges if submitted.
***Breaking News*** Released on May 21, 2020: The Regents of the University of California have announced a plan to phase out the use of SAT or ACT tests for admission to the UC system. Quoting from the UC announcement (link):
The following outlines the Regents’ actions:
- Test-optional for fall 2021 and fall 2022: Campuses will have the option to use ACT/SAT test scores in selection consideration if applicants choose to submit them, and will develop appropriate policies and procedures to implement the Board’s decision.
- Test-blind for fall 2023 and fall 2024: Campuses will not consider test scores for California public and independent high school applicants in admissions selection, a practice known as “test-blind” admissions. Test scores could still be considered for other purposes such as course placement, certain scholarships and eligibility for the statewide admissions guarantee.
- New standardized test: Starting in summer 2020 and ending by January 2021, UC will undertake a process to identify or create a new test that aligns with the content UC expects students to have mastered to demonstrate college readiness for California freshmen.
- Elimination of the ACT/SAT test requirement: By 2025, any use of the ACT/SAT would be eliminated for California students and a new UC-endorsed test to measure UC-readiness would be required. However, if by 2025 the new test is either unfeasible or not ready, consideration of the ACT/SAT for freshman admissions would still be eliminated for California students.
- Elimination of writing test: The University will eliminate altogether the SAT Essay/ACT Writing Test as a requirement for UC undergraduate admissions, and these scores will not be used at all effective for fall 2021 admissions.
***Breaking News*** Released on April 17, 2020: The CSU system is suspending the standardized test requirement for students applying for Fall 2021. The CSUs are going even further than the UCs by stating that standardized tests will not be considered in admissions decisions at any campus for Fall 2021 (including impacted campuses like Cal Poly SLO). What, if any, supplemental criteria they will use instead has not been announced as of yet.
Both the CollegeBoard (SAT) and ACT have canceled their spring tests, including the June dates. They have announced plans to add dates in the fall once schools reopen. If you have not yet tested, don’t panic. This is a perfect opportunity to do free practice tests to decide which format you prefer. Try a PracticeACT and PracticeSAT. There are many more available online or in prep books. Try to do the tests under test conditions, setting time limits and following testing guidelines. There are lots of free test prep options available - Khan Academy is one - once you have chosen your preferred test. Check the College Board and ACT websites for testing updates and to register for the June tests.
There is a growing trend amongst colleges to go test optional, which means you will be able to apply to many colleges without submitting test scores. Some, like Boston University, are only test optional for the 2020/21 admissions cycle, but many, like the University of Oregon, are permanently test optional.
AP tests College Board has announced that this year’s AP exams will be 45-minute online free-response exams at home. They will be offered on two separate dates (to be confirmed). Check here for the latest information.
SAT subject tests are no longer required by any college (MIT was the last holdout and they have just changed their policy). In rare cases, they may still be considered by some highly selective colleges if submitted.