SAT & ACT - May COVID-19 Updates
Updated: Aug 18, 2020
This week brought with it a flurry of announcements and changes in the college admissions world. Over the past few months, the pandemic has led to countless universities deciding to go test-optional for the 2021 application season due to extensive test rescheduling and cancellations. However, test optional does not equal test-blind. Therefore, if you are able to take the test in the summer or fall, I highly recommend that you try to get a great score to further set yourself apart in an applicant pool marked by junior year grades that may not be fully representative of student potential.
Taking the SAT or ACT will also boost your chances of getting a merit-based scholarship, which can greatly help reduce total cost of attendance.
Here's what you need to know to register for the upcoming SAT or ACT (watch out for that early registration window for the SAT March 28 through June 2!).
SAT Updates
SAT Test Dates
The College Board added a test date on September 26 and will have test dates every month starting Aug - Dec 2020. Test date overview for 2020:
August 29
September 26
October 3
November 7
December 5
The College Board will also offer the option of “school day administration” - Schools that administer the SAT can offer the test to their students on September 23 and October 14 during the school day. This would be FREE for students - check with your school if they are offering it.
Registration Details - Important Changes!
Starting May 28, the following students have ONE WEEK OF EARLY ACCESS to sign up for the August, September, and October test dates:
Students who were registered for the June test (and didn’t cancel their registration)
Students who graduate either 2020 or 2021 and do not yet have SAT scores
All other students will be able to register for the Nov & Dec test dates starting May 28, and for the Aug, Sept, Oct test dates starting June 3
More Information
Test center availability and capacity might be limited, so it is important to stay on top of the rapidly changing testing landscape. Stay up to date by checking the College Board's SAT COVID-19 updates webpage regularly, and follow @collegeboard on social media for most up-to-date information.
ACT Updates
ACT Test Dates
June 13
July 18
September 12
October 24
December 12
Test Center Availability & Capacity
This week, all students registered for the June 13 ACT will receive an email about their test center’s availability and capacity. Find specific information on test center cancellations here. If a test center is open but has reduced capacity due to social distancing measures, the registrations that are prioritized are as follows:
12th Graders = first priority
11th Graders = second priority
Order in which students registered = third priority
If your registration for June 13 is no longer valid due to test center availability and capacity, you will receive an email from ACT to change your registration (you will not be automatically re-registered). If you do not wish to re-register, you will be able to request a refund.
Social Distancing Measures
Students will be required to wear gloves and masks - practice taking the test like this to anticipate what the real test will feel like! You must bring your own protective wear. Additional measures include:
Students seated at least 6 ft apart
Hand sanitizer will be readily available
Health screenings and wellness checks on test day
More Information
Stay up to date by checking the ACT COVID-19 updates webpage regularly. Also take advantage of free webinars offered by the ACT, and follow @act_updates and @actstudent on social media for most up-to-date information.