COVID-19 Forces Universities To Reevaluate Admissions Process

The pandemic has forced universities nationwide to re-evaluate their admissions process with multiple ACT and SAT tests have been canceled this year.

The University, like many other universities nationwide, went test-optional this year because of the pandemic. TU's Dean of Admission Patricia DeBolt says many high school seniors are fixated on the future but DeBolt says TU already had a holistic admission process. She says they're ultimately looking to see if a student can be successful both in the classroom and the campus community. DeBolt says they'll only consider an applicant's test scores if those scores will benefit them.

Ryan Biesemeyer, a professional tutor says he still encourages his students to take the ACT or SAT. Biesemeyer says a good score is impressive to admissions offices, and many universities are now accepting your super score for scholarship purposes. He says the computer and section tests were supposed to come out this summer but have been delayed at least a year.

DeBolt says there are ways beyond a standardized test score, that applicants can stand out ways like writing an essay, answering the short answers, and attaching a resume and recommendation letter.

"We understand that these are very interesting times and a very interesting environment where it's not really set up for students to be successful on a standardized test," said DeBolt.

The next round of ACT and SAT tests are scheduled for 2021.