Post-Secondary Planning

How colleges are responding to the effects of the Cononavirus

We know that many juniors have questions about how this semester might impact their college admissions decisions. Know that colleges are aware of the impact this unique time might have on transcripts and grades.

Below are excerpts from colleges on how they will approach grading for the coming application season:

University of Chicago's response:"We recognize that school transcripts will look different for many students this year, and we will work with that! Academic progress as usual is currently being disrupted for students across the globe. We encourage students to continue to engage with whatever method of learning your school is able to offer, and to do so to the best of your ability. If your school moves to an alternative grading system or method of credit notation (pass/fail, credit/no credit, etc.), we will fully understand why the change has been made and it will not, in any way, be an issue for an admissions office. If a high school closes and does not provide any online or structured replacement educational opportunities, rest assured that we will understand that as well (this is a good opportunity to read something new that piques your interest!).Many schools are closed temporarily or indefinitely, and some students may worry how they can showcase their accomplishments for the spring. Do not worry. This will be the case for most students, and an application is always read in context."
Brown University's response:"Students who attend schools that switch from letter grades to P/F grades will not be penalized. We understand that standardized testing administrations have been suspended for the spring; our testing policies remain the same for now, but we will revisit this topic in the early summer. Students who had been planning to take AP Exams will not be required to sit for the new online option, though they may take them if they wish, for learning purposes. Brown is currently considering whether the new online AP Exam will count towards credit, placement and advanced standing. Matriculating students will find out more over the summer. "
Western Michigan Fall 2020 and Fall 2021 Applicants: Due to the Coronavirus, ACT and College Board cancelled many spring 2020 test dates and it’s uncertain about when testing will resume. We don’t want students to worry about how to fulfill admission requirements. Consequently, effective March 23, 2020, WMU will implement a test optional admission policy for students applying for the remainder of fall 2020 and for 2021 entry terms.Definition of “test optional”: Students may report/submit ACT or SAT test scores if they wish, but it is not required. If a student does wish to have their test score used in the admission process, they can self-report their scores on the admission application. These students would then follow our traditional testing policy.Please note that, at this time, test optional is for admission only, not scholarships. Students who wish to be considered for admission and university scholarships will need to submit an ACT or SAT test score by the Early Action application deadline.
University of Michigan - Ann ArborGiven the impact of social distancing and cancellations on standardized testing options for students, will U-M become a test optional school for admissions for the fall?At this time test optional is not an alternative. The College Board and ACT are working to provide viable alternatives for students. We will keep you posted if and when more information is provided.

Other schools will be moving to "test optional" with regard to ACT/SAT scores. Please check college websites for the most up-to-date testing requirements.