At this point in time, most colleges and universities are reporting that they are test optional for admissions and scholarship requirements. It is important to check with your schools of interest. At a recent conference with Illinois schools, the representatives were telling counselors to advise students not to report scores IF they have not yet taken an ACT or SAT. So, basically, if they were going into senior year without scores, they should go ahead and apply without the scores.

Schools are looking at students using a holistic approach where they will look at class selection and rigour, grades in each class, student involvement in sports, work, activities, and volunteer work, and essays. Essays will be more important than ever for scholarships and admissions.