Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, an increasing number of colleges and universities are waiving the American College Testing (ACT) and Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) as part of their fall 2021 admissions process. 

The SAT and ACT tests will not only be optional for students, but most colleges are also not requiring students to take the exams to be considered for admission.

“This presents a great opportunity for students,” HISD Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Rick Cruz said. “This allows them to demonstrate that they are academically capable in different ways.”

According to the National Center for Fair & Open Testing, over 700 colleges are test-optional and almost 65 colleges are test-blind. However, admissions tests haven’t been abandoned completely and the HISD College Readiness department recommends that students visit www.fairtest.org for a full and up-to-date list.

It is also recommended that students visit the HISD College Readiness website for additional resources and to contact their school’s college advisor.