SATs and ACTs canceled amid Coronavirus pandemic

In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, an increasing number of standardized tests are being canceled and postponed in California and other parts of the U.S. The cancellations of the SATs and ACTs especially are a concern for Juniors who have a limited amount of time to take these tests before applying to colleges. The unpredictability of the next months has prevented academic institutions and students from creating definite plans for the future.  The first opportunity to take the SAT in 2020 was scheduled for March 14. Many Samo students had decided to take the exam at University High School, as it was the most local option. However, in response to the spread of the virus, this testing site and some others were closed, leaving many unable to take the test. A few days later, College Board, owner of the SAT, announced that the make-up day on March 28, along with the next testing day, which would have been May 2 had been cancelled. Students will be refunded for the respective dates. In addition to the SAT, ACT Inc. also postponed their April 2 test date to June 13. These developments disrupt the standardized testing schedules specifically created to accommodate students. Usually, students will take the standardized tests towards the end of the year, because that is when they should have learned and should be able to remember all the material that would be on the tests. This year, the cancellations and postponements of the test create problems for many students, including Gracie Evans (’21). “I will have to re-study material I had previously perfected. But when thinking of the big picture, it is more important to me that everyone stays healthy,” Evans said. For the AP exams, College Board is developing 45-minute tests for each course to be taken online, on secure browsers. The exams will be all free response and mostly focus on material taught before March. On the College Board website, the organization explained their decision. Additionally, College Board has collaborated with Khan Academy to provide free resources such as SAT practice tests online.  “Colleges support this solution and are committed to ensuring that AP students receive the credit they have worked to earn,” the College Board website states. Nevertheless, students, especially juniors, are worried about their lack of criterion when applying to universities. One such student is Ari Brander (’21), a Samo varsity soccer player who was supposed to take the SAT on March 14 as well. “I’m quite upset since I have no test scores to submit to colleges that I’m interested in playing soccer for,” Brander said. To support students like Brander, universities are adjusting their admission requirements. Universities including the University of California, the California State University and many others outside the state are accepting “pass” or even “fail” grades for the spring and sometimes summer terms of 2020. Some universities like the University of California have gone one step further, removing SAT scores and letter grades from the admissions process. This, however, only concerns students applying for the school year of 2021. The earliest opportunity to take the SAT at the moment is June 6, but this is subject to change. College Board is working with test centers, deciding if it safe to hold test administrations depending on the evolving health situation. Students can refer to the College Board Website ( for more updates.