In the age of COVID-19, we’ve heard quite a bit about mainstream institutions of higher education waiving SAT and ACT requirements.
Across the country, from HBCUs, to women’s institutions and mainstream, co-educational PWI’s (or, Predominantly White Institutions), in an attempt to level the field for prospective recruits possibly operating at a disadvantage, given extreme irregularities experienced during the era of COVID-19, a gaggle of post-secondary learning institutions are eliminating what may otherwise be a barrier of entry for many prospects.
Here’s a short list of colleges and universities that have either been at the forefront of the anti-SAT/ACT movement for a while or are following suit out of necessity. Regardless of motive, they’re waiving high-stakes testing requirements.
NOTE: This applies to the 2020-2021 school year.
1. Tougaloo College, Jackson, MS
Tougaloo College, affectionately known as “The Eagle Queen” and the civil rights hub where “History Meets the Future”, is a private, historically Black, undergraduate, co-ed college founded in 1869 by the American Missionary Association. Although it’s a liberal arts institution, natural sciences are embraced and heavily promoted alongside humanities.
Regardless of major or academic focus, students are encouraged to think critically and act on observation for the betterment of humanity (which is one reason completing 60 hours of volunteer service is a graduation requirement). Talking is great. Doing is better. The Eagle Queen promotes the latter.
Let’s get busy getting you over your academic, professional, or personal hurdles.
2. Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Founded in 1884, this urban, public, and internationally recognized institution hosts an average of 40,000 students. With 500 academic programs offered, Temple—per its website–“…is also among the nation’s largest educators in the combined fields of dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy and podiatry”.
Although Temple has campuses in both Tokyo, Japan and Rome, Italy, the institution’s main focus is offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional educational pathways to working-class folks in Philly.
3. Barnard College, New York, NY
Now situated in what is known as The Academic Acropolis, in New York’s Manhattan area, this private institution for women was established in 1889. When Columbia University refused to admit women to its student ranks, a female student began Barnard in a rented brownstone. Since then, this institution has grown to accommodate thousands of women tasked with thinking critically and being change agents. With more than 50 majors studied by women here and abroad, Barnard has made a name for itself as a premiere institution for female learners.
4. Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
Located in Los Angeles, California and founded in 1911, this school has three campuses and is rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition. Hosting an average of 10,000 students across 55 majors, this institution has been noted for promoting Latino student success, helping students graduate within 4 years, and best college value.
5. Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Tulane began as a medical college, in 1834, in New Orleans, Lousiana. Since then, the university has blossomed into a well-regarded research space hosting an average of 14,500 students across 70 majors. Major publications have dubbed the university a best-run college offering a good quality of life.
6. Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Originally founded as an all-women’s institution, this college was established in Poughkeepsie, New York in 1861. It clings to its liberal education roots, but its no longer a mono-gendered institution; it became coeducational in 1969. Roughly 2, 500 students are attached to about 50 academic majors.
7. California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA
This institution is a part of the California State University (CSU) system and was founded in 1901. Situated on near California’s coastline, this place embraces experiential education to its 22,000 students who are attached to six colleges.
Be sure to check each school’s website (links have been provided). If information seems unclear, contact each school’s admissions office.
Some Things to Keep In Mind
- Waving SAT or ACT scores doesn’t mean institutions have no entrance standards. They may require a relatively high grade-point average and/or rigorous prerequisite courses. Additionally, some institutions may have department-specific requirements to be met.
- While some schools are waving SAT or ACT submission requirements for this coming admissions year only, some having zero SAT or ACT submission requirements has been a staple of some institutions before the onslaught of COVID-19. Don’t confuse standing protocols for temporary ones. Be led by due diligence. Learn who offers what and for how long.
- Milk
For more information about different schools’ requirements, visit The National Center for Fair and Open Testing. Be careful, still, because the list isn’t comprehensive, and some schools on the list have stipulations. Read the information key, carefully.
Good luck on your university admissions journey.