The organizations that give out SAT and ACT tests have announced that they’re putting off the exams amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The April 4 ACT test has been rescheduled for June while both the May 2nd and June 6th SAT have been canceled. As these spring tests are normally prime testing dates for rising seniors who will be applying to college in the fall, students in the Class of 2021 have been asking the big question: what now? 

Due to the cancellation of recent SAT tests, different organizations have started exploring the possibility of other solutions. The College Board will provide weekend SAT every month through the end of the calendar year, beginning in August. This includes a new administration in September and the previously scheduled tests on August 29, October 3, November 7, and December 5. In addition, if schools do not reopen this fall, the College Board will provide a digital SAT test for those testing at home, similar to the digital exams which will be provided to 3 million AP students this May. On the other hand, although some of the most competitive universities have kept their door closed, many colleges across the country have made standardized testing optional for its 2021 applicants.

“I think colleges are really trying to understand the predicament of students in terms of testing and stress,” Nathan Hoang ’21 said. “Although I think it is a blessing, I don’t know how colleges are going to weigh these standardized tests.” 

While the U.S. has been hit the hardest during the coronavirus outbreak, students from countries that have a low number of cases have started exploring the ACT as an alternative option. Contrary to the worldwide cancelation of SAT of May and June, ACT, while limited to certain countries, still provides testing opportunities in June and July. 

“I was supposed to take the SAT in March but it got canceled,” Hoang said. “I’m taking the ACT right now because it is available in Vietnam. Although I was preparing for the SAT, I don’t think switching between the two will be too difficult. ACT is just a much faster version of the SAT.”