As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things for our students. One of the major changes is to college applications and the use of standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) in this process.

While our Arizona public universities have been “test-optional” (students could choose to submit scores but weren’t required to do so) for many years, most of their scholarship programs and Honors Colleges were not. This has changed for the Class of 2021 and SAT/ACT scores are no longer required for these programs either. Here are some useful links to school-specific information:

ASU Scholarship Estimator | test scores no longer required

ASU Barrett Honors College | ”test blind” - will not use scores even if submitted

NAU Scholarships | test scores never needed for Lumberjack; no longer needed for others.

NAU Honors College | GPA, essay and resume listed as requirements

U Arizona Scholarships | test scores removed from chart

U Arizona Honors College | test scores “not considered”

For students applying out-of-state, the overwhelming majority of college admission offices and scholarship organizations have also removed their testing requirement. Instead, higher education institutions are sending the following message: if you happen to already have a test score from Spring 2020 that you think is a good representation of your ability, send it. If not, or if you have been unable to test, please do not risk yours or anyone else’s health to take an exam for us.

As a result, students without test scores will not be penalized, disadvantaged or have additional requirements to complete their applications.  The list of colleges in this category can be found here. Please contact the appropriate admissions office directly if you have questions.