COVID is changing everything we know about college and it can feel very overwhelming to stay on top of all the details - but there's no need to panic - we've got your back.

Changes in College Admissions

Below is a select list of schools who are changing their testing requirements amidst COVID, as of April 15th. More information about schools should be coming out.

Harvard

You will not be disadvantaged in any way if you do not submit subject tests. Similarly, you will not be disadvantaged if you are unable to submit AP results. Students who submit Pass/Fail grades will not be at a disadvantage. We will continue to look at the whole person as we consider applications next year – as always. Accomplishments in and out of the classroom during the high school years - including community involvement, employment, and help given to your family – will all be considered. Students who find themselves limited in the activities they can pursue due to the current coronavirus outbreak will not be disadvantaged as a result. Learn more about what we look for. 

Stanford

One of our core values is to practice holistic admission, and we will continue to review all pieces in the application as an integrated whole, in the context of the unprecedented events we are living through now.

Columbia

Please note that we accept SAT and ACT scores from November test dates for Early Decision applicants and scores from January test dates (Feb test dates at different webpage) for Regular Decision applicants See link here

Amherst / Boston University / Case Western Reserve University/ Middlebury / Northeastern / Tufts / Vassar / University of California Colleges / University of Washington

Test optional

Cornell / UPenn / CalTech / MIT / Harvey Mudd

No subject tests required

Brown: Current high school juniors are not expected to take Advanced Placement tests this spring. And current high school seniors who have been admitted to Brown are not expected to take Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, A-Level or other national level exams.

Georgetown University: The recommended three Subject Tests can be replaced by AP Test for the 2020, or combined with SAT Subject Tests. While subject tests scores are an important element of our application review, these tests should not create a barrier for applicants.  Georgetown University does not participate in Score Choice.

A number of colleges have decided to shift to a test-optional admissions process for 2020 & further

Congratulations Class of 2024!

A huge round of applause for this year's graduating Highschool Seniors.

Another successful year as 70% were accepted into their dream school and 100% received merit scholarships.

We know that for many students, the pandemic will present serious obstacles on their path to college. One is the chance to learn from and engage with college representatives in person. For that reason, we're hosting a Virtual College Fair, featuring 44 Coalition for College member schools on Thursday, April 23.

Recommended for students in grades 9-11, this online fair will include two panel discussions: “Tips on Creating Your College List” and “Behind the Scenes: How Admissions Decisions Are Made.” Then, students can join virtual rooms, where admissions officers will share information about their college and answer students' questions.

Do your part and sign up on your ideal school's mailing list for new students. Doing this will enable you to get information about virtual tours and may even give you an advisor to connect to!

2020 - 2021 ACT Test Dates

This is the anticipated schedule for the ACT test dates, registration deadlines, and score release dates for the 2020-21 school year. The test dates are confirmed by ACT, Inc, but the deadline and release dates are our own projections.

2020 - 2021 SAT Test Dates

The 2020 - 21 test dates and registration deadlines are officially confirmed by the College Board,  but still subject to change. The registration deadlines are projected.

Note that the exam scheduled for June 06, has been cancelled. In addition, please know that the College Board will likely be adding an additional test date (or more) to make up for any SAT administrations that were canceled due to the coronavirus.

How are school closures affecting the SAT and AP Exams?

Important takeaways from the AP Exam

• Students must access the online testing system 30 minutes before their exam is scheduled to start to sign up
• When an exam contains more than one free response, each question is timed separately
• Students cannot consult with any other individuals during the examination period
• The primary testing dates will be May 11-22
• The make up testing dates will be June 1-5
• Each AP exam will be offered at the same time worldwide. 
• The make-up dates pose risks: there may be scoring delays, and if there's a technical glitch on a make-up test, there is no way to fix it
• Students with accommodations will be able to use their accommodations 
• To read our tips for how students can apply this information to their AP Exam preparation, click here.

Build those "soft factors"

According to NACAC, grades and test scores are the most important factors that colleges consider when evaluating applicants, so without the test score component, more emphasis is put on grades and courses, as well as “soft factors,” like essays, recommendations, activities, and more. In the case of test-optional admissions, the holistic review process becomes more focused on academic performance and students’ goals and who they are as a person – rather than how they did on one exam on one Saturday morning.

What can I do now?

Video games are cool, but with college apps right around the corner, try out some of these activities to get the most out of your time.

Reach out to us for competitions to apply to (boost those soft factors) and additional activities, we're always here!

Build your character

Journey to Success has created a number of programs for students to utilize and reflect on in their Common App Essays. These programs demonstrate a sustained interest in a goal, which colleges are looking intently for.

Enjoy Spring and have a peaceful weekend!