SAT Scores Now Optional For Rutgers Applicants

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Rutgers is now joining a growing number of American colleges and universities that are waiving SAT and ACT test scores for entry, in an unexpected consequence from the coronavirus lockdown.

Because many students were not able to take the SAT/ACT this spring — and rescheduling the tests has proven difficult, if not impossible — Rutgers announced Tuesday they are making the tests scores optional when students apply for the spring or fall 2021 semesters.

"To address the increasing concerns of students and families about the availability of standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Rutgers will make these tests optional for students applying for admission for the spring or fall 2021 semesters," the state university announced Tuesday.

“The college search process can be stressful for high school juniors and rising seniors and their families even in the best of times," said Rutgers-New Brunswick Chancellor Chris Molloy (he's one of four chancellors at Rutgers statewide; there is one for the New Brunswick, Newark and Camden campuses, plus Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences). "Our adoption of this temporary, test-optional policy will ensure full consideration for qualified students whose ability to take the SAT or ACT is being disrupted by this global pandemic."

Rutgers appears to be part of a growing trend: On May 21, the University of California system voted to phase out using SAT/ACT test scores as an admissions requirement over the next four years, the New York Times reported. In its place, the college system is developing its own admissions test.

And both Harvard and Cornell said that, starting in August 2021, students do not have to submit SAT or ACT test scores when they apply. They also don't have to submit Advanced Placement test scores if they were not able to take AP tests this spring.

“We know that there are fewer opportunities to take the SAT or ACT given the cancellations to date,” Harvard said in this statement. “You will not be disadvantaged in any way if you do not submit subject tests.”

Unlike the University of California, the change at Rutgers does not appear to be permanent: Rutgers called it a "temporary policy" driven by nationwide cancellations of the SAT and ACT to comply with social distancing.

Students who want to submit standardized test scores can still do so, said Rutgers.