Hollins University is among the more than 400 college and university members of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) that have signed on to the association’s letter confirming that students will not be penalized for the absence of a standardized test score for admission in Fall 2021.
Hollins and many other four-year colleges and universities will not require applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores next fall. The policy is intended to alleviate uncertainty for students and families as they weigh concerns about the safety of going to test centers or the feasibility of testing from home during a global pandemic.
“By going test-optional, institutions are making a definitive statement that they will not need test scores to make admission decisions this year,” the letter says. “Despite the change in policies, high school students and their parents are asking, ‘Does test-optional really mean test-optional?’ The answer, simply put, is YES.”
The letter’s signatories pledge that the lack of a standardized test score will in no way negatively affect the way students’ applications are assessed. “Together,” the statement concludes, “we strongly endorse a student-centered, holistic approach to admission….”
“The message to students and families is simply that…students won’t be subject to penalty if they do not present a test score during the upcoming admission cycle,” explains NACAC Chief Executive Officer Angel B. Pérez. “The institutions that have signed our statement support our approach and are affirming that students without a test score will not be disadvantaged.”
Founded in 1937, NACAC is an organization of nearly 14,000 professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education. NACAC is committed to maintaining high standards that foster ethical and social responsibility among those involved in the transition process.
