Last Updated: March 16, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.
Will Coronavirus (COVID-19) affect SAT® and ACT® test dates?
In response to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, the College Board® has canceled its May 2nd and June 6th tests and the makeup date for the March 14th test (which was scheduled for March 28). As soon as possible, College Board will provide more testing opportunities to replace these canceled dates. The College Board will contact all students who will be affected by changes, so students should check their email regularly. For more information, read the notice on the College Board website.
The April 4th ACT® test has been rescheduled to June 13. Over the next few days, ACT will reach out to students affected by these changes. The organization will provide instructions for next steps for rescheduling the test. For answers to your questions, see ACT’s website.
How is Coronavirus (COVID-19) affecting campus tours and events on college campuses? Can I still visit colleges?
Many colleges are temporarily making changes to how they deliver instruction during this time. Some colleges are extending spring break or moving to online courses for the remainder of the semester.
Colleges are also canceling or postponing “Preview Days” or “Admitted Students Days” to limit the number of students traveling to campus. Some colleges are also limiting or canceling campus tours. You should visit the admissions website for specific colleges to learn about policy changes.
Even if you can’t visit a college in person, sites like youvisit.com allow you to do virtual tours of colleges. Some colleges also have guided tours on YouTube or on the admissions website. Don’t let uncertainty stop you from researching colleges.
What can parents do to help during an uncertain time?
As parents, our job is to explain the facts to our children without causing them to panic. Children and teens can find it hard to see through hysteria and misinformation, leading to unnecessary anxiety.
Look at sites like https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus or the CDC website for fact-based recommendations and updates.
Follow recommendations from your school district along with common-sense steps like washing your hands and staying home when you’re not feeling well.
Explain to teens that this is temporary and that you are paying attention to news and recommendations. Although teens have a responsibility in preventing the spread of diseases, teens are worried about lots of things from day to day. As adults, we need to keep things in perspective for them.