As the pandemic intensifies globally, standardized tests in various regions have been successively canceled, disrupting the plans of many students applying to US undergraduate and graduate programs.
Fortunately, most US universities have responded swiftly and have already begun adjusting their policies to help students enroll smoothly!
1. US Undergraduate Applicants Can Choose Not to Submit SAT/ACT Scores
Currently, over fifty US universities have implemented Test-Optional or Test-Flexible policies, allowing 2021 undergraduate applicants to forgo SAT/ACT scores. Schools will assess applicants' comprehensive qualities through supplementary materials such as recommendation letters, essays, and activity experiences.
Since policies vary slightly by university, we have listed the policies of some highly followed schools.
West Coast
University of California system: The nine UC campuses, including UC Berkeley and UCLA, have announced that applicants for Fall 2021 can choose not to submit SAT or ACT scores.
Oregon: All universities in the Oregon region have jointly announced that applicants for Fall 2021 can choose not to submit SAT or ACT scores.
East Coast
Boston University: Applicants for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 can choose not to submit SAT/ACT scores.
Tufts University: Starting from the Fall 2021 semester, applicants for the next three years can choose not to submit SAT/ACT scores.
Northeastern University: Applicants for the 2021-2022 academic year can choose not to submit SAT/ACT scores.
Although specific policies may vary, the goal is the same—to ensure that students unable to take exams due to the pandemic can enroll smoothly. As the pandemic continues to spread in the US, more and more schools are expected to adopt Test-Optional or Flexible policies.
2. Positive Developments for US Graduate Programs
Compared to the tangible benefits for undergraduate applicants, positive policies for graduate applicants are less pronounced. Most schools have only offered soft commitments, and few have explicitly announced that applicants can waive GRE or GMAT scores.
The reason is that ETS has already launched the GRE General Test at home in many regions, and many institutions believe most test-takers will not be affected.
Although Mainland Chinese test-takers still cannot take the GRE at-home test, some US universities began allowing Chinese students to delay submitting standardized test scores as early as when domestic GRE/GMAT tests were canceled.
In early March, some graduate program admissions officers emphasized that 'applicants from areas heavily affected by the pandemic will not be discriminated against in any way.' Some institutions also decided to postpone decision deadlines, aiming to minimize losses for students who paid deposits but cannot enter the country due to visa issues.
Top universities like Harvard and Carnegie Mellon are also beginning to develop specific contingency policies to support students who cannot enter the country on time due to visa issues.
Ms. Kelly Wilson, graduate program admissions director at Carnegie Mellon University, stated: 'I know this is a challenging time, and we stand together with applicants domestically and abroad.' She encouraged applicants to remain optimistic about the future, noting that the university will allow students who paid deposits but are unable to attend classes on time due to visa issues to defer, and detailed plans are being formulated.
Harvard MBA Program Director Chad Losee offered a more specific commitment: Any admitted MBA student who cannot attend classes due to visa reasons may transfer to the next year's MBA class—a reassurance that is undoubtedly a shot of adrenaline for international students currently or potentially facing visa hurdles.
Given that Chinese international students are a vital source of funding for US graduate programs, it is believed that US universities will not take international student matters lightly, and more substantial favorable policies are expected to follow.
3. Current Visa Appointment Situation
There are two pieces of good news regarding visas!
First, students who have received offers can use an electronic I-20 to submit their visa applications. US immigration authorities announced that starting March 26, international student services offices at US schools are allowed to send I-20 forms electronically to students' email addresses.
Students can start scheduling visa interviews once they receive the electronic I-20 form, avoiding delays caused by the pandemic.
Schools like New York University have already begun issuing electronic I-20 forms.
However, not all universities will issue electronic I-20 forms. Please contact your school promptly to confirm!
Second, as the domestic pandemic gradually stabilizes, US embassies have started resuming visa appointment scheduling. Students are encouraged to visit the official website for the latest information!
US-China Visa Information Service Website:
https://www.ustraveldocs.com/cn_zh/index.html
Regarding whether the fall semester start will be postponed, most universities have not yet made a decision.
Boston University indicated that it is focusing on resuming in-person, on-campus instruction for the fall semester. New York University also stated that NYU expects to restore 'normal or as close to normal as possible' course and campus operations in Fall 2020.
Normal university operations heavily rely on traditional face-to-face teaching methods, and many students are eager for a normal college life. In fact, most schools hope to return to normal for the fall semester. However, to ensure the safety of all students and faculty, universities will also follow the advice of local health authorities.
Currently, most schools still plan to proceed with normal fall enrollment, but the final decision will depend on the evolving situation. We also urge everyone not to believe online rumors and to avoid excessive anxiety, relying instead on official notifications from your admitted institutions.
This is the most challenging moment, and CheersYou（清柚教育） will continue to stand by every student to overcome the difficulties together. We believe that in the future, US universities and relevant agencies will introduce more policies favorable to international students. We will continue to track related announcements and bring you the latest information.
