Our district just sent a note saying the SAT will be offered in school in the fall, which is fine, assuming they’re back in the fall! And of course that won’t work well for anyone applying EA/ED. D said she wants to sign up for June, just in case. We also got notice that our district is starting remote learning on April 13, after what would have been spring break, though who knows what that will look like on the ground at some of the schools in a big urban district.
@kbm770 “starting” remote learning on April 13th??? I assume your spring break is next week, but what have you been doing the last few weeks and this week?
@eb23282 My thoughts exactly! For the past 2 weeks our kids have been getting assignments through email and Google classroom, but there has been no instruction and no clarity around standards, grading or even deadlines. And plenty of schools have done little to nothing at all.
We’re lucky that our kids have good teachers, and that the administrations of both of their schools are on top of things. Still, in such a large district with a strong teachers union, there are a million hurdles to jump through before anyone can make any decisions or progress. They are currently working to get electronic devices and Internet access to students in need. And there are a lot of questions about if teachers will even be allowed to use an online platform. I know Zoom, for example, isn’t acceptable. I believe the concern is that it’s not secure enough. I’m not optimistic that we’ll ever get to the place where private schools and suburban districts have been for weeks, but I’m hopeful that it will be better than what we’ve been doing!
Just got notice that our schools have moved next target date to possibly reopen (hah) schools to May 4.
Can’t imagine them reopening then.
Online assignments are being given but nothing too much.
Definitely rethinking S21 college decisions and applications. Our local university is top notch and numerous ICU beds etc are at local hospital so it would be very easy to keep him here instead of OOS.
Yes, many months yet before decisions…but I was definitely not one to consider having my S stay in state. Wanted him to get out to spread his wings…but now, I’m admitting to considering such for sure.
Yesterday our son had his junior interview with his guidance counselor and she told him not to bother registering for the June SAT because it will be cancelled and that there would be tests added in July and August. Not sure if that is legit info, a hunch, or a WAG, but there it is.
CB did state they were looking to add test dates in the summer, so hopefully that will become a reality whether the June test goes, or not.
IMO every student should try their best to get at least one ACT/SAT completed.
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while I agree, the fact is that with the cancellation of the May SAT and probable cancellation of the June test date, there will just not be enough seats available for the seniors who NEED to get one test done, let alone for all the seniors who want to take the test one more time (for a better score) and for juniors who want to take it early. There would have to be some serious prioritization parameters placed on testing by the college board – restricting to those without a test, seniors only, etc.
Someone just posted an article from Bloomberg on our high school parent Facebook page about Tuft going test optional next year. I haven’t read the whole thing, but said several schools are saying they will try it out next year. I don’t think it’s going to help us any since we are looking for merit. Test optional seems better for those who are able to be full pay or have a lot of financial need.
College Board is planning to add test date(s). There should be enough seats for those who want to test (assuming the current fall dates take place).
We were not notified by the CB about the May cancellation. We read about it online and immediately signed up for the June test date knowing that it will probably be cancelled as well. I just received a credit to my account for the May test payment the other day.
My S21 received an email from Harvard about a week ago about the recent coronavirus situation. For all of those stressing about standardized testing and EC’s, I think colleges will consider consider these less (for the time being). My guess is that rec’s, interviews, and essays will carry a lot more weight.
Here is the email:
"We know this is a very difficult and stressful time for you as you begin to think about applying to college.
In the face of unprecedented uncertainty and anxiety surrounding the coronavirus and the economy, we want to be helpful in any way we can. We have heard from students, parents, and college counselors about a number of specific concerns they have regarding next year’s application process at Harvard and we wish to address them:
- Standardized Testing
We know that there are fewer opportunities to take the SAT or ACT given the cancellations to date. This means that many students may not be able to take these tests more than once. The fact is that there are diminishing returns in taking these tests multiple times, and we hope students will not feel compelled to do so now or in the future.
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.
Standardized testing is only one of many factors considered in our admissions process. Please refer to our application requirements for more information about our testing policies.
- Spring Semester Grades
We know that many students will only be able to present pass/fail grades or other similar marks on their transcripts this spring. They will not be disadvantaged as a result.
- Whole Person Review
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.
- Financial Aid
As was the case during the economic down a decade ago and in similar situations before, our revolutionary financial aid program will not be compromised in any way. A majority of Harvard students receive need based financial aid - and loans are not required. Our office stands ready to help and you can use our net price calculator to get an estimate of the aid your family would receive.
We wish you well and we hope you will put your own health and safety – and that of others – as your top priority in the months ahead.
Sincerely,
William R. Fitzsimmons
Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid"
I actually think recs may carry less weight this year. S21 has not yet met his GC and is unlikely to go back to school this semester. So the GC is just not going to know him very well at all…perhaps they will rely on parent brag sheets more than they already do.
Juniors also have lost more than a quarter of face time with their current teachers…again, I expect those recs to be different/less detailed than would have been in a normal year. With that said, S21 will ask two junior year teaches for recs, and not teachers from this coming Fall semester.
Tough also to write compelling ‘why us’ essays when a student hasn’t been able to visit the school…virtual tours and admissions sessions only go so far, but obviously are better than nothing.
@Mwfan1921 True. But just like if a student already has a high standardized test score in the bag, kids who have really well written recs and essays should get a little bump. D21 already asked for her recs and those teachers know her inside and outside of school. One of them even asked D if she could write her rec as she has so much to say. As for essays, I’m sure a lot of kids don’t do them very well even in a regular year but kids who use every single way they can to get to know a school will benefit. D is “going” to six virtual info sessions this week with “live” students and AOs answering questions. The regional Tulane rep sent her an email telling her he’d be happy to strike up a conversation on the phone. Not as good as being there in person, but getting to know the school and showing how you fit will still be a thing.
One of my S21’s teachers is going to write a specific letter for his ED college and his other teacher had him for the past two years and is the adviser of his club. Luckily, we visited some colleges during winter break, though not many. He already wrote his SAT in Dec., but he wants to retake for a higher score (now we’re not sure if this is worth the time). He also signed up for some live online virtual information sessions, but we’re not sure how useful those will be. I think students that already have test scores and good rec’s will get an upper hand, but it is unfair because no one saw a situation of this extent coming.
I’m hopeful the June SAT test will proceed. The CB should have enough time to plan and mobilize proctors and admins with new procedures, providing hand sanitizer, wider spacing, etc., keeping windows and/or doors open for air flow. Whatever it takes.
That will only happen if a given state’s restrictions for gatherings have been lifted. Also, all of the testing sites would have to agree…which would probably mean CB has to pay for all the cleaning before and after, setup, etc.
I think July and August tests seem more likely, hopefully more than one each month.
If not, I expect we will see CB prioritize registration of rising seniors who have not yet taken a test for the tests that do end up happening this calendar year.
Well, maybe since we here in the SF Bay Area are doing such a wonderful job of flattening the curve, the CB will keep the June test date here. 
The SF Bay Area/CA started earlier than other US locations and just extended their shelter-in-place guidelines thru April. So, a June SAT test, with the necessary precautions taken, seems doable here. ?
I wish colleges would just get rid of letter of recommendations requirements.
I’m actually hoping this eliminates the SAT and ACT forever.
Money making scam
Colleges will do as they please. Read on this forum how many kids have 1500+ scores and don’t get into certain schools.
I am so not happy. Just watched two seminars. One had the Davidson admissions director and one had the Georgia Tech admissions director. Both were asked about granting gap years for incoming freshman and they both said they will be generous with granting those requests and that, yes, that will affect how many kids they can accept for the high school class of 2021. ’
Also, the CB rep said that they will make a decision about whether the June SAT will happen by mid-April.