Due to testing interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, students applying for freshman admission to the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus will not be required to submit standardized SAT or ACT test scores for the spring, summer or fall 2021 terms.
Students who apply without SAT or ACT scores may provide supplemental materials for use in the university’s holistic review process.
“We realize that this is an unusual time for students and that access to testing is not the same as before the pandemic,” said Mary Wagner, executive director of undergraduate admissions. “We want to assure students they will be considered for admission to UofSC even if they cannot sit for a test.”
The test-optional policy applies to students applying for general university and South Carolina Honors College admission, as well as merit scholarships. The one-year pilot was recently approved by the Faculty Senate Committee on Admissions and additional details for applicants will be posted on Aug. 1 on the Admissions website.
“I want to thank the Faculty Senate for this pilot to help students who, through no fault of their own, have had their planned academic trajectory interrupted by COVID-19. We hope it will ultimately expand access to our institution, which is here to serve the students of South Carolina and beyond, even during uncertain times,” President Bob Caslen said.
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