In response to SAT and ACT exams being canceled for the immediate future due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Indiana University Northwest announced that standardized test scores will be waived for applicants to be considered for fall 2020 admission. Instead, admission to the university will be based on a variety of other factors, including high school curriculum and cumulative grade point average (GPA).

This decision makes it easier for students impacted by test cancellations and test site closings to apply for admission. This practice will be similar to the test-optional admission policy that is already approved to be implemented for fall 2021 admission.

In December, the IU Board of Trustees approved a change in policy allowing each IU campus the option of adopting a test-optional admissions policy. Faculty leadership at IU Northwest then began working with the Office of Admissions, and other campus stakeholders, to consider this option with the goal of fine-tuning the admission options for students. In January, changes to the undergraduate admissions policy were made official, allowing for test-optional admissions for the Fall 2021 semester.

Alleviating anxiety

That means that waiving the requirement for fall 2020 admissions was an easy decision to help alleviate anxiety brought on by the current state of affairs.

“Students at every level, and especially our high school seniors, are reeling from the changes that the coronavirus pandemic has forced upon us,” said Associate Professor of Economics Micah Pollak, chair of the IU Northwaest committee that developed the test-optional standard for 2021-22. “For many students, future plans are suddenly being re-evaluated. We want to do what we can to extend some understanding as we work to enroll students for the fall semester. Waiving the standardized testing requirement for the upcoming academic year is one thing we can do to eliminate an obstacle for our prospective students.”

Dorothy Frink, director of admissions, reminds prospective students that the priority registration deadline for fall 2020 admission is June 1.

“These uncertain times highlight one of the great advantages of our campus,” Frink said. “IU Northwest offers students the option of staying near family while pursuing their dreams.”

Applications can be submitted online at iun.edu/admissions/. For more information, contact the IU Northwest Office of Admissions at 219-980-6991 or admit@iun.edu.