HONOLULU — The University of Hawaii announced that the SAT and ACT will be optional for applicants for the fall 2021 semester as a result of the coronavirus.
The exemption for the two standardized entrance exams is only for students applying to enter the university for the 2021-22 academic year, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Monday.
Applicants to the University of Hawaii-Manoa campus can still submit standardized test scores if they desire.
The University of Hawaii-Hilo and University of Hawaii-West Oahu do not rely on the SAT or ACT as major criteria for admission.
University of Hawaii community colleges do not require the tests for admission.
The College Board testing organization canceled SAT exams scheduled for May and June, when many high school juniors would normally take the test.
“These are unprecedented times and we at UH-Manoa want to do what we can to help,” said Roxie Shabazz, assistant chancellor for enrollment management and director of admissions.
“We’ve all been impacted one way or another by COVID-19,” Shabazz said. “By offering this option, we are confident that for fall 2021, we will still attract an applicant pool of students that will thrive academically at UH-Manoa.”
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.