All University of California Schools Revise Admission Requirements Due To COVID-19 Pandemic

The University of California (UC) is suspending the requirements of standardized testing, SAT and ACT, as well giving students more time to submit their registrations and extend their deposits and transcript deadlines. These adjustments to the requirements and deadlines were announced Tuesday, March 31, 2020 with the hope of the changes alleviating stress to UC’s applicants.

If you’re thinking it’s easier to gain admission to these universities, think again. An article released on the UC’s news page reads, “These changes do not lower the bar for admission but accommodate the real barriers students have faced as tests have been cancelled and classes have moved to pass/fail grading.”

Other responses to the COVID-19 pandemic by UC include adjustments to financial aid packages for students whose financial circumstances and that of their families have been suddenly changed.

Two things remain the same with UC’s admissions. Although not a requirement, UC will continue to accept and award credit for AP exams with a score of 3 or higher. Additionally, deadlines for students to accept their offer of admission remains the same for first-year students (May 1) and transfer students (July 1).

For more information on what changes are being made to the UC admissions process visit the ‘UC’s response on admissions to COVID-19’ page.

The COVID- 19 pandemic has affected the world, not only with thousands of people having contracted the virus but it has put a stop to the functions of everyday life such as working and going to school.

Here in the U.S many colleges, universities, grade schools and other places where large numbers of people gather have been closed indefinitely. Leaving these educational institutions to vacate their dorms and classrooms and make swift changes to their curriculum to fit a virtual model. Changes to admission processes is not yet noted as a trend amongst colleges and universities in the U.S., but has allowed applicants of the schools that have temporarily changed their policies to breathe a sigh of relief.

Can college applicants expect more changes to their admission process from more schools?