Columbia Goes Test-Optional for 2020-21 Admissions Cycle
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hinder standardized testing, Columbia University has announced that the SAT/ACT requirement is now optional for first-year applicants in the 2020-21 admissions cycle. Columbia is the second Ivy League school (following Cornell) to do so and likely will not be the last. Other Ivy League schools have only made SAT Subject Tests optional.
Students who have already taken the SAT or ACT are encouraged by Columbia to submit their scores, as Columbia will continue to view them as valuable information in reviewing the students’ applications. Columbia will accept SAT and ACT scores through November test dates for Early Decision applicants and scores through January for Regular Decision applicants. Scores from AP and/or IB tests are also not required, but will be accepted and considered if students choose to submit them.
Columbia also emphasizes that its admissions officers “will continue to evaluate all submitted information within the holistic and contextual review process that considers individual circumstances shaping each applicant's journey”. Columbia’s “holistic and contextual review” considers:
the rigor of a student’s curriculum;
the student’s academic achievement; and
demonstrated intellectual curiosity, which is central to Columbia’s assessment of a student’s application.
The takeaway is that extracurriculars and grades are even more important to college admission than ever before. Additionally, while SAT and ACT scores are optional, strong test scores will only help a student’s admissions chances.
Check back here regularly to get the latest on college admissions and standardized testing. Information and updates related to COVID-19 can also be found at https://www.myivylink.com/covid.
