USC waives ACT/SAT requirements for 2021 freshman applicants because of COVID-19

The University of South Carolina will be not require SAT/ACT test scores for those applying for their freshman year in 2021, the school announced Friday.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, many ACT and SAT tests have been canceled, forcing colleges throughout the country to figure out how to admit students without using those test scores.

“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, the executive director of undergraduate admissions, in a statement. “We want to assure students they will be considered for admission to UofSC even if they cannot sit for a test.”

The SAT/ACT waiver applies only to those applying for freshman admission in spring, summer and fall 2021, according to the statement. Students who have taken the test can still submit it, the statement said.