Penn joins Cornell University, Dartmouth College, and Columbia University in adopting a test-optional policy for the SAT and ACT for the Class of 2025.
Credit: Chase SuttonPenn is no longer requiring SAT and ACT test scores for applicants in the 2020-2021 admissions cycle.
After College Board and ACT testing agencies canceled and postponed multiple test dates amid the coronavirus outbreak, the University decided to no longer require the SAT or ACT in the coming admissions cycle.
The decision to be test-optional for one year follows the College Board's announcement that an at-home SAT would not be administered this summer, according to a press release from Dean of Admissions Eric Furda.
Although students will be able to submit the standardized test scores, those who do not submit will not be at a disadvantage.
"Penn Admissions will continue to review students on an individual basis, consistent with our belief in a comprehensive, whole-person review process," the press release stated.
In May, Penn Admissions announced that SAT Subject Tests would be optional, neither required nor recommended, for applicants in the 2020-2021 admissions cycle. For students who attend school where English is not the language of instruction, however, Penn will continue to require either the TOEFL or IELTS exam.
On April 22, Cornell University became the first Ivy League school to adopt a test-optional policy for SAT and ACT scores for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle. Columbia University and Dartmouth College have also made the SAT and ACT optional for students applying in the upcoming admissions cycle.
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