GA Colleges Waive SAT, ACT Requirements: Coronavirus

GEORGIA — Due to many ACT and SAT testing dates being canceled from coronavirus concerns, the University System of Georgia has waived the requirement for many of its institutions for incoming freshmen.

The University System of Georgia chancellor approved on March 19 the temporary adjustment of admission requirements for The University System of Georgia institutions in response to the cancellation of spring SAT and ACT testing dates, All On Georgia reported. This adjustment is for prospective students seeking admission into associate and baccalaureate programs, at state colleges, state universities, comprehensive universities and research universities in the University System of Georgia for the summer or fall 2020 semester, the website reported.

University System of Georgia schools include:

• Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
• Albany State University
• Armstrong State University
• Atlanta Metropolitan State College
• Augusta University
• Bainbridge State College
• Clayton State University
• College of Coastal Georgia
• Columbus State University
• Dalton State College
• Darton State College
• East Georgia State College
• Fort Valley State University
• Georgia College and State University
• Georgia Gwinnett College
• Georgia Highlands College
• Georgia Institute of Technology*
• Georgia Southern University
• Georgia Southwestern State University
• Georgia State University
• Gordon State College
• Kennesaw State University
• Middle Georgia State University
• Savannah State University
• South Georgia State College
• University of Georgia*
• University of North Georgia
• University of West Georgia
• Valdosta State University

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UGA and Georgia Tech have already accepted their freshmen classes, and have students on waiting lists, so this does not apply to those institutions.

Students who have taken the tests can still submit scores, and institutions may use those for admissions as well.

"Prospective first-year students must meet all other admission requirements, including satisfactory completion of the Required High School Curriculum and all other requested documentation," All On Georgia said. "But, in the absence of ACT/SAT scores, institutions will make admissions eligibility decisions based on the materials that the student has submitted, utilizing a GPA threshold that is at least the following sector minimum rather than the usual Freshman Index criteria.

Institutions may encounter students who submit their ACT/SAT scores, but who are only admissible by not including those submitted scores. Institutions may admit applicants who would be denied for admission by using their submitted test-scores but can be admitted to the summer or fall 2020 terms using the GPA based criteria."

The University of West Georgia said it is working to help future students by making an admissions decision based solely on high school transcripts and academic GPA.

First-year students applying to University of West Georgia for the summer and fall 2020 semesters can be admitted without an ACT or SAT score if they have a sufficiently high GPA.

Applicants are required to only submit their official high school transcript and complete an application to receive an admissions decision. If you are unable to request your official transcripts due to coronavirus, have your high school counselor email us your transcript at admiss@westga.edu.

This is yet another way University of West Georgia is adapting to the coronavirus pandemic, which has prompted the College Board and ACT to suspend all upcoming SAT and ACT testing dates.

“In my view, higher education is the greatest opportunity for individuals in the country,” said University of West Georgia President Brendan Kelly. “At the University of West Georgia, ensuring access to higher education for qualified students is a priority because it helps drive the success of the economy and quality of life in the state of Georgia.”

The University System of Georgia authorized this change. Prospective first-year students must meet all other admission requirements, including satisfactory completion of the required high school curriculum and all other requested documentation.

University of West Georgia enrollment counselors remain available to assist applicants and prospective students via phone at 678-839-5600 and email, admiss@westga.edu.