KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The University of Missouri System will make standardized test scores optional in admissions applications for the 2021-22 academic year.
The temporary shift in policy is in response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused many testing dates to be delayed or canceled.
“We don’t want the availability or accessibility of these standardized tests to hinder someone’s desire to continue their education,” said Stephanie Fleming, assistant director at MU News Bureau.
Students will still be able to submit ACT or SAT scores. If they choose to, the admissions process will remain the same. If students decide not to submit a standardized score, their applications will be reviewed based on GPA, class rank, academic course load, rigor of coursework, extracurricular and leadership activities, personal essays and letters of recommendation.
Students who choose not to share scores will “not be disadvantaged," according to Fleming.
“Applying to college is stressful enough, so we want to provide students and their families some flexibility,” she said.
The policy applies only to first-time undergraduate applicants, like Charity Harris.
“It was a weight lifted off of my shoulders,” said Harris, who is about to start her senior year of high school and college applications. "It was really nice to know I don’t have to stress about anything else."
The University of Missouri-Kansas City announced in January it would no longer require ACT or SAT scores as part of standard admissions requirements.
