Microsoft Word - HB20-1407 FAQ.docx

(If we keep IHE logos, need Adams State)

Quick Details Regarding College Admission Use of SAT and ACT Exam Scores for

the High School Graduation Class of 2021

What does the Bill do?

It allows state four-year colleges and universities to make it optional for applicants who are part

of the 2021 high school graduation class to submit SAT/ACT test scores as part of the first-year

admission process.

What does that mean?

Students who are graduating from high school in 2021 will not be required to submit their SAT

or ACT test scores as part of the college admission process to state four-year colleges and

universities in Colorado.

Why is it specific to the high school graduating class of 2021?

The high school graduating class of 2021 were juniors when the SAT exams were cancelled in

spring of 2020 due to the pandemic.

But won’t the SAT’s be rescheduled?

While it is likely (but not confirmed) that the SAT exams will be rescheduled in the fall of 2020

for most school districts in Colorado, the exam will be provided around the same time many

high school seniors apply for college admission. As a result, requiring SAT or ACT scores as part

of the admission process from these students would result in an unnecessary and avoidable

stress.

Can SAT/ACT scores still be submitted?

Yes. Absolutely. If students from the graduating class of 2021 still wish to submit their test

scores to the institutions they are applying to, they certainly can do so. Colleges and universities

will review their scores as part of the college admission process.

What will institutions consider as part of the admission process without SAT or ACT scores?

Many different things including high school grade point average, mix and number of academic

courses successfully completed in high school, rigor of courses completed (for example,

Concurrent Enrollment, AP/IB courses and exams, honors, etc.), work, volunteering and

leadership experiences, and more. Some institutions require and/or consider essays and letters

of recommendations as well.

But can a quality admission decision be made without the use of SAT or ACT scores?

Absolutely. National and state research demonstrates that the high school grade point average

is the single best predictor of a student’s likelihood to stay, succeed and graduate from college.

Using SAT and ACT scores in addition to the high school grade point average and other

academic factors can be helpful in predicting a student’s success, but not always.

How do I let the colleges and universities I am applying to know whether I will be submitting

my SAT/ACT scores or not?

Colleges and universities are currently working on this. Visit the freshman admission web page

for the colleges and universities you are interested in applying to for specific instructions.

Which colleges and universities does this impact?

All state four-year colleges and universities in Colorado:

• Adams State University

• Colorado Mesa University

• Colorado School of Mines

• Colorado State University Fort Collins

• Colorado State University - Global

• Colorado State University - Pueblo

• Fort Lewis College

• Metropolitan State University

• University of Colorado Boulder

• University of Colorado Colorado Springs

• University of Colorado Denver

• University of Northern Colorado

• Western Colorado University

Some private colleges and universities in Colorado are already “test optional” – these include

Colorado College, Regis University, and University of Denver.

Colorado community, junior, and area technical colleges are open admission and do not require

test scores as part of the admission process.

Aren’t some scholarships dependent on SAT/ACT scores?

Yes, but colleges and universities are working to make most of these scholarships “test

optional” as well.

Are SAT/ACT scores used for other purposes at colleges and universities?

Yes. Often test scores are used to determine if a student is ready to be successful in college

level English, math, and other academic courses. However, other indicators can be used to

place students into college level courses as well. Additionally, students can submit test scores

after the admission process if they wish their scores to be considered for course placement.

Check with the academic advising office at the institution you are interested in for more details.

If I am not graduating from the high school in 2021, can I still apply for college admission

without SAT/ACT scores?

House Bill 20-1407 is specific only to students graduating from high school in 2021. However, if

you are applying for college admission as a first-year student and either do not have test scores

or do not wish to provide them, contact the institution you wish to apply to for assistance.

If I am a transfer student, how does this impact me?

Applicants with 24 or more college level courses successfully completed after high school

graduation have a different admission process and are not required to submit SAT/ACT test

scores as part of the admission process. Visit here for more information regarding transfer

admission: https://highered.colorado.gov/students/preparing-for-college/admissions-eligibility

Where can I learn more about the college admission process in Colorado?

• Colorado Department of Higher Education Admission Web Page

• My Colorado Journey