SAT and ACT college tests canceled because of virus fears

(AP) Spring dates for college admissions tests are being rescheduled or postponed amid concerns about the coronavirus, while high school seniors may be allowed to take Advanced Placement exams to earn college credit from home. The groups that give both the ACT and SAT tests announced Monday that they're putting off the next nationwide examinations. The April 4 ACT test has been rescheduled for June 13 while the May 2 SAT has been canceled. The spring tests are typically prime dates for high school juniors planning to apply to colleges the next fall. No testing now could mean some students can't take tests multiple times to try to get higher scores. "The class of 2021 will actually be the most affected class,'' said Sara Harberson, a former admissions dean who counsels high school students on college admission. Harberson, based in Philadelphia, said many high school juniors take the tests for the first time during this season. "All of these students are stressed about how this impacts their college decision.'' The SAT was administered last Saturday, but a number of sites that were scheduled to host the exam canceled plans, some leaving students in the lurch at the last minute. The College Board said it's also canceling the March 28 makeup date for those who missed Saturday's tests. The College Board couldn't immediately say on Monday how many students took the SAT Saturday or how many sites were shuttered, said spokeswoman Jaslee Carayol. Iowa-based ACT said all students registered for April 4 will be offered the chance to reschedule for June 13 or another future test date. The New York-based College Board said everyone registered for the May 2 SAT would receive refunds. The College Board said it would seek to provide additional testing opportunities, and said that the June 6 exam date remains scheduled, at least for now.