College-entry SAT and ACT exams are canceled amid US coronavirus outbreak

The SAT and ACT exams, annual rites of passage for college-bound seniors, have been canceled this spring as the United States fights the global coronavirus pandemic, The Washington Post reports.

The College Board, which administers the SAT exam, on Monday canceled a May 2 test as well as a March 28 make-up exam for earlier test dates, CNN reported. A June 6 test date remains scheduled but also may change.

A notice on the ACT Inc. website says an April 4 test date has been rescheduled to June 13, The Hill reported. Another test date could be held a month later.

Most colleges and universities across the nation require incoming students to take one of the two placement exams. About 3 million take the SAT each year, while about 1.6 million opt for the ACT, The Hill reported.

Schools nationwide have closed down as coronavirus spreads in the United States, while colleges and universities have switched to online classes, CNN reported.

State and federal health officials have called on people to self-isolate and maintain social distancing to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Backers of the SAT and ACT say they canceled their spring exams out of concern for student safety. Both also pledged to help students meet college entrance requirements.

“The College Board will remain focused on student safety and ensuring all students have the tools they need to work, and opportunities to receive the credit they have earned, during this challenging time,” the board said in a statement, according to CNN.

“ACT is committed to making every effort to help those students impacted by this test date change, particularly those high school seniors who are facing deadlines for fall 2020 college admission,” ACT CEO Marten Roorda said, The Washington Post reported.

This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 10:31 AM with the headline "College-entry SAT and ACT exams are canceled amid US coronavirus outbreak."