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Texas A&M University-Kingsville making ACT or SAT scores optional

Posted at 10:01 PM, Jun 27, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-27 23:01:25-04

This time of year many high school students with plans of attending college would typically be getting ready to take their standardized admissions tests. But that’s not happening.

Students who want to attend Texas A&M University-Kingsville in the spring, summer, and fall of 2021 will not have to submit the ACT or SAT college entrance exam scores that are typically required.

“Due to the uncertainty with COVID, the ACT and SAT testing agencies have been able to ensure that the test can be administered in a consistent and equitable manner for prospective students. So, as such, Texas A&M University-Kingsville has decided to make SAT and ACT test scores optional,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Maureen Croft.

Dr. Maureen Croft. Vice President for Enrollment Management, said the University will evaluate the test-optional policy to determine the next steps.

“The way it works, we will consider applications complete and ready to be holistically reviewed with or without test scores,” said Croft.

The University said it wants to make sure interested and capable students have an opportunity to be evaluated for admission.

“Without that, we have to look for other measures, and that is why we are looking for extracurricular activities, for personal statements, letters of references. We are seeing many more letters of references come in. Also any type of volunteer work or community work, it really helps,” said Croft.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville says the new temporary policy allows students to opt-out of submitting the scores for one year to relieve concerns about testing as they apply to college during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students who have been denied admission should know that the University’s Admission Appeal Process remains in effect without change.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact the University at admissions@tamuk.edu or 361-593-5372(JESC).