Scholarship options available for incoming students without ACT or SAT scores

Utah State University is adapting its enrollment process to fit the needs of fall 2021 applicants unable to take the ACT or SAT.

Because of limited access to the ACT and SAT, USU is going to be evaluating students who cannot take the test in a different way. Only GPA and rigorous high school courses will be looked at when considering their scholarship potential. 

Katie North, executive director of new student enrollment, said “USU is committed to providing opportunities to students; looking at students in every situation.”

According to North, this is a better indicator of a student’s capabilities and provides the university with more knowledge about the types of students enrolling.

The changes may make it easier for some students. For example, USU sophomore Emily Ellsworth, said her ACT score made her chances at a scholarship worse. She said that although her GPA was high, and she did great in school, tests were not her strong suit. Timed tests such as the ACT or SAT are especially difficult for her.

Traditionally, the benefits of taking the ACT or SAT were the scholarships available to students. Sometimes, according to North, high ACT scores will also allow a student to skip an otherwise required math or English class.

For now, any student who is able to take these tests can still submit their scores. If they are admitted, they will qualify for scholarships the same as in previous years. For students unable to take either test, GPA and the rigor of courses will be the impacting factors in these decisions.

North said that USU has implemented task forces to study the impact of this decision further.

The task forces at USU are made up of USU’s staff members. They are working to develop both the short term, COVID impacted system, and a long term, permanent solution that will be put into place when the university is ready for it. 

USU is currently working on a new system that will help students easily see what scholarships they may qualify for, according to North.

She added that she hopes this new system will allow the university to look at each student as a whole. It encourages students to take difficult courses and become a well-rounded individual, she said.