Illinois State University’s Office of Admissions has announced that freshmen applying for admission for the summer or fall 2021 semester will not be required to submit a standardized test score as part of their application for admission.

The move is intended to reduce anxiety for students in the upcoming application season, according to Jana Albrecht, associate vice president for enrollment management.

“On the heels of a trying semester for all, the last thing we want to do is introduce additional stress into the process for students.”

“We understand that many students will not have had an opportunity to test prior to the start of application season,” Albrecht said. “On the heels of a trying semester for all, the last thing we want to do is introduce additional stress into the process for students. We feel that the adjustments we’ve made will allow us to evaluate applicants effectively without the use of test scores, and we are pleased to offer students this option when applying for summer or fall 2021.”

Students will still have the option to submit an SAT or ACT score, and doing so will not affect their standing negatively. Applicants who opt not to include an SAT or ACT score will be required to submit a high school transcript in order to complete their application for admission. For students whose application requires further review, additional information such as an academic personal statement may be requested.

Students without scores will be eligible to receive merit-based scholarships through the Office of Admissions and will be eligible for the Honors Program.