NEWS

NEWBERRY — Newberry College has announced a test-optional admission application for students unable to take or retake the ACT, SAT or English proficiency tests.

The announcement comes amid the cancellation of testing opportunities due to the spread of COVID-19. The change is effective through the end of the fall 2020 admission cycle.

“We want to do what’s best for our prospective students and families in these turbulent times,” said Milena Velez, director of admission. “And right now, this means making the application process as accessible to all students as possible.”

With College Board and Educational Testing Service canceling testing dates for ACT and SAT, respectively, through the summer, many students across the country will be unable to appear for their college entrance exams. Taking these limitations into consideration, Newberry College has decided to allow prospective students to submit personal statements in lieu of standardized test scores. The statements will allow students to demonstrate their interest in Newberry College, as well as their ability to be successful in a selective collegiate setting. This measure applies to students who students who did not have an opportunity to retake the test for a higher score, as well as those who are unable to provide scores at all.

For international students who were unable to provide scores for an English proficiency test, such as TOEFL or IELTS, the college will allow a virtual interview with an admission counselor to stand as a substitute.

The Office of Admission has also announced that it will review unofficial high school and college transcripts for conditional admission. With many schools and colleges closed or operating with limited services during the pandemic, this change will allow students to submit electronic copies of their official or unofficial transcripts to complete their applications. However, official transcripts are still due prior to the beginning of classes in August.

“We are committed to making the admission process accessible to all students who hope to attend Newberry College this fall,” said Christopher M. Harris, dean of enrollment management. “In these unprecedented circumstances, we will continue to work closely with our incoming students and their families to ensure a seamless academic transition to college.”

Please click here for more information, frequently asked questions and applications.