NACAC Updates | Notices of COVID-19 Impact

NACAC Update: Coronavirus Outbreak

MORE INFORMATION @ ​https://www.nacacnet.org/news--publications/newsroom/press-releases/nacac-update-coronavirus/ 

(Updated March 17, 2020) -- NACAC is closely monitoring the evolving news about the coronavirus (COVID-19). This webpage provides updates on how the virus impacts NACAC members and other college counseling and admission professionals as well as students and families.

NACAC Programs, Events, and Conferences
Participant safety is a priority at all NACAC programs, events, and conferences, and we are closely watching news regarding the coronavirus outbreak. Updates will be posted here and also communicated to NACAC members and key audiences.

• National College Fairs
  Due to coronavirus health and safety concerns, all remaining Spring 2020 college fairs have been canceled. This includes National College Fairs and STEM College and Career Fairs.
  
  Because of the unprecedented nature of this outbreak, we are reviewing our policies and will send updates as information is confirmed.
  
  At present, NACAC plans to kick off the Fall 2020 season of college fairs on Sept. 10. A total of 55 college fairs are planned for fall. We look forward to your participation.
  
  
• 2020 NACAC National Conference
  Registration for the 2020 NACAC National Conference will be delayed for two weeks. Registration will open on April 14.
  
  
• 2020 Guiding the Way to Inclusion (GWI)
  Registration for the 2020 Guiding the Way to Inclusion (GWI) conference will open in mid-April.
  
  
• Affiliate Conferences
  Many of NACAC's 23 affiliate organizations are holding conferences in the months ahead. Please check each affiliate's web page for information on rescheduled or canceled events.
  
  

We are monitoring news from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local school systems, and state and local public health agencies. We are also in conversation with our event partners—convention centers, hotels, travel agencies, school districts, colleges, and others—regarding precautions for protecting the public at their facilities. In addition, we are looking at the number of institutions limiting travel.
This is a dynamic situation and we are sensitive to concerns about travel and large gatherings. We are working diligently to learn and share with you as much as possible to ensure smooth and safe planning and programming. 

College Admission Process
​As a service to students and families, NACAC has created an online tool that is a central resource on changes to the college admission process due to the coronavirus outbreak. The tool includes information from colleges and universities nationwide on campus closures, deposit deadlines, and other admission-related changes.

The tool updates automatically in realtime as we receive input from postsecondary institutions. Please share the link widely: nacacnet.org/college-admission-status-coronavirus

In general, NACAC encourages flexibility with deposit deadlines and other admission-related issues that may be impacted by the outbreak. Open communication between counselors and admission officers about disruptions and possible accommodations is encouraged. For example:

• School closures may impact the ability of students, teachers, and counselors to complete work, submit transcripts, or send recommendation letters. Education Week is tracking school districts that are closed. Many, but not all, closed schools are moving to online instruction.
  
  
• Colleges may be closed to students and/or closed to campus visits. Admission events that usually occur at this time—such as campus tours, information sessions, and open house events for admitted students—may be canceled or moved online. Bryan Alexander at Georgetown University is crowd-sourcing a list of colleges and universities that are closed or offering courses online only. 
  
  
• The Common App provides information regarding disruptions such as the coronavirus. If you are impacted, you can reach Common App's dedicated support team via email. Fee waivers may be available if you are facing unexpected loss. Students who are having difficulty sending official test scores also have the option of sending self-reported scores to colleges.
  
  
• International college students who wish to study in the US are facing numerous challenges regarding school closures, cancellation of testing dates, and more. The biggest impact may be on students’ abilities to get a visa for the fall semester because of delays in visa interviews. 

Testing Dates

• SAT and AP Tests
  The College Board, which administers the SAT and AP tests, is continually updating its list of test center closings and location changes for both US and international sites.
  • SAT — The SAT for May 2 has been canceled. Makeup exams scheduled for March 28 are also canceled. Registered students will receive refunds.
  • AP — No changes regarding the AP exams have been announced. The College Board will have additional information by March 20.
    
    
• ACT Tests
  ACT has rescheduled its April 4 national test date to June 13 across the US. All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT informing them of the postponement and instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or a future national test date. Please check the ACT website for updates.
  
  
• TOEFL and GRE Tests
  The Education Testing Service (ETS), which administers the TOEFL and GRE tests, provides updates on its website. Testing dates have been canceled or postponed in several countries. ETS has, however, arranged a secure TOEFL testing solution that will, by the end of March, allow students in some affected areas to take the test from home.
  
  
• GMAT and Executive Assessment Testing
  The Graduate Management Admission Council, which administers the GMAT and Executive Assessment testing, has suspended testing in some locations and is providing updates on its website.
  
  
• Other Tests
  • The IELTS website indicates that the vast majority of IELTS English Language Tests are going ahead. Some locations have suspended testing and are listed on the website.
  • Regular updates about Cambridge English Qualifications testing is posted to the organization's website.

Study Abroad Programs
The Centers for Disease Control issued recommendations that institutions of higher education cancel or postpone foreign exchange or study abroad programs. See this list of study abroad programs canceled or altered for Spring 2020.

Other Programs
The IBO, which administers the International Baccalaureate program, provides updates on its website regarding the cancellation of planned events, school closures, and extensions for coursework deadlines. 

News Items

• Inside Higher Education: "How the Coronavirus Is Affecting Admissions" (March 9)
• Forbes: "3 Impacts Of Coronavirus On College Admissions" (Feb. 24) 

Additional Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• US Department of State
• US Department of Education