To assist students facing extraordinary challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of North Texas at Dallas is removing standardized test scores as a requirement by adopting a “test-optional” admissions policy.

Because of the cancellation of many test dates due to the COVID-19 crisis, and the uncertainty of the availability of tests in the future, scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) are not required for students applying to UNT Dallas. Students can submit scores if they choose, but no student will be penalized or disadvantaged for not submitting test scores. Submitted scores may be used for making decisions for merit scholarships.

“These are unprecedented times, and UNT Dallas wants to reduce the anxiety of students who are already facing tremendous challenges during this crisis,” UNT Dallas President Bob Mong said. “Embarking on a college journey should be an exciting time, and students should be able to focus on achieving their educational and career goals as they prepare to transition from high school to college.”

The decision to change to test-optional admissions was initially approved as a temporary provision as UNT Dallas acted quickly to respond to school closures and social-distancing orders that forced the cancellation of standardized testing dates.

The UNT System Board of Regents on Thursday unanimously approved the continuation of test-optional admissions for the Class of 2021. UNT Dallas will continuously reevaluate admission policies for future classes while aiming to keep student success as the primary focus of decision-making.

“We are grateful for the support of our Board of Regents, UNT System Chancellor Lesa Roe and President Mong,” said Stephanie Holley, UNT Dallas’ Vice President for Student Access and Success. “This is the right thing to do. We know students are more than a test score and during this time of uncertainty, it is our responsibility to ease their burden and remove barriers in the way of their access to higher education.”

UNT Dallas closed its campus in late March and fully transitioned to remote learning, which will continue through the Summer 2020 sessions. While campus tours are unavailable at this time, students can take a virtual tour here.