This virus has upended our world, but colleges will still want and need students next year, so keep working on your schoolwork and applications.

Important updates for students planning on college:

3/25/20 (WJZ)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland public schools will be closed through April 24, State School superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon announced on Wednesday during a press conference with Gov. Larry Hogan. . . .

“We may look at extending the year,” Salmon said, when asked about summer school.

She also said that officials are looking for childcare spaces to help essential personnel that must report to work. That personnel can immediately call 1-877-261-0060 to locate child care options.

“For those essential personnel that are unable to provide care, we have worked diligently in the past week to identify locations across Maryland that will provide child care,” Salmon said.

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From College Board Regarding SAT and PSAT:

March and May SAT Administrations

In response to the rapidly evolving situation around the coronavirus (COVID-19), College Board is canceling the May 2, 2020 SAT and SAT Subject Test administration. Makeup exams for the March 14 administration (scheduled for March 28) are also canceled.

Students who already registered for May, whose March test centers were closed, or who do not receive March scores because of any irregularities will receive refunds.

In the coming days, College Board will share additional information and details directly with registered students and test centers.

Future Testing Opportunities

College Board will provide future additional SAT testing opportunities for students as soon as possible in place of canceled administrations. We’ll be as flexible as possible to give students the best chance to show their skills and stay on the path to college.

We have not yet canceled the June 6, 2020 SAT and SAT Subject Test administration and will continue to assess its status, with the health and safety of students and educators as our top priority. We are also exploring the possibility of adding an international SAT administration later this school year.

Resources and Support from College Board

To help students keep their college readiness skills sharp when many schools are closed, College Board and Khan Academy will continue to provide free resources online, including full-length practice tests and personalized learning tools.

Regarding AP classes and AP tests (from College Board): We know the coronavirus has created new and unexpected challenges. Here’s how the AP Program is supporting you and your school:

  • We’re providing live and on-demand AP courses for free.
  • We’re developing a new at-home testing option.

Based on the number and length of school closures, it’s clear that the usual way AP Exams are given at schools won’t be possible. Some students may want to take the exam sooner rather than later, while the content is still fresh. Other students may want more time to practice. For each AP subject, there will be two different testing dates. The full exam schedule, specific free-response question types that will be on each AP Exam, and additional testing information will be available by April 3.

Taking the Exam (more from College Board)

Free resources will be available through exam day to help you get ready. While we encourage you to wait until closer to the test to decide, any student registered for an exam can cancel at no charge. For the 2019-20 exam administration only:

  • We’re developing secure 45-minute online free-response exams for each course.
  • The exam content will focus on what most schools were able to complete by early March.
  • You’ll be able to take your exams on any device you have access to—computer, tablet, or smartphone. You’ll also have the option to write your responses by hand and submit a photo.
  • Colleges support this solution and are committed to ensuring that AP students receive the credit they have worked to earn. For decades, colleges have accepted a shortened AP Exam for college credit when groups of students have experienced emergencies.
  • We know that not all students have access to the internet or a device. We’re working on solutions to help students get what they need to show their best work. If you need mobile tools or connectivity or know someone who does, you can reach us directly to let us know.

The exams will be secure. We’re using a variety of digital security tools, including plagiarism detection software.

Free AP Review Classes

Beginning on Wednesday, March 25, you can attend free, live AP review courses, delivered by AP teachers from across the country. These courses:

  • Are optional, mobile-friendly, and can be used alongside any work your teacher may give you.
  • Will be available on-demand, so you can access them any time.
  • Will focus on reviewing the skills and concepts from the first 75% of the course. There will also be some supplementary lessons including topics from the final 25% of the course.

To access the live classes and recordings, visit the AP YouTube channel.

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ACT Notification from March 25

ACT has rescheduled its April 4 national test date to June 13 across the U.S. in response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT in the next few informing them of the postponement and instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or a future national test date. Learn more.~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Updates in the Age of Coronavirus