COVID-19 has changed yet another annual event, and this time it is college testing.

This year, Xavier is hosting testing dates for the ACT and PSAT/NMSQT—National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The ACT was held on October 6 and October 24, and the PSAT/NMSQT on October 14. Due to COVID-19, the tests are looking a bit different compared to previous years and come with a lot of changes to how the tests usually look. 

“There are COVID restrictions just like we have in the schools, like six foot distancing and masks,” Anne Wallraff, Student Services Office Administrator, said. “We used to have 20 kids in a room; now there is going to be 15 kids in rooms at Xavier.”

Unlike other years, the tests will have fewer people in the same vicinity, along with extra precautions in an attempt to prevent COVID-19. Additionally, the three main state schools in Iowa, (University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State), are making college admissions tests optional due to students missing testing dates over quarantine. The Iowa Board of Regents waived the requirement for these tests only for the upcoming Fall 2021 semester. However, this is not stopping students from taking the tests this year. 

Junior Emily Sanborn is a student at Xavier who took both the ACT and the PSAT tests this year for the first time at Xavier. 

“For both the PSAT and ACT, everyone had their own individual table and were all spaced out with masks on,” Sanborn said. “I was expecting those restrictions though, because it is almost the new normal.”

Many students are still utilizing college testing dates by Xavier, and do not see COVID-19 as a barrier in their test-taking. It can be expected as the year goes on, more students will take advantage of the college testing dates.  

To learn more about the official college tests and dates at Xavier High School, contact the Student Services Office. On a larger scale, to learn about the national testing dates in the United States and their rules and restrictions, visit collegeboard.org.