Transitioning into college life can be a challenging time for new high school graduates, which can include everything from taking SAT and ACT tests, to writing essays and filling out numerous applications.

Throwing a global pandemic into the mix can make it even more taxing on prospective students. The Era reached out to staff from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford to find out just how the coronavirus has changed the environment in regards to college exams and the admissions process.

Due to the pandemic, many high school students were unable to take SAT or ACT tests, which traditionally is taken into account when looking at prospective students. In response, Pitt-Bradford, along with campuses in Greensburg and Johnstown, is currently rolling out a new pilot program where SAT and ACT scores will be optional for admission.

“Students applying for admission to any regional campus this fall will have the option to include or not include their SAT or ACT score as part of their application process,” a press release explained. “Transfer students are exempt from submitting SAT/ACT scores.”

James Baldwin, vice-president for enrollment management, said the most important factor for determining student success is a student’s grade point average, whereas SAT and ACT scores are “secondary considerations.”

In addition, enrollment services, which handles aspects such as academic records, registration, transcripts and payment plans, has moved to remote operation until the pandemic is resolved. Pat Frantz Cercone, executive director of communications and marketing, also noted all transcripts will be sent electronically at this time.

As for funding, the Pitt Success Pell Match Program will be available for students, regardless of whether they submit SAT or ACT scores, though only students who have received at least a 1030 on the SAT or 20 on the ACT will be eligible for merit scholarships.

New students who need assistance from the Academic Advising Center will not be able to visit the campus directly at this time, though faculty is available via virtual online appointment, which can be set up on the Pitt-Bradford website. In addition, the Academic Coaching & Tutoring Center, Mathematics Center and Writing Center are also offering virtual appointments during the pandemic.

To ensure the safety of students and staff, Pitt-Bradford began online classes for the remainder of the spring semester on March 23. Nearly all students moved off campus, with only 23 students remaining, who relocated to the campus townhouses.

In addition, all campus activities and events were cancelled or postponed until further notice, with the exception of the spring theater program, which was made into a podcast. The original production of “Monsters” can be listened to on Pitt-Bradford’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/uPittBradford.

Unable to hold an in-person ceremony, the university held a virtual graduation for 2020 graduates, which was streamed live online for friends and family to see.

“When it is safe to do so, we will have an extraordinary commencement ceremony to celebrate our students’ achievements,” noted Dr. Catherine Koverola, president of Pitt-Bradford.