The current pandemic has created some problems, some a little more unique then others. Incoming college students have been at a disadvantage in trying to get academic merit scholarships as they have not been able to take the ACT or SAT placement exams. Katie Jo North, executive director of new student enrollment, states, “USU understands that many high school students have been limited in their ability to take standardized tests over the past several months. This has affected thousands of potential students who face an unfair hurdle in receiving scholarships they may otherwise deserve.” This year, students who apply for scholarships without a standardized test score will receive a
comprehensive academic review. Among the benchmarks considered will be grade point average (GPA), high school course rigor, class rank, and other criteria. The existing and advertised parameters for scholarships will be guaranteed, with USU encouraging students to take the ACT or SAT if possible. If a test score cannot be provided in the scholarship application that applicant will be given additional information by the USU Admissions Office by October 5th. The deadline to apply via the traditional or alternative route for academic merit scholarships is January 10th, 2021. 
