Oregon Goes to College

Updated 8/26/20. There are many changes happening related to college admissions. Here's what we know right now.

☛ General Updates

• See general coronavirus updates for Oregon colleges.
• All Oregon colleges will be online until at least the end of spring semester.
• Oregon colleges are committed to helping current and future students. Students who have been admitted to Oregon's public universities for fall 2020 will not have their admission rescinded due to changes in grading policy or the inability to complete their coursework.
   

☛ College Plans for Fall 2020

Colleges are beginning to announce their expected plans for the fall of 2020. This table will be updated frequently to reflect current plans. If no plans are listed, the college has not made an announcement. Governor Brown has ordered all colleges to remain closed to in-person classes through June 13.

All colleges planning for in-person classes in the fall are also preparing for social distancing measures. Click on the college link to learn more about their plans.

National colleges:

• See a list of colleges' updates for re-opening.
   

☛ Test Dates

All Oregon public universities will be test-optional beginning in the fall of 2021. Learn more about admissions tests.

ACT: April 4 test rescheduled to June 13; summer and fall testing will continue following CDC guidelines for social distancing. (ACT Testing Updates: Summer Testing and Postponement of Section Retesting for 2020)

SAT: May 2 and June 6 tests canceled. March 28 make up test canceled. Monthly test dates are scheduled August through December, with the possibility of a January test date, if needed. (Coronavirus Updates for Students Taking the SAT)

AP: tests were administered online, 45 minutes each; 2 test dates were available for each subject; free live, virtual AP review courses began March 25. (AP Updates for Schools Impacted by Coronavirus)

IB: tests were not held; students were awarded a Diploma or Course Certificate which reflects their standard of work based on their previous coursework and assessments. (IB Updates for Schools Impacted by Coronavirus)

WHAT YOU CAN DO INSTEAD: Re-schedule for a future date. Use free, online test prep from Khan Academy and ACT to brush up on your knowledge and skills.
 

☛ Preview Days & Campus Tours

Many colleges have canceled or postponed their preview days and campus tours due to COVID-19. Check college websites for more information.

WHAT YOU CAN DO INSTEAD: There are many ways to learn about a campus online: virtual tours, student reviews, college social media, and more.

National colleges:

• See list of colleges' updates for applicants and admitted students.
   

☛ Deposit Deadline Changes

Oregon colleges: 

• Bushnell University – encouraged by May 1, but accepted through August
• Corban University – June 1
• George Fox University - June 1
• Lewis & Clark College – June 1
• Linfield University – June 1
• Multnomah University – June 1
• Oregon State University – September 1, intent to enroll requested by June 1
• Oregon State University - Cascades – September 1, intent to enroll requested by June 1
• Pacific Northwest College of Art – June 1
• Pacific University – June 1
• Southern Oregon University – June 1
• University of Oregon – September 1
• University of Portland – June 1

National colleges:

• See list of colleges now with deadlines after May 1.

☛ Tips & Advice from Colleges

"Don't lose sight of your goals as they existed a month ago. Be patient and flexible. Use the online resources that colleges have for you to explore and connect, and pay attention to the emails and updates we are sending you. Things are moving quickly!" Noah Buckley, Director of Admissions, Oregon State University

"This too, shall pass." Matt Ogawa, Director of Admissions and Recruitment, Portland Community College

"Please contact your Admissions Counselor! You can find your counselor here. We would be happy to chat with you over the phone and answer any questions you have before you make your decision." Casandra Esparza, Assistant Director of Admissions, University of Portland

"Reach out to the schools you are interested in and let them know of any obstacles that come up. Colleges and universities are likely willing to work with you to overcome difficulties due to school closures and postponed testing." Molly Smith, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing, Warner Pacific University

"Contact institutions if you have questions regarding deadlines and opportunities to participate in virtual tours/events." Rob Findtner, Director of Admissions, Western Oregon University

"Don't let these adjustments to school (and life) keep you from having a great senior year! In a few years, you'll realize you have stories like no other 12th grader in ages. Colleges are *all* ready to work with you, and we will be both flexible and patient. So just reach out to us directly for more information whenever you need it!" Jim Rawlins, Director of Admissions, University of Oregon

"Read your emails twice a day to stay current with any changes and online resources colleges will be providing. Contact your Admissions Counselors with any questions you have." Rudy Sanchez, Admissions Counselor, Pacific University

"Reach out to the admission counselors at the colleges you have applied to and ask questions. They are still working and are there to answer your questions. Ask if you can correspond with currently enrolled students." Eric Staab, Vice President for Admissions & Financial Aid, Lewis & Clark College

"Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions." Tania Sanchez, Assistant Director of Multicultural Recruitment, Portland State University

"Keep following your steps to get started at your college/university, and do not hesitate to reach out to the admissions office if you have any questions at all (email is especially great right now!). Many of us are also available for video meetings, so we can still 'meet' together to help you move forward in preparing for college!" Ariane Rakich, Lead Admissions Counselor, Clackamas Community College

"Please remember to apply for financial aid." Rhoda Hanson, Chief Student Services Officer, Tillamook Bay Community College

"Apply for the Oregon Promise Grant. The application takes about 3 minutes to fill out and is due June 1, 2020. It can be used at any of the Oregon community colleges and is money that doesn't have to be paid back." Tama Bolton, Coordinator of Outreach and Recruitment, Columbia Gorge Community College

"Make use of the resources that colleges are offering - virtual meetings, tours and events. Your college admission counselor wants to support you, so take advantage of their assistance!" Mary Beth Jones, Admission Counselor, Linfield University

One new thing to think about in this new time of coronavirus: "If you have to take courses online, does that change the institution you would attend?" Recruitment Coordinator at an Oregon community college

"Stay positive. If you are struggling with someting or you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask. We are here for you and understand that these are tough times." Chris Jones, Senior Admissions Counselor, Western Oregon University