The SAT and ACT test center closures have affected students in Medellin looking to study abroad this past 6 months. 

Students in Medellin started to struggle to take the exams back in May, when the first session for the SAT was canceled. After that, the August session was canceled as well. The second week of September was when the first standardized test in months took place at TCS.

“I was going to take it in March but I got sick at the end of February and I couldn’t feel sick during the SAT so I had to pay more money and move it to May, but then that got canceled and I got refunded and then the August session got canceled once again and I got refunded again,” Camila Ceballos, Senior, said.

When the quarantine was lifted at the beginning of September was when tests started to be rescheduled, the first exam that took place was the ACT on September 11th at TCS.

“I took the ACT at the old library at TCS, Maria Teresa was there with us along with a tec 911 person. I was really happy and thankful to the school because they allowed us to take the ACT and it was really organized,” Salome Beyer, Senior, said.

After that, the SAT took place at Colegio Cumbres this past Saturday, September 19th, the College Board decided to open this one testing center for Medellin because they did not have enough people signed up to open TCS as well.

“The SAT automatically changed my test date and center to the new date at Cumbres, when we got there we had to wash our hands and social distancing was in place, I was very glad I could take the exam, even with COVID,” Federico Velez, Senior, said.

Students are looking forward to taking the SAT at TCS on October 3rd and ACT on October 9th which Juan David Lopez, High School principal announced was going to be possible Friday, September 25th.

“Students must follow all biosecurity measures that include: wearing the mask properly and at all times, and keeping two meters away from other students. We are very happy to be able to share this good news,” Lopez said.

Universities are aware of the situation the world is facing, and this is why more than 700 institutions in the US have gone test-optional. 

“I like the fact that some universities are going test-optional just because this is an unprecedented event that is happening right now and so I appreciate the fact that those universities are being very flexible,” Brian Summers, TCS Co-College Counselor, said.

Students have been struggling due to the uncertainty of the situation, but most of them have been really flexible and are finally going to get to take the exam.

“My testing date has changed many times and it has been stressful to accommodate again and again but I am relieved that the date is finally set so I can get that over with,” Isabel Mora, Senior, said.