This week, the omicron variant impacts the spring semester and triggers booster requirements, the ABA accepts another test for law school admissions, the Columbia University student-worker strike escalates, and a large state system extends its test-optional policy.
DePaul University announced this week that it plans to hold the first two weeks of the winter quarter online. The statement also said that students who live on campus may be expected to show a negative Covid test before moving back into their residence halls.
Perhaps the sign of a new trend, some colleges have announced Covid booster shot requirements for the spring semester. Syracuse University, Bowdoin College, Smith College, and Wesleyan University have all updated their vaccination requirements.
The American Bar Association announced this week that law schools will be allowed to require the GRE instead of the LSAT as an entrance exam for law school applicants. Approximately one-third of law schools currently accept the GRE and many expect that more law schools will follow after this announcement.
Striking graduate-student workers at Columbia University were recently told they wouldn’t be guaranteed a spring appointment if they continued to strike, prompting criticism of the university. Many have pointed to the significant impact on undergraduates and have encouraged continued negotiations.
In testing news, a committee of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents unanimously approved a measure that will keep the University of Wisconsin System test-optional for another two years. Expect additional test-optional policy extensions to be announced in the coming weeks and months (you heard it here first, folks!).
And, finally, colleges have started to release their Early Decision notifications. We know anxiety is running high, as many colleges will be notifying next week (check out our updated chart for specific notification dates/times). We’re rooting for every single one of you and will be there to share in your news as it comes in. Until then, deep breaths…
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