DSU official says ACT/SAT scores useful for scholarships, athletic eligibility

Prospective college students have options to fulfill admissions requirements at South Dakota’s regental universities. 

After the pandemic cancelled spring dates for the national standardized ACT and SAT tests, the South Dakota Board of Regents reminded students this week about these test-optional admission pathways. Besides ACT or SAT scores, applicants can qualify for admission using high school GPA, class rank, or Smarter Balanced test scores.

Now that ACT and SAT tests are again being held, Dakota State University ‘s Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management Amy Crissinger encourages students to consider taking the exams.

Crissinger said that an ACT or SAT score may affect a student’s academic scholarship status.  

Due to the continued impact of the pandemic on ACT or SAT testing sites, DSU is monitoring the situation and officials have had preliminary discussion on possible alternatives.  Crissinger said the ACT scores are also used for placement in college-level algebra and composition courses, but added there are other available pathways for that as well.  

The test scores may also affect athletic eligibility at the university.