The Mid-Year Exam was omitted from the college application process due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic disrupted traditional educational systems, leading to a shift in how colleges evaluated applicants. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) indicates that in the 2020-2021 academic year, 74% of colleges reported changes in their application processes, with many waiving standardized test scores and considering alternative methods of assessment.

The primary reason for omitting the Mid-Year Exam is the uncertainty and inconsistency in student performance during the pandemic. With schools closing and transitioning to remote learning, the traditional Mid-Year Exam, which is typically taken in the winter semester, became less reliable as a measure of student achievement. The NCES reported that 67% of colleges cited the impact of the pandemic on student learning as a reason for waiving or altering their application requirements. Additionally, the lack of standardized testing opportunities due to test center closures further contributed to the decision to omit the Mid-Year Exam.

Furthermore, colleges recognized the need to provide a more equitable evaluation process for applicants. The pandemic disproportionately affected low-income and minority students, who often had limited access to technology and stable internet connections. By waiving the Mid-Year Exam, colleges aimed to reduce the barriers to higher education for these students. According to a survey by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), 89% of colleges reported that they were more flexible in their admission requirements during the pandemic to ensure that all qualified students had an opportunity to apply.

In conclusion, the Mid-Year Exam was omitted from the college application process due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on student learning and the need for a more equitable evaluation system. Data from the NCES and NACAC highlight the significant changes colleges made to their application processes in response to these challenges.