Final answer:
While SAT/ACT scores are commonly valid for 5 years, policies vary by institution. Given the evolving nature of college admissions, it's best to check with the specific college or program. Over 1000 institutions have already changed their SAT/ACT requirements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question regarding how many years within the application due date that SAT or ACT test scores are considered acceptable for MECP packages is not clearly specified with a definitive answer in the provided information. Generally, colleges and universities have their own policies about the validity period of these test scores. Commonly, SAT or ACT scores are deemed valid for 5 years from the date of testing, but this can vary by institution. With the landscape of college admissions evolving, including the de-emphasizing of standardized tests, it is advisable to verify with the specific institution or program to which you are applying to confirm their current policies regarding SAT and ACT score validity.
Recent trends in college admissions have seen over 1000 institutions relax or remove the requirement for SAT or ACT scores due to various factors such as societal pressures, high-profile cheating scandals, and concerns over the tests' fairness and predictive validity. These changes underscore the importance of checking with individual colleges or programs, including those in engineering, that may require these scores for admission or scholarship considerations.