Be Prepared: Changes to College Admissions Due To COVID-19

Applying to college has always required careful planning and strategy. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, college admissions have changed radically. Right now, institutions are racing to adapt their policies according to social distancing guidelines. Therefore, the admissions process has a newfound emphasis on grades, recommendations, and flexibility.

Let's consider how college admissions have changed over the past month.

1. Campus Visits On Pause

Whether it’s for face-to-face meetings with admissions advisors or curiosity about food options, campus visits give students a feel for mood, culture, and day-to-day routine. While not exactly the same thing, here are options when campuses are closed:

● Virtual campus tours and events: Attending institution-sponsored virtual events can help you demonstrate interest and provide much-needed exclusive information.

● Reaching out to staff: Admissions officers and professors alike are more available than ever, allowing students easier access to thorough and direct information on their schools.

● Follow social media feeds: Most colleges have a strong online presence, with any clubs of interest maintaining social media accounts. Follow these channels to get a more authentic feel for campus life.

2. Deadline Flexibility

Typically, colleges are fairly strict regarding application deadlines, with many high school seniors required to sign a commitment letter by May 1 of their graduating year. As a result of COVID-19, many colleges have extended the commitment deadline to June 1 for high school seniors in 2020. Dates will vary from institution to institution, so families should confirm all upcoming deadlines.

3. Grades Weighted Differently

School districts nationwide are helping students grapple with disrupted academic calendars, untested distance learning models, and mental health complications. As a result, many schools have adjusted their grading approach, with some districts adopting a pass/fail policy. Colleges now face the challenge of accurately evaluating grades from the spring semester of the 2019-2020 school year. Thus, college admissions officers will be seeking additional context to achieve a better understanding of student performance.

4. Letters of Recommendation Are Essential

In the past, many colleges used letters of recommendation as little more than character confirmation. In response to the pandemic, letters of recommendation have become vital to your admissions packet because:

● Letters of recommendation can speak to your potential, addressing what you may have accomplished were it not for the lockdown.

● Letters of recommendation can provide context for student performance due to the problematic nature of testing/grading.

● Letters of recommendation can indicate a student’s response to these extraordinary circumstances.

More Changes Ahead

It remains unclear exactly how admissions offices will respond to the evolving challenges of the pandemic. Thankfully, most colleges have responded with grace and flexibility for all of us affected.

We're here to help you achieve success during these stressful times. For more information on how we can help you navigate these challenges, set up your free 30-minute college admissions consultation today.

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