Over the past few weeks, we have all been preoccupied with the coronavirus pandemic. Statewide and nationwide lockdowns, massive restrictions and other challenges have impacted us in more ways than one. Education and educational institutes have been impacted as well. The college admissions process is complicated enough, and now with a new layer of turbulence, students are wondering what to expect.

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Let's take a look at college admissions amidst all the uncertainty and what does it mean to students who are starting college this fall and also to those who are preparing for fall 2021 or 2022.

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How have Colleges and Universities responded?

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Some of the ways in which colleges and universities have responded so far include:

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• Most colleges have adopted online learning as the way forward for the rest of this academic year. They've also been working tirelessly to keep both current and prospective students informed on what all of this means

• Freshmen classes for fall 2020 may commence with online classes. International students who will be hit with visa and travel uncertainties will join in-person only by Jan 2021

• Given all the uncertainties and dynamic changes, universities are trying their best and also reiterating that regardless of the challenges that emerge, they are committed to delivering quality education. Check the college websites regularly and use only official communication from the colleges to guide your decisions and actions.

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Impact on Fall 2021 applicants

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Students who are in the process of applying for Fall 2021 are in the meanwhile faced with a different set of challenges:

 

• High School Grades for this year are likely to be impacted. This is not likely to be a huge problem for students from India who have mostly finished their academic year

• Dates for standardized tests have been revised or in some case tests have been canceled. E.g. CollegeBoard has modified AP to comprise of FRQ only and are providing a new at-home testing option. Additional SAT test dates have been announced for Sep 2020 etc. Please stay tuned and leverage the options that work best for you vis-à-vis your academic calendar and other plans

• Colleges are likely to alter some of the admission rubrics though a major change to the framework is unlikely e.g. Some colleges have announced that they will be test-optional for the 2020-21 admissions cycle. It is probably best not to jump the gun till you know more and for sure. Students should continue preparations and include testing as part of their plan without fail

• Interruptions to other activities will likely be evaluated on a case by case basis by the admissions office. Yes, there are constraints and not a whole lot is happening, but... Don't let the impasse cramp your style - Enroll in an online class, do some volunteer work. Whatever your passion, find a creative way to channel it

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What should I be doing?

 

What can and what should a prospective student do under these circumstances?

 

• Continue to focus and maintain academic rigor. Some schools have already started online classes and others will be starting classes soon, in some form or the other

• Manage your time wisely – prepare for tests, research colleges, work on your essays. Keep your eye on the ball and stay away from distractions

• Learn the rules of the game and understand the changing expectations. Colleges that you are applying to, as well as organizations like CollegeBoard, ACT etc. are committed to providing students the right opportunities. Stay tuned and work with the revised set of guidelines, recommendations, and expectations

• Get creative with your extra-curricular pursuits. If you had planned an internship that got canceled, do something else. In the end, the equation will be as simple as, what effort did you put it and what do you have to show for it

• Continue to work with your counselor or advisor and by the time application deadlines approach, you will be perfectly positioned to get into your dream school.

 

We’d love to hear from you with your queries and feedback. Please write to us at the email address support@ugadmin.com. We are offering a one-time complimentary 30-min consultation. Write to us and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

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College & Me is a series of articles featuring useful information about College Admissions for undergraduate degree programs in US colleges. 

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