The Landscape of College Admissions Has Changed, but Much is Still the Same
Just as with most aspects of life... work, school, community, entertainment... the world of college admissions has certainly been rocked by Covid-19. However, a lot of the changes that are being made have been a long time coming (ie testing no longer being required at many colleges). Additionally, it has forced a lot of students and parents to take a step back and reflect on what really matters when it comes to a college education. If students aren't taking courses in the actual classrooms, does it make sense to shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars for online classes? And, rather than pretty campuses and fun sporting events, maybe students will pick a college more for its academic offerings. The coronavirus has changed the world of "college" as a whole, and the admissions process is included. But, rising juniors and seniors, much is still the same and I urge you to look at the positive side of what's been happening.
Is the SAT/ACT gone for good?
Counselors have mostly long been begging for the end of standardized tests for college admissions. Several studies point to the unfairness of the test for lower income students and students of color. Additionally, studies have shown it to be less indicative of college success than the high school transcript. This year, the SAT and ACT have, thus far, been unable to be offered for the class of 2021. Therefore, many colleges are making these tests an optional part of the college application process. You can go to www.fairtest.org for an updated list of colleges that do not require the SAT or ACT for admissions.
Advice: Still sign up for the test if you can. Registrations for the fall ACT are now open, and the SAT will open soon. Whether or not these tests actually happen is another story. But sign up to take them but do not stress out about it.
College campuses are closed
An integral part of the college search and application process is visiting colleges. It can absolutely help a student to walk around a campus and get a feel for the place and decide if it's worth applying. Most students don't get to see most of the colleges they apply to before they apply, but it can absolutely be a good idea if students and families can. That being said, college campuses are currently closed and not offering tours.
Advice: In place of in-person tours, colleges are adding many new and cool online options for learning about their school. They are offering virtual tours, webinars, zoom calls, etc. Go to a college's admissions page and see what they are offering and sign up for as many things as you can! There's no excuse not to when you can visit a college or attend an information session in your PJ's. (Also... colleges will be tracking who attends these and you bet they will be using this information to track demonstrated interest!)
No grades, what now?
Good question! For years, the first two things colleges used to determine admission were high school grades and test scores. With test scores being (likely) out, and junior year grades, for some students, only being P/F, what will colleges use? Your high school will likely still send your transcript which will have your 9th, 10th and maybe half of 11th year grades. Additionally, teacher and counselor recommendations will be heavily relied upon to suss out how well a student did in the junior year. The first quarter of senior year will be particularly important this year. And, essays will likely be more heavily relied on.
Advice: This can be a really good thing! This will likely force colleges to look past just grades and test scores to assess and applicant. Teacher and counselor recommendations will give insight into a student's potential to succeed in college. Applicants will be able to use their essay to better convey who they are as a person and what they bring to the table. Although most sports and activities were shut down in the spring of junior year, students can still indicate what they would have done. Applicants should focus on the things they CAN put forth to a college to demonstrate their potential.
Focus on what you can control. There are a lot of things new, different and anxiety-provoking for the class of 2021. No one gets this better than college counselors! But, if you focus on the things you CAN do, and let go of the things you can't control, you will get through this. And you WILL go to college in the fall of 2021.
