COVID 19, CLASS OF 2020/2021 AND COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

I know that this is a trying time for everyone. Here is some current information to assist in your process:

1.    Everyone involved in the college admissions process as well as your high schools are aware that remote learning will, for the most part, require adjustments in learning style, timing of assignments, your own ability to manage time, etc. The most important factor is your health.  We can manage the rest.  Be kind to yourself, try to establish something resembling a schedule and take a deep breath.

2.    2020 is being called "The Year that Shredded the Admissions Calendar".  This is true.  Spring visits are cancelled, as are admitted student days.  So are graduations and other milestone events for high schools as well as colleges.  It is not unlikely that there will be an impact on your admissions cycle as well.  It is not impossible that test optional situations (because of cancelled administrations) will be changing in an ongoing way. Use online resources, reputable blogs and the colleges themselves for the best information.

3.    The ACT test scheduled for April HAS BEEN CANCELLED and rescheduled for June.  My best advice to juniors right now is to register for all test sessions- for both tests (SAT and ACT) from now until at least the end of summer.  While you may not need all of those seats, having a reservation will make it more likely that you will be able to be accommodated for testing; there will almost certainly be a shortage of available seats in the near term due to cancelled administrations. Better safe than sorry. 

4.    While summer campus visits are not the optimal way to see a school (no peers available, no classes in session, etc), they may be - if and when available- the best option right now.  Please plan accordingly.  Also plan to try and revisit at least some of those places in the fall, when (hopefully) things normalize and campuses are once again lively and full. It is important to use the online resources as fully as possible.

5.    Begin putting together your list of activities throughout high school. This will allow you to do the activities section of the Common App, as well as determine whether you want/need a formal resume to include with your application. Again, doing as much in advance will relieve the stress later.

6.    While school is not formally in session, try to do one or more of the following: a) read a book for pleasure that you will be able to use in an essay (as more schools are asking this as a supplemental question. b) try to write 150 words about the extracurricular activity that means the most to you (again, a frequent supplement, and it is easier to edit than it is to write from scratch when deadlines loom!) c) think about who you plan to ask for a letter of recommendation, what subject and grade they taught you, and WHY you want to ask this person. Getting this process started earlier will help your teachers be responsive, particularly as they too ride this unfamiliar wave of remote instruction

7.    Hopefully, you are aware of the importance of demonstrated interest. Now you may need to be creative.  Since "boots on the ground" are going to be more difficult to achieve, I strongly encourage you to use the online resources the schools provide, including https://www.youvisit.com/ as well as https://www.campusreel.org/  Colleges are likely to track those visits and note them as indicators of demonstrated interest. Is it a perfect alternative? No, but it is something, and that is always better than nothing!

8.    If you are scheduled for an AP exam, stay in touch with your teachers.That situation, including the testing dates themselves, remains very fluid right now.

9.    If you are thinking about college athletics and have not gotten in touch with coaches, this may be the perfect time. YOU WILL NEED A VIDEO.. It is likely that there will be fewer showcases and coach’s visits so the responsibility will fall on you. Being more prepared will increase your potential to play.

If you have been considering using an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC)/College Admissions Counselor for this process, this is the perfect time to engage one. The challenges may be greater than before with regard to college admissions, and most IECs limit their caseloads, so getting on the roster of a professional before it is an emergency is the best plan.   Check to be sure that the person you hire is a member of a professional organization (such as IECA or HECA) to be certain the services you receive are reputable and reliable.