Flexibility is the word that college admissions counselors are using to describe the 2020-21 college application season. It is not going to be business as usual for college admissions offices as the country recovers from COVID-19. College admissions offices have to adapt to several changes this application cycle and not all colleges will adapt the same way.
Spring SAT/ACTs were canceled. As a result, over a dozen colleges joined the list of test-optional schools, at least for the class of 2021.
The College Board changed the AP test format to a 45 minute on-line test. Colleges are not sure how they will evaluate AP scores.
Colleges are considering changing their deadlines for Early Action, Early Decision and Regular Decision to allow students the opportunity to take standardized tests later than usual.
Some high schools have changed to a Pass/Fail grading system for spring semester grades. Colleges will have to decide how to factor this system into their review process.
So how do current high school juniors navigate the college admissions process while staying home in quarantine?
While virtual learning is different, students and teachers are adjusting well to the challenge. Continue all course work and complete assignments on time. Participate in virtual discussions. Study and try your best on exams. If you are struggling, reach out to your teacher for extra help or on-line tutors.
This is a great time to prepare for the SAT or ACT. There are several online resources like Khan Academy that provide free SAT and ACT test preparation. College Board is identifying alternate test dates for the SAT throughout the summer and fall. Frequently check your college board account and register early.
Identify colleges you are interested in and visit their websites. Take a virtual tour of each school using eCampustours.com and CampusReel.com. Connect with the schools through the colleges’ social media accounts, student newspapers and alumni magazines all of which can be found on-line.
Use your newfound free time productively. Learn a new language using online tools like Duolingo. Learn how to cook from your mom or dad. Read a classic. Be prepared to answer the question, What did you do while you were in quarantine? Colleges may make this an application or supplemental essay question. Let’s be prepared to answer it.
According to Rick Clark, Director of Admissions at Georgia Tech, there will be a “big asterisk around this semester”. He believes colleges and universities will have to be more holistic when looking at a student and depend less on quantitative data like test scores and number grades. Even though there is uncertainty on how college admissions counselors will evaluate applications, the process will remain the same for class of 2021.