With COVID-19 throwing much of the world into disarray, you may be wondering how it will affect your college admissions and college application going forward. Take a look at some must-know information here:
Some Schools Changed Decision Deadline
When you receive an acceptance letter to a college, most schools ask that you make your decision by May 1st at the latest. In response to the coronavirus, some colleges and universities are changing that date to June 1st for the Fall 2020 semester. You will have to check with your individual potential schools to see if they moved the date.
ACT and SAT Testing Affected
Many standardized tests (the SAT and ACT) were canceled for the foreseeable future or rescheduled. Students who had already paid the registration fee may be eligible for a refund. We recently covered in-depth how COVID-19 was affecting the ACT and SAT here. You can also see more detailed information about the coronavirus and SAT on the College Board website, and information on the ACT on the ACT website.
Schools Are Offering Virtual Options
March and April are common times for students to make visits to their potential colleges in order to make their final decision regarding which they will attend. However, with social distancing and closed campuses, this is impossible and ill-advised.
In response, colleges and universities are offering virtual options, including virtual tours and freshman orientations. Schools are also giving students the opportunity to talk to professors, faculty, and other staff members to discuss the college in further depth or ask any questions.
What colleges offer varies from school to school, so reach out to your potential colleges to see what virtual options are available to you to help with your decision.
High School Transcripts
With students having their education move almost entirely online, students in high school especially are worrying about the impact it will have on their overall grade. Students may also find it difficult to receive their final transcript to send on to their school.
Each high school is handling this differently, so it’s important to stay in constant contact with your guidance counselor regarding your grades, classes, and graduation.
Contact is a Must
Although you can’t go in-person to guidance counselor offices or visit your potential college, it’s more important than ever to keep in touch with your points of contact both for your high school education and your future college experience. Ask questions now regarding your application, how the admissions process is changing, and how your junior or senior years will be affected. Admission and financial staff are working from home for most colleges, so reach out to them when possible with any questions.
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