What Does COVID-19 Mean For College Admissions This Year?
Coronavirus has changed everything. College admissions is no exception.
In all likelihood, you haven't had a chance to take the SAT/ACT and are wondering if you still should. I bet you're also wondering what to make of this upcoming college admissions cycle, which promises to be the most bizarre in history.
Without the usual barometers of student credentials and capabilities, the SAT/ACT score and a real GPA, colleges are going to need to reinvent the admissions process:
What can this mean for seniors?
This the year where applications and GPA are EVERYTHING and done right you can “sneak into Harvard.”
-The potential to get into schools that may have once been a reach, and to get rejected by those that were once a sure thing
Due to the pandemic, many colleges have been struggling to retain current students. Who wants to pay in-person prices for Zoom calls in their parents’ basement, right? It’s only natural that this institutional economic uncertainty will affect admissions decisions for this year’s seniors, perhaps in your favor.
-The personal statement and supplemental essays will be even more important
Without standardized test scores and GPAs, admissions counselors will rely more heavily on your essays as they decide whether or not you’re an applicant they’d like to admit. Even if you’re unsure if you’ll have another chance to take the SAT or ACT again, your personal statement and supplemental essays aren’t going anywhere. We recommend starting on them soon!
-Opportunities to interview and visit will likely be virtual
Most colleges are not allowing in-person tours this year, but colleges still want to know you’re interested enough in them to visit. In the past, the travel required for college visits meant they could get both time consuming and expensive. This year, all you need is a laptop and an internet connection!
-The benefits of applying EA and ED, already substantial, will become even more pronounced.
If you are considering highly selective institutions, applying early may be part of your strategy. The economic uncertainty I mentioned before means that early applicants may see boosted acceptance rates as colleges scramble to lock down paying customers.
Want to learn more about how you can sneak into Harvard?
I am offering a limited number of free consultations where I will walk you and a parent through what’s ahead and talk strategy.
If you are serious about taking control of your academic future, I want to work with you!
Schedule your call with me here!