These are uncertain times for all of us to be sure. High school students, especially current juniors / rising seniors, are especially anxious. As of this writing, many high schools across the country have gone exclusively to online learning or non-traditional instruction, many closing their doors for the remainder of the school year. Students in the class of 2021 are wondering what kind of impact this will have on their upcoming college applications. Counselors at The College Project are working diligently to provide some answers in an ever changing environment.
Concerns About Grades
Classroom performance (GPA) has always been the most important factor in determining a student’s ability to succeed at the next level. It’s no wonder why students might be concerned about how this semester’s grades will affect their chances of being accepted to their top college choices. Most high schools across the country are currently making difficult decisions in regards to their current grading system. Can they continue grading as usual or allow some leniency given the circumstances? Possibly even go to a pass / fail system? Just as high school administrations are scrambling to come up with viable solutions, college admissions offices are also debating how they should treat this semester when they review a student’s transcript. At this point, it looks as if the admissions offices will place more weight on the first semester and assume, given normal circumstances, that the student would have maintained similar grades. Regardless of how each specific school handles it, know that all admissions offices are cognizant of the current situation and will factor that into their decision.
Standardized Tests
There have been some recent changes to both the ACT and SAT. The tests for April have been canceled and the SAT has also canceled the May test date. Both testing agencies are hoping to have an announcement regarding the June tests soon and will possibly add additional summer tests. With that being said, many colleges that weren’t doing so already have decided to go test optional (standardized tests are accepted but not required) for the upcoming admissions cycle only. While no one knows for sure when things will go back to normal, both the SAT and ACT should be available during the first part of the fall semester, in time to meet most early deadlines.
Extracurricular Activities
Sports seasons, club meetings, community service activities, etc., have been put on hold or come to a screeching halt. As we know, these activities are a great way for students to explore various interests, but they also demonstrate to colleges a student’s involvement outside the classroom. So what happens when students can no longer participate in these activities? Remember that everyone has been affected by this. Activities have stopped for everyone, so all applicants are in the same boat and admissions officers are very aware. Your lack of activities for this semester will not be held against you.
Students should take advantage of this time to get creative and continue to explore other opportunities. This summer could be a great time to create or get involved in community service projects. In the wake of the Coronavirus there may be needs going unmet in their community where they could fill that gap.
College Visits
Many high school juniors had plans to visit selective colleges during spring break. Obviously, that didn’t work out for most of them and rescheduling those visits over the summer may not work out either. So what alternatives are available? Students should continue researching colleges online and take virtual tours through the schools’ websites. Many colleges are offering virtual information sessions that can be taken advantage of by students and their families. We recommend that students reach out to the admissions office at every school they’re interested in and ask what options are available in lieu of an in person visit. Several colleges track “demonstrated interest” and this is the best way to stay on those schools’ radars.
College Applications This Fall
Colleges will not entirely change the way they view a student’s application, but current circumstances will require they take certain things into context that they may not have otherwise. Expect that the admissions offices will be much more flexible with their current guidelines. There are still things students can do to help them stand out:
Keep up with your schoolwork to the best of your ability.
Continue prepping for ACT / SAT.
Stay engaged with admissions officers at your top schools (email, virtual tours and info sessions).
Get creative with extracurricular activities / community service projects.
Begin brainstorming on your main college essay (common app has already released their prompts). https://www.commonapp.org/apply/essay-prompts
Read sample essays: https://apply.jhu.edu/application-process/essays-that-worked/