How COVID19 Has Changed College Admission Process for Students

Since the rise of COVID19, people have started facing many changes in their life and struggling with the uncertainties this pandemic has brought upon the whole world. While many people are trying to fight this off by following basic rules like social distancing and wearing a mask when they leave the house, there still seems to be a persistent growth in the number of cases worldwide.

This has caused students a lot of stress, as many educational institutes have switched to the virtual model or online teaching. While some students may be comfortable with it, students who want to apply for colleges are having a tough time deciding what to do as COVID19 has caused some major changes in the admission process.

If you’re a student trying to enroll for a semester at college and uncertain about what to expect while applying, read further below to find out how this pandemic has severely impacted the admission process. This way, you will know how to apply properly and what you need to do to avoid inconvenience and prepare for the process.

1.    No Standardized Testing Anymore?

If you’re familiar with standardized testing like SAT and ACT, you should know that it’s the College Board that oversees these tests. But, since the emergence of COVID19, the College Board has put a halt on all tests and is considering starting online testing soon or allowing students to give the test in person once the situation settles down.

The Washington Post reported that nearly one million high school students are missing the chance this spring to get their first SAT score. Moreover, many others are uncertain about when they can take the ACT. Considering these decisions from the College Board, many universities are not asking students to submit their test scores, especially those who have been impacted by this decision.

2.    Limited Seats for International Students

Every year international students seek admissions in top tier universities like Harvard, Princeton, and many others. However, COVID19 has made it hard for international students to travel to other countries and attend college due to different travel bans. Many international students also feel that their universities may not be taking the necessary precautions. Hence students and their families are still debating whether or not it is the right time to go abroad for studies.

3.    Financial Uncertainties

COVID19 has put many people out of work due to poor economic conditions. It has forced many businesses to shut their doors or terminate employees. The closure of businesses, social distancing guidelines, and the lockdown situation all have forced people to stay indoors.

This has put many families under stress as they aren’t able to finance their children’s education, and paying for college fees isn’t a joke. Not to mention, parents invest hundreds of thousands of dollars, and it is even more expensive for international students. Due to the lack of financial stability, unfortunately, many students are unable to apply to their desired college or even opt for scholarships.

4.    More Emphasis on Extracurricular Activities

As students are not able to take standardized tests, colleges and universities will keep a lookout on the other skills the student has. Moreover, extracurricular activities you take part in will be a key factor the admission officer will look at in your application.

Hence, colleges have been advising students to take online courses and also participate in extracurricular activities, which some students may find hard to do during the pandemic. But you can take part in many extracurricular activities from the comfort of your home; all you have to do is find the right one. This gives colleges the chance to see how creative the applicant is and how they are impacting their communities during this challenging and uncertain time. So, work on refining your skills and actively participate in different activities while following the safety guidelines.

Takeaway

These are some major changes in the college admission process that are quite stressful for students, but it’s time, and students must adapt to these changes. You never know this might be a permanent change. There’s no point in stressing out yourself; if you’re eligible to get the admission, you’ll get it. Your part is to work hard by preparing for the admission process and carrying out some research before applying to your dream college. Make sure to read the revised admission policies and new rules and regulations.

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