How To Move Forward With College Planning During The COVID-19 Outbreak - Part 1
You may be asking yourself how the spread of the Coronavirus affects your college-bound Junior or Senior in high school. So, I wanted to share with you the latest news I’ve gathered from my fellow colleagues, college admissions officers, and high school counselors, so that you can continue to move forward with your college planning, prep, and exploration!
COLLEGE VISITS AND EXPLORATION
Many of you were planning to visit colleges during Spring Break for info sessions and tours, but they've been cancelled, so what can you do to further explore the colleges on your list?
1. Colleges have been busy producing and uploading new videos with virtual campus visits and department tours, info sessions, live chats, and Q&A sessions which can be found on the school's website as well as their admissions office social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
2. There are many other online resources where you can explore colleges and gain some insight into the “campus vibe” through tours, interviews, and student reviews. Please keep in mind some of these were created by students who opt to focus on a particular aspect of a college/university and are based on their personal experience or opinion.
• https://www.youniversitytv.com
• Google Map Street View - Take virtual walks on the streets of the campus and surrounding town. Just drop “little Google guy” on a street corner and explore!
3. Reach out to recent graduates from your high school who are currently attending colleges that you are interested in. They are most likely back home and would love the opportunity to talk about their experience. If you don’t know anyone, email your HS counselor and ask if he/she would be willing to connect you with someone via email, phone or virtually.
4. Contact your college admissions rep at the colleges you are interested in and ask if they could connect you with a current student and/or a professor (in a particular academic department.) This is another way to demonstrate interest at colleges (since you can’t visit.) Speaking of demonstrated interest, there are many other ways to do this like signing up for more info on their website, following the school on social media, etc.
5. Read through the core curriculum requirements on a college’s website as well as your intended major (if you know this already). You can see what type of classes you will be expected to take (some will even provide a 4 year academic plan.)
6. Check out online campus newspapers to see what issues students may be facing on campus (something you wouldn’t necessarily see on a college website.)
7. If you are interested in playing a sport, check out their team roster to see how many students will be graduating (leaving a spot open on the team) and reach out to the coach to express your interest.
College Admissions -The Rules Keep Changing
Here’s an UPDATE on how the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the admissions process and calendar! Please keep in mind this is as of today (March 16, 2020) and changes are taking place daily!
ENROLLMENT DEADLINES (Seniors)
As of Sunday, over 3 dozen institutions have pushed their deposit deadline by a month (June 1st) and the list is growing! If your college hasn’t announced moving their enrollment/deposit deadline to June 1, email your college admissions rep to ask (I’m hearing some are telling students, YES even though it's not posted yet!)
STANDARDIZED TESTING (Juniors)
• As of today, the ACT has rescheduled its April 4th Test date to June 13th across the U.S. (you should receive an email with instructions). And as you may already know, College Board has cancelled the May 2nd Test date (see their website for instructions to reschedule)
• How will this affect colleges who require standardized tests for admissions? Again, this will unfold over the coming weeks, BUT here are some of the conversations happening right now. There will most likely be test dates added throughout the Summer and Fall, the deadlines for score reports will most likely be moved to a later date, many colleges may only require self-reported scores (followed up with official scores), some colleges might decide to go test optional for this next batch of applicants!
AP Exams
The AP Program is finalizing streamlined AP Exam options that would allow students to test at home, depending on the situation in May. More details will be announced by March 20th.
OTHER WAYS TO USE YOUR TIME DURING SPRING BREAK AND DOWN TIME IN BETWEEN LESSONS.
Learn a New Skill
• This is a great time to learn a new skill (maybe it’s coding or learning a new language, an instrument, cooking, or other life skills), or learn more about a topic of interest or just catch up on some great books! Colleges will be interested to know how you used your time during the Covid-19 pandemic.
College Essay Writing
• The Common App essay prompts will be the same as last year, so you can brainstorm on your Common App Essay and start to write your first draft. Imagine how good it would feel, if you got this done early! J https://www.commonapp.org/apply/essay-prompts
The Common Application
• If you haven't already created a profile on the Common App, do so, and start to explore how to use it! Did you know you can complete all your personal info, add colleges, and complete your activities section and it will all roll over when the Common App opens in August 2020?
• Did you realize colleges are aware when you add their school on your Common App list of considerations and opt in on receiving communication and updates from the school (just another way to stay informed and demonstrate interest).
Creating Your Resume
• This is a great time to craft your resume, which can be used for your college application, summer programs, internships, scholarships, and/or summer jobs!
Create an Online Portfolio, a Blog, and/or LinkedIn Profile
• Although the Common App has removed your ability to upload any documents or videos in the Additional Information section, there are ways to share your online presence with admissions. I can provide some creative tips, free portfolio websites, and guidance on how to create and share your story or special talent.
