College Acceptance
As a result of the pandemic, will it be more easy to get accepted into a school? Let’s go through some tips on how to get accepted during this new-normal.
COVID-19 has changed the college admissions process temporarily and potentially for the long-term. Will it be easier for students to get accepted into college due to these changes? There is not a concrete answer to this question, however, there are several changes to the college admissions process that will make it easier for students. We'll cover the following:
Explaining changes to college admissions for Fall 2021
The aspects of the admissions process analyzed for acceptance into college.
Four tips for getting into college during Fall 2021
Let’s get started!
How has the Coronavirus pandemic has altered the admissions process?
This pandemic has altered the college admissions process for Fall 2020 in some significant ways. Several schools are extending those changes into Fall 2021. To help you get an idea, let's review the facts. The biggest challenge colleges have faced has been the decision for schools to get test-optional for the Fall 2021-2022 admissions cycle, with some colleges choosing to adopt a permanent test-optional policy. Test-optional means that a college won't require you to submit your test scores as part of the admissions process.
Another change in the college admissions process involves international students. International students planning to apply to U.S. colleges will see a significant decrease. According to Brent White, Arizona’s vice provost for global affairs is doing worst-case scenario. “The worst-case scenario is students can’t travel, they can’t get visas, they’re reluctant to come because they want to stay close to home. I think those factors are going to join together to mean that everyone is going to see significant declines in the number of international students,” he said.
Families have seen changes in their financial situation due to the Coronavirus. Many of these families are unable to send college-bound students this year. Many graduates are considering taking a gap year or enter the workforce directly after high school.
In general, these three changes could place Fall 2021 college applicants at an advantage for the admissions process. Let's look at how these changes could play as advantages.
How getting into a college might be easier to get into this year
Before we start, there is a crucial point to remember. We're making educated guesses based on the data and information we have available. Here are three ways students can get into college this year:
Many schools are going test-optional
Universities have adopted a test-optional policy. University of California and Cal Tech are extending the policies into 2021 and beyond. Students who don't submit their scores should not be affected during the admissions process. In other words, at some schools, you can get accepted without submitting your test scores. How will this admission be easy? If you're applying to test-optional schools this fall, you don't have to take the SAT or ACT. You don't have to worry about whether your test scores are high enough or if your scores will prevent you from getting accepted. Keep in mind that test-optional schools may require test scores if you're applying for programs, grants, or scholarships. Make sure you do your research before you decide to skip the tests entirely.
Few students are applying for Fall 2021
This decrease is because international students may find it impossible to travel to the U.S. due to global pandemic, and many students are dealing with financial hardships. If fewer students are applying to schools, admissions officers still hope to admit a new class of freshmen that is comparable in size to those of the past years, it shows that the competitiveness of many schools may decrease next year. Currently, we don't think this change will be universal. Highly competitive schools like MIT, Yale, and Harvard will likely continue to have low acceptance rates. However, state schools or smaller colleges will be less stringent in terms of the application process.
Schools will Accommodate students with extenuating incidents
The fact that colleges and universities are approaching this year's college application process with an open mind is reassuring. Some colleges have chosen to be lenient with paramount aspects of the application process, like AP test scores and senior class grades, to accommodate applicants who have experienced academic issues due to the pandemic. They will be flexible about deadlines for submission of critical documents, including letters of recommendation and official transcripts. For example, the University of California has gone test-optional for 2021, and they're allowing students to start classes without a transcript on file. A transcript must be submitted sometime during the Fall semester. Schools are handling these issues differently. Be sure to check with your school for specific information.
Four tips for applying to a school in Fall 2020
Now that you know what college admissions will be looking at this Fall, you can adjust your application process to take advantage of these changes. Following these five tips can help you navigate this process with ease.
Tip 1: Write Amazing Application Essays
College application essays are paramount to your application. Essays give you a chance to show the person behind the list of accomplishments, test scores, and grades and make a case of why you will be an addition to a school's incoming class of freshmen.
However, if you apply to schools that have chosen to go test-optional this fall, your essays become crucial. Taking away SAT/ACT scores won't hurt your chances of getting admitted. Not including them means colleges will consider other parts of your application even more closely.
Every part of your Fall 2021 college application needs to be great- especially the essay portion. Use your essays an opportunity to advocate how will you succeed academically in creative ways, especially if other parts of your application have been affected by the Coronavirus.
Tip 2: Ask for letters of recommendation at an earlier time
You will likely need letters of recommendation for your applications. It’s crucial to reach out to your teachers as soon as possible. Reaching out early to your teachers' will increase the chances that they'll write thoughtful letters at your request. Like the application essays, letters of recommendation are a very critical part of your application, especially if you don't submit your test scores. If your test scores are absent, these letters can testify to your academic potential and track record as an excellent student.
Tip 3: Provide details of your grades
Students might be worried about how their high school will handle their final grades and GPA during the pandemic. They think that might put them at a disadvantage. Some concerns include a high school's choice to adopt a pass/fail model for Spring 2020. Students should provide a brief explanation on any part of your application that you feel as weak. For example, you might consider how your high school calculated grades during COVID-19 and how that impacted your GPA. Most schools provide additional information space that allows you to explain these circumstances. An honest response will give college admission officers a better sense of how your application has been affected by the Coronavirus.
Tip 4: Work on the Common and Coalition App Personal statements
Plan your statements in a way that will showcase your traits, experiences, or activities. Keep in mind that many students may write about challenges due to Covid-19. Applications (like Common App or Coalition App) have added a special COVID-19 section where you can explain how the pandemic affected your grades, extracurriculars, or other parts of your application. If your app has that space, make sure you limit your discussion of COVID-19 for that section. It's important to start these statements early so you can edit them properly.
The team at Link Educational Institute will keep you up-to-date on any other changes we see on the horizon.
