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The Coronavirus and College Admission Update
Homeschoolers, and families that are forced homeschoolers, are faced with canceled college admission tests and colleges have closed their campuses and canceled college visits. Colleges are struggling to adapt the normal application process in these unusual times.
Times are strange and unprecedented right now. Everyone is in the same boat - much confusion and an unknown future. Public and private high schools have stopped for a couple of months (and many for the remainder of the year), some have changed their policies to allow pass/fail grades that will give credit to the student, and, much of the online learning has been fraught with limited success, at best. In addition, students are having trouble reaching their guidance counselors and high school staff, which means, they likely don't understand the process of admission and are having trouble going through that process.
So. What can you expect with all of these changes happening around the world of college admissions?
Here is what we know right now.
Coronavirus Covid-19 Response and 11th Graders
* expect flexible test options
* expect flexible requirements for admission
* expect more personalize holistic assessment of applications
* fewer in-person college visits
* more college engagement on social media
* expect online visits
* look for colleges closer to home
* expect flexible deadlines for admission
* expect most incoming students to have financial need
* consider a possible gap year
Read more information on how your student can demonstrate college interest online in my blog post, 39 Ways to Deomonstrate Interest in a College and Maximize Scholarships.
Coronavirus Covid-19 Response and 12th Graders
* expect colleges to extend their admission reply date
* consider requesting a Financial Aid Appeal from Financial Aid Office
* consider requesting a deferral to postpone your admission decision
* expect most incoming students to have financial need
* consider accepting a college offer close to home
* be patient as registration and orientation are delayed
* it's possible college classes may not be on campus at first * colleges may have social distancing with smaller or online classes
* consider a gap year if college in unaffordable at this time
More than ever, Gap Year's might be a helpful transition into college. Read more information about taking a Gap Year in my article, Gap Year: Time Off for Good Behavior.
If you need help guiding your student through the college admission process, my free Master Class will give you a play-by-play plan on how to enable your teen to succeed in the college application and launch process. Each session highlights common challenges you will meet at every stage of the launch process, then gives you precise solutions so you can spend less time trying to find answers and more time enjoying the final few years of your homeschooling career.
In my free Master Class, you'll find:
The HomeScholar College and Launch Master Class
Session 1: The 5 Fundamentals of College and Launch
Session 2: The 10 C's of College and Career Success
Session 3: Fears and Tears, Cheers, or Wet-Behind-the-Ears
Session 4: How to Be Your Child's Best College Coach
This Master Class is free and fun for parents and teens. Originally intended for homeschool families, it's a perfect fit for parents suddenly and unexpectedly homeschooling, perhaps against their will.
This class is perfect when a guidance counselor is not available, and parents suddenly realize they are it - the only guidance counselor available.
Click here for this instant access to my free Master Class!
We're all in this together! Hang in there - things are bound to turn around soon.
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Comments 4
Everything seems to be on hold for my graduating senior. The idea of a gap year had occurred to me but what does that even look like right now. When I think of a gap year I think travel/missions... that seems unlikely for my senior in this current climate. So, what did you mean by gap year?
Hi Jaime! A gap year can be doing anything helpful, not just missions or travel. So working as an essential worker totally would count. Some people have mentioned working to earn income for the family, and other important crisis-related jobs. If you are thinking about a gap year, talk to the college that has offered you admission, see if they can hold admission and scholarships until a later date, and then ask about various opportunities that might be OK for a gap year. Just remember that it's unlikely you would be allowed to take online college classes at a different college or university, even a community college, during a gap year. That's generally considered NOT a gap year activity. In this unusual time, though, it's hard to say what YOUR college might think is a great idea.
Blessings,
Lee
What a blessing to see your name today Ann! I'm so glad your family is safe and healthy. Thanks for your encouragement again, after all these years. I think of you often. Stay safe, Ann!
hi Lee!
Ann from CT here. This article caught my eye. Unbelievable times!!!
My two youngest sons are working from home during this crisis. My son, the pianist, is a CPA, working very hard during tax season, even under these circumstances. His younger brother is a video content creator for an engineering firm that makes lights and equipment for emergency vehicles. My oldest son, the engineer, has lived in CA for four years, on the job because his company msnufactures machines involved in food industry. Hard to believe it's 11 years since I discovered you and worked with you to navigate college admission for all three! Happy to see your business thriving! Please take care, and stay safe and healthy! God bless you and yours! Ann in CT