Post-high school planning for many students includes preparing for college admissions requirements.
Families across the nation and even internationally often start this process years in advance. Traditionally,
high school attendees have worked with their guidance counselors and teachers to focus on their futures
by selecting the best classes, taking entrance exams, and preparing financially.
The college admissions process ran like a well-oiled machine for most secondary schools and higher
learning institutions until the Covid-19 pandemic ravaged this system, quickly turning it upside down. All
parties have had to quickly adapt to the changing college admissions landscape.
With all of these changes, it can be extremely helpful to have the assistance of a professional college
planner through College Assurity. Our caring and knowledgeable staff are continually staying on top of
the latest admissions trends and requirements so that we can provide the best guidance to help your
student get accepted into the best school possible.
Today, we are going to take a look at the current college admissions landscape and provide some advice
for navigating the application and acceptance process in the era of Covid-19
PRE-ADMISSIONS TESTING
Before the Coronavirus pandemic arrived on the scene, pre-admissions testing, such as the SAT and ACT
were standard practice for those students looking to apply to college. Colleges relied heavily on these
scores to help determine acceptances, wait-listed students, and financial aid/scholarship packages.
In current times, many students have not even had access to take these exams due to pandemic related
cancellations. In light of this fact, a vast number of colleges and universities have made the standardized
testing requirement optional as part of their application process. Some high learning institutions have
even instituted a test-blind policy, meaning that even if a student does submit scores, they will not be
looked at and taken into consideration.
These new policies can be good for students who had tests canceled or perhaps didn’t score as well as
they wished. However, the challenge becomes creating applications that stand out in other ways.
Attention will turn to the class selection and grades in high school coursework. Things like letters of
recommendation, community service involvement, extracurricular activities, personal admissions
interviews and your essay will take precedence.
It can certainly require careful thought and planning to prepare to shine in all of these areas, and a college
the planner can be a vital asset in navigating this world; from planning class schedules to practicing
interviewing.
FINANCIAL AID
Another area a qualified college planner can assist in is getting financial aid. The Covid-19 pandemic has
caused many families undue financial hardships that make affording college seem like an impossibility.
When families submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), their financial aid
qualifications are based on tax returns from two years prior. In many cases, this income information is no
longer accurate due to pandemic related job cutbacks.
When seeking monetary assistance for higher education, it is important to keep the mindset of “ask and
you shall receive.” Many universities are mindful of the economic impact the pandemic has had on
families across all socioeconomic strata. If this is the situation you fall into, a simple appeal to your
college choices explaining your situation can often net additional aid and scholarships.
In the midst of this pandemic, many universities are seeing declining enrollment and open spots in their
incoming freshmen classes. They understand that unfilled student’s slots mean lost revenue for them.
Therefore, providing some extra financial assistance can be a win-win situation for the college and
potential students.
STUDENT ADVICE
As mentioned above, with many colleges waiving testing requirements, students need to find other ways
to stand out from the crowd in a sea of applicants. Employing the services of a college planner from
College Assurity can be a fantastic way to ensure that your application package gets noticed.
Our college planners suggest researching your ideal schools early so that you understand what they are
looking for in applicants. Also, take the time to think out of the box when it comes to ways of garnering
the attention of admissions counselors. Obviously, having an excellent academic record is key, but
colleges and universities like to see well-rounded students who will contribute to their college
community.
Many extra-curricular activities have been put on hold, but you can still engage in activities that will get
you noticed, such as serving your community, documenting your pandemic journey in words or photos, or
finding creative outlets through a social media presence.
ACCEPTANCE
With the waiving of required standardized testing, and at times even admissions fees, we encourage all
prospective college students to apply to schools they are interested in that may have potentially been out
of reach due to this requirement. The pandemic induced changes in the college admissions process has
become an open door for more students than ever before to shine based on more than just ACT or SAT
scores.
We should mention that if you care to include your testing data, many schools will still consider these
scores for admissions if you desire. It appears that more testing locations will be reopening this Spring
and into Summer 2021.
If you are looking for direction and guidance as you pursue the path to admission into your ideal college
or university program, the professional and knowledgeable College Assurity staff is ready and waiting to
guide you.
We invite you to attend a “Free” online workshop “How to Strategically Position for College Acceptance
during the COVID-19 Pandemic”
Topics include:
● How I spent My Covid-19 Staycation – Common Application Essay
● How Social Media can hurt your Student during the Pandemic
● What impresses college admissions officers, soft or hard factors?
● Advantages/Disadvantage for students taking a gap year?
● Why you should take SAT/ACT
● How to receive “FREE” Money regardless of Income or Assets
When: on March 16th, 18th, 20 th , and 23rd, 2021
Time: 6pm – 7pm
You must register online at www.collegeassurity.com/workshop/