In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world feels as though it has been completely shut down, and future college students might wonder whether the coronavirus pandemic will affect college admissions and their chance of attending an institution of higher learning. The most immediate and noticeable impact on colleges from the pandemic has been the cessation of on-campus classes for most of the country’s colleges and universities.
In just a few weeks, online classes and distance education has become the norm rather than the exception. However, will the spring’s empty classrooms lead to empty classrooms in the fall, too? Will colleges stop accepting applications for admission due to the pandemic? High school seniors are already facing the loss of their graduation ceremony and annual prom. Will they miss the chance to attend college in the fall, too?
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The Terrible Timing of the Coronavirus Pandemic
According to an article published by National Public Radio (NPR), the timing of the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption to public life has come at a terrible time for college admissions. A representative from Oregon State University told NPR that March and April would usually see the college send out acceptances and denials, but those timelines have been upended by the pandemic.
The NPR report suggested that, as of the date of publication on March 22, there was a growing number of people advocating for relaxed application deadlines. Summer deadlines could see other requirements changed, too, for tuition deposits, housing deposits, and financial aid applications.
High School Transcripts May Impact College Admissions
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted more than just the admissions staff members at the nation’s colleges and universities. High schools, too, have been dramatically impacted by closures, the implementation of online classes, and the prospect of delayed graduations.
Two of the essential components of a college application are proof of high school graduation and an official transcript. Delayed graduation could put a student’s application status in jeopardy. Students may need to make alternative arrangements with their college to ensure they can enroll on time for the fall.
The Fate of Standardized Tests During Coronavirus
The SAT, ACT, and GRE have long been staples of the standard college application in the United States. However, they have been falling out of favor in some circles due to questions about their efficacy and usefulness in the college admissions process. The coronavirus has impacted their very existence.
According to details shared by The Sacramento Bee, college-entry exams that include the ACT and SAT have been canceled in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of mid-March, the College Board canceled its May test and also canceled a March make-up exam. The company responsible for administering the ACT delayed its test until June, but that date could change again.
Navigating College Admissions During the Coronavirus
Getting in touch with college admissions departments could prove challenging, but the National Association for College Admission Counseling has a helpful tool for determining whether a particular school is open for admissions or has changed its deadlines.
Concluding Thoughts
With the coronavirus pandemic in full swing, many future college students may find the college admissions process very confusing. Schools have already taken drastic steps to delay the spread of the virus, and those steps have already impacted the admissions process for many schools around the country.
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