Summary:
• The article describes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college admissions for high school seniors.
• It highlights both the challenges and opportunities that have arisen due to the global health crisis.
• Colleges are now having to make decisions about their fall 2020 classes, which could have long-term consequences for students and universities.
Impact of COVID-19 on College Admissions
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a drastic impact on college admissions in 2020, particularly for high school seniors who were preparing to apply to colleges this year. The current circumstances have presented both challenges and opportunities for prospective college students.
Challenges Faced by Students
The sudden switch to online learning caused by the pandemic has left many students scrambling as they try to adapt to a new form of education. Furthermore, many extracurricular activities have been put on hold or cancelled altogether, making it difficult for students to demonstrate their involvement outside of school. In addition, the lack of standardized testing opportunities due to closures of testing centers has made it more difficult for applicants to take necessary tests such as SATs or ACTs in order to be considered for admission into certain colleges and universities.
Opportunities For Prospective College Students
At the same time, some universities are loosening their requirements when it comes to standardized tests, allowing potential students greater flexibility when applying. Additionally, schools are becoming more understanding of how extracurricular activities may be affected by the pandemic and are instead focusing on what individual students can bring academically or through virtual experiences instead. Finally, some colleges are even offering additional scholarships specifically geared towards helping those affected by COVID-19 pay tuition costs or other associated expenses.
Consequences For Colleges & Universities
Colleges must now make important decisions about opening up campuses in the fall semester while also taking into account student safety concerns and financial viability as well as changes in enrollment numbers due to COVID-19 impacts. It is likely that whatever course of action is decided upon will have long term consequences not just for individual universities but also for entire sectors within higher education across America.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although there are many challenges associated with navigating college applications during this period of uncertainty caused by the pandemic, there are also various opportunities available that can help potential college attendees achieve their academic goals despite these unique hurdles they may face along the way.