As COVID-19 has and continues to spread throughout the world, it is evidence that the virus does not discriminate against who it impacts. However, the impact of the virus is felt differently varying by the population. Although adolescents and young adults are less susceptible to COVID-19 when compared to other age groups, their way of life and idea of normalcy has been turned upside down these past few weeks. This has been the case for high school seniors who wish to pursue post-secondary education, but have not yet decided what institution they will attend. 

Throughout the rest of this month, seniors will have to decide what school they will attend next year after having received their admission letters. Normally, for applicants with multiple acceptances, they can count on numerous opportunities to explore their selections in the form of  campus tours and student events to weigh their options and determine where the best fit will be for the coming years.

Given the circumstances, visiting campuses won’t be possible since almost all colleges in the nation have shut down and switched to remote learning. This creates panic for seniors who could not have an in-person connection with the schools they have been admitted to 

In the age of technology, it is important to take advantage of the resources available at home. Colleges are creating or refining virtual campus tours, offering phone and video call appointments that can be made with college counselors for questions and there are media platforms such as college websites and their social networking sites as ways to gather information to make your decision. 

Largely due to the inability to step foot on campus, some colleges have extended their decision deadline to June 1 or beyond to give families time to consider their choices. Some will maintain a May 1 deadline, but it is a fluid time, so they could extend the deadline in the coming weeks. It is also important to note that students can reach out to schools and ask for an extension if the college has not moved its deadline. Families can expect a greater level of flexibility from colleges during this unprecedented time. While discouraged, there is the possibility that families might need to submit deposits to two different schools—one with a May 1 deadline and one with a June 1 deadline—to make sure students have enough time to decide. This is a step to be taken only after asking for an extension.  Additionally, even though the federal tax deadline has been extended to July 15, the extension does not change FAFSA, which is based on the 2018 tax return. However, families who have experienced an unexpected loss in income should contact their student’s schools to file a change in circumstance and ask for a recalculated financial aid award. These families should prepare the correct documentation to appeal and show how their financial circumstances have changed.

Lastly, colleges are also being flexible about test scores and final semester grades. Every aspect of deciding where to enroll for next year is being handled case-by-case, so students are encouraged to reach out to the admissions office or financial aid office that can answer your questions and guide students through the process. Families should advocate for themselves as candidly and directly as possible.

While this has not been voiced out loud by any specific college, it is also a possibility that students, including freshmen, will not be able to attend their classes on campus come fall. If campuses are still off-limits to students in September, this spring’s version of remote learning will not be adequate. Some colleges are preparing (quietly) to deliver better online learning at scale if needed. 

To better serve students and their families, NACAC (the National Association for College Admission Counseling) has created a resource for information about changes in college admission events, deposit dates and more due to COVID-19. The online tool will be linked below for your access. 

We are living in unpredictable times and, ultimately, the decision you make will be the right one in the moment.

https://www.nacacnet.org/college-admission-status-coronavirus