Covid-19 has brought us to face-to-face with an uncertain future—one that not even college can bring assurances of security to.
For those whose families have held on to their health and some economic stability, the experience has been surreal. The disruption to our communities and the entirely virtual nature of our connection to others feels like a state of suspension. It seems that we’re just waiting for things to return to normal, and then we can resume our normal pace and activities.
Unfortunately, we can’t just wait. Time is slipping by. For the high schoolers who will be seniors in the fall, application season is coming up quickly.
So let’s have a reality check. I’d offer up some questions that might act as benchmarks for juniors at this point in the year:
Do you have a running list of colleges you’re considering? By now, you’ll want at least three schools you’re virtually certain you’ll apply to so that you can start to learn about their individual requirements as well as the platforms (e.g., the Common App) that you’ll apply through.
Have you connected with the regional admissions counselors at the top schools on your list? This year more than ever, with all of the changes in how colleges will view grades and test scores, it’s important that they know who you are before you apply.
Do you know whom you’ll approach for letters of recommendation? Generally speaking, most private colleges with competitive admissions processes require letters from teachers in two core academic subjects and one counselor. You’ll want to ask them near the end of the school year, and provide them with a brag sheet or cover letter so that they have plenty of material to work with.
Do you have a study plan for APs and the SAT/ACT in the fall? While many colleges are adopting a test-optional policy at least temporarily, it doesn’t mean that colleges will discount scores that applicants submit—in fact, strong scores may carry more weight than ever. If you think that, with a little effort, you could do reasonably well, it may be worth your time. All that said, the SAT has already been canceled in June, and it’s not likely the ACT will go forward this summer, so how will you map out your time in late summer, when senior year is starting up and you have college applications to complete?
Are you thinking about what you’ll write about in your college essays? I’m encouraging students to get started on the writing process a little early this year. It’s one of the things you can do while sheltering in place, and it’s something you’re going to want to be ahead of the curve on once social-distancing restrictions ease up. If you need help getting started, check out this free Teen LAUNCH program.
On that subject, do you know how you’ll answer the question, “What have you done with your time while sheltering in place?” when admissions readers ask? Whether they ask you directly or pose the question while reviewing your application this fall, I can assure you it will be at the forefront of their minds this fall.
Two suggestions here: start laying out alternate summer plans where you can gain meaningful experience from your own home, and ask yourself some questions about what it means to be living through this moment in history.
I hope you’re already beginning to ramp up some momentum! Please feel free to leave any questions below.