The coronavirus is significantly impacting both colleges and students, who are struggling to balance education with staying healthy (both physically and mentally). Classes are being taught online and info sessions/tours are being cancelled. How can students continue to demonstrate their interest in colleges and get a true feel for them? What will happen with accepted students days?
Here are a few tips for managing the college process during this time:
- Use the down time to get organized with your schoolwork
- Brainstorm ideas for projects that can be done at home (writing articles, taking online classes, etc.)
- Email your college representative and let them know if your visit was canceled and what your future plans are (if you are able to determine that, look towards fall if necessary)
- Look for future test dates just in case your scheduled date gets canceled. Plan your test prep accordingly, taking into consideration other activities that will now be happening when you are preparing (rescheduled activities, sports, etc.)
- If you haven’t already, think about who your recommenders might be.
Use the time at home to organize all the information you have about the schools you are interested in. Create a chart that includes the priorities you are looking for in a college. Make sure you leave space for specific comments about each college - this will make comparing the schools easier.
Use the time at home to define and solidify your summer plans. If you haven’t already, make a list of areas of interest that you’d like to explore this summer and do some googling about programs and internships that might be available.
I will be meeting with students over Skype and FaceTime to guide them on how to use this time most effectively so that they can have the strongest application possible, despite the impact of cancellations. There are a lot of parts to the college process and while some of those need to be put on hold for now, there is plenty that can be done to get ahead and put your best foot forward. Remember that everyone is in the same boat - you aren’t falling behind. You can take this opportunity to make great progress. Please let me know if I can help.