While most colleges are still figuring out how they will re-calibrate their admissions processes this year, here are are a few takeaways from NPR's article:
- Since SAT and ACT scores are not required, some high schools have switched to pass/fail grades, and most extracurricular activities have been cancelled due to COVID-19, you will need to stand out through your other attributes.
- Recommendation letters and essays will get a closer read.
- Admissions officers will pour over transcripts looking for academic rigor and any patterns that help bear out a student’s academic profile.
- Don’t write 650 words about COVID-19 fatigue. There is a short new question on the Common App where you can write about any extenuating circumstances you have experienced as a result of COVID-19 that are relevant to your application.
- Do your essays and your activities reflect your character?
- Admissions directors are still figuring things out, so requirements will be different from school to school. Visit the websites of schools to see if there are options for virtual tours or interviews. If so, take advantage of them.
Read the full article or listen to the podcast at NPR-How The Coronavirus Has Upended College Admissions
RSS Feed