College Application Process Changes with COVID

By Madison O'Leary

The last nine months have been stressful for the seniors in the middle of the college application process. I, myself, am one of them. Most of us were unable to go on college tours, give in-person admissions interviews, or submit our standardized test scores. However, many colleges have adapted very well to the current situation, despite how inconvenient it may be. So, here is a list of things that may help seniors make their college admissions decisions:
 

1. Definitely take the time to check out the colleges’ virtual tours. Almost all of the schools that I’m applying to set up campus overview videos for potential applicants to view at their leisure. The virtual tours show the full campus layouts and some are even interactive. Just visualizing myself at some of the schools really helped me decide whether I wanted to pursue the application process, saving me time and money.
2. If the school of your choice has virtual information panels, it’s worthwhile to attend. Hearing the perspectives of college admissions directors and current students is usually helpful. These panels are a great way to truly learn about the schools you’re interested in, and it’s helpful to figure out what a college looks for in its applicants.
3. If the colleges you want to apply to offer admissions interviews, definitely do them. Over the summer, I set up my first interview with one of the universities that I’m applying to, and it helped me decide that I really wanted to pursue that school. Giving an interview is also a great way to show schools that you’re serious about applying--demonstrated interest is key in the college application process. Plus, the interviews aren’t meant to be stressful--mine was more of a conversation between me and the admissions director, and I actually really enjoyed myself.
4. ALWAYS TRIPLE CHECK THE INFORMATION ON YOUR APPLICATION. Applying online leaves room for many more errors--unfortunately, I had to learn this the hard way. I accidentally wrote down the wrong GPA-scale on my application, and I submitted it to three schools. It was okay, though, because I caught the error immediately, and I contacted the admissions office with the correct information. It can be overwhelming to use the common application website, so make sure you ask for help and have someone read over your information before you press the submit button.

 
I also conducted an interview with Anushka Rajmohan, a fellow senior, to get her perspective on the application process for this year:
 
Q: What has your experience been applying to colleges during COVID? How did you research the schools you’re applying to?
 
A: I think the college experience is generally stressful for kids, especially having heard that from my older brother, but it was definitely much more stressful and confusing with our new situation. I had researched a lot online about my colleges, and had talked to people who have gone to the schools/going to the schools, but it felt like a whole new ball game since the application process and admissions statistics will be very different this year.
 
Q: Did you take virtual tours of the different schools? Did doing so help you make any decisions?

A: I took virtual tours for my top schools, and I don’t think it was enough to replace a real tour, but I was definitely impressed by the adaptability of the colleges and how fast they were able to adapt to the virtual scene. The tours helped too because I could talk to and just observe some of the students already going to the colleges. It also helped to get a feel of what kind of college it is, not just academically but socially, as well. 
 
The college process is definitely more stressful than it usually is, but researching and getting organized helps relieve a lot of that anxiety. In the next few months, the admissions decisions will be out, and we will all be done. Just try to take a deep breath and remember that everything will work out the way it is supposed to happen. Good luck! 

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