Most Frequently Asked Questions about College Admissions During CoVID-19

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This afternoon I sat down with Dr. Cynthia Colon to discuss ways in which Juniors and Seniors can be using this time wisely. Now that the initial shock is wearing off and many of us are coming up for air, how can we best help Sophomores and Juniors navigate the second semester better? 

What should Juniors be doing to prepare? 

Typically, during the second semester of Junior year, Juniors should be focused on three things: (1) standardized tests, (2) AP or IB exams, and (3) building their college list. With many things in flux, where do you start? 

First, start where you are. Many students already got the word that March and April exams would be canceled for the ACT and SAT. But should students be worried since some schools like the UC’s have gone test option for the Class of 2021? Short answer: No. 

If you are applying to a difficult or competitive school, to a competitive program, or coming out of a well-resourced school, you will absolutely want to take these tests and do well. Remember, you are going to be competing against your peers not nationally but against your peers at your school. If some of them have successfully taken their exams for example in February, then that is what you are competing against as difficult as that may be to hear. 

We are getting a lot of questions re: ACT/SAT? Are schools this year going to be requiring it? 

If you are applying to a difficult or competitive school, to a competitive program, or coming out of a well-resourced school, you will absolutely want to take these tests and do well. Remember, you are going to be competing against your peers not nationally but against your peers at your school. If some of them have successfully taken their exams for example in February, then that is what you are competing against as difficult as that may be to hear. 

Who do you recommend taking the SAT/ACT? 

There are several instances where I think taking these tests is necessary. First, are you applying to a competitive school like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, UCLA, or NYU? Then you want to take the tests when they become available. At the end of the day, scores are a necessary part of what schools look at when they evaluate whether you are qualified for the rigor of the school. After they assess whether you qualify based on numbers, they then look at your overall qualities as a student--your EQ [the emotional quotient]. This is where the essay and your afterschool activities are so important. 

Second, are you looking to improve your numbers? I have worked with several kids that had to take a leave of absence for health or family reasons. The numbers absolutely matter. So if you want to improve your chances to get into certain colleges because currently your numbers don’t match up--look at these scores. 

Third, is it a competitive program? Who else is applying to your school from across the country? Although you aren’t competing nationally against your peers overall, you are looked at and compared to the peers of your major or program. For those of you applying to engineering or hotel school programs, remember, it’s the class of applicants. 

Finally, how competitive was your high school, and did you take advantage of the resources of the school? Were you sitting on the sidelines or were you able to take plenty of AP’s? Many high schools have up to 25 different AP classes while some high schools only offer 4-5 AP classes. The college takes these disparities into account. 

If any of these scenarios apply, then unfortunately you are not off the hook!?

What should kids be doing about college tours? 

There are plenty of alternatives to in-person tours, predominantly doing research on schools to build your college list through CollegeBoard.com, virtual tours. Dr. Cynthia Colon, suggests calling up a school to schedule a phone call with admissions or even a current student. 

What do you recommend for Seniors who are struggling to choose between two schools? And there is obviously no in-person touring?

You want to lay out a set of pros/cons. See the video below for one option on how to create a comprehensive checklist. 

What patterns are you seeing regarding Fall deposits? 

Many of the most competitive colleges are NOT pushing back their deposit dates even with the current financial climate. Make sure to look at your acceptance letters to determine the acceptance and deposit date. 

If your financial position has changed as it has for many in today’s climate, contact the admissions office for options and payment plans.