COVID-19 & College Applications

Info on how COVID-19 might affect your high school experience as it relates to college applications:

For seniors receiving decisions letters back from colleges:

• Pay close attention to communication from the colleges to which you’ve been admitted.
• College admission officers are still working (many from home), so don’t hesitate to still reach out to them and email them with questions.
• The cancellation of admitted student events and campus visits is difficult; most colleges are replacing those activities with online events like live chats, web panel discussions, and virtual live tours. 
• Many universities have already extended their reply deadline from May 1st to now June 1st, in order to give students more time to make their college decision. Watch for emails from the colleges or contact each school for updates. The National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) has also created a for colleges to report any changes to deposit deadlines and visit opportunities, as well as how to connect with each admissions office: here.  This list is likely to grow as time passes.
• Please carefully read letters and notifications from colleges on how to communicate with them; there are deadlines (many extended) and specific ways in which college wants to be communicated with (e.g. for wait list letters etc)
• As you are notified of college acceptance and financial aid, it's common for questions to arise. If you have questions about a financial aid package, don't hesitate to contact the college; though I’m not an expert in this particular realm, I have heard of negotiations on financial aid packages in the past or clarifications on how schools calculate their need. Here are some other resources which may help: Accepting Financial Aid, How to Break Down Financial Aid Award Letters, and Award Comparison Worksheet.

AP and SAT/ACT Exams:

• AP exams will be truncated to cover less material and offering an in-home exam.  Please continue to study for exams!
• College board has put together additional resources to supplement any online instruction students may still be receiving from high school: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/coronavirus-updates#free-ap-classes
• Khan Academy also has a bunch of resources: https://www.khanacademy.org/about/blog/post/163503591115/khan-academy-is-the-official-practice-partner-for
• Updates on AP exams/program from college board will be here: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap/news-changes/coronavirus-update
• SATs: cancellation for May subject tests are official; it is possible and likely that June exams will also be cancelled; we are awaiting news on if additional exams will be offered in the summer time https://www.collegeboard.org/releases/2020/college-board-cancels-may-sat-response-coronavirus?fbclid=IwAR1-gLDmv9bVgL94tgkyAM9XU3c_nIcdw82v641vq_7qvg05iOVhqwHGTQA
• ACT: exams have been postponed from April to June for now http://leadershipblog.act.org/?_ga=2.159268410.1898909573.1584994722-1635057728.1584994722

College visits:

• Most admissions offices are closed to gatherings (tours, admit days, open houses, etc) and most schools are closed for in-person classes as well.
• There are a few other resources to get a feel for specific college campuses especially as you're deciding where to apply (or choosing where to attend): https://www.youvisit.com/ is one option.
• Don't hesitate to reach out to colleges if you have specific questions; many colleges also have photos and videos of their campuses on their websites; and you can always do a google image search (insight into dorms is easily found here!)