Applying to College During a Pandemic
This is the zillionth time you’ve heard this, but I’m going to say it again: this pandemic has been difficult. So far, an entire class of high school seniors has gone through a virtual college application process, and we are already heading toward a second cycle. Thinking about this and my own experience applying to college, (spoiler alert: it was an enlightening, frustrating, and time-consuming process, oftentimes at the same time!) I thought it would be timely and beneficial to high school seniors and advisors alike to understand the resources available to them through this very wild journey.
Many colleges have taken the initiative to reach out to students who are applying during the pandemic. Holy Cross’s article, “7 Tips for Applying to College During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” is a great example; it has tangible action items that support applicants at the beginning of their college search. Yale also has a podcast, “Inside the Admissions Office,” which has episodes that describe how Yale’s admission’s office is navigating the difficulties of COVID-19. Finally, the New York Times highlights advice from admissions officers from a variety of U.S. colleges and universities. As you continue to look for colleges to add to your list, I suggest you check if they have their own COVID-19 guides regarding applications to their school or updates to their instruction practices.
As my first year in college wraps up, I am also reflecting on the questions I wish I had asked current students while applying. For one, I should have talked to rising sophomores about their experiences transitioning to remote learning. Not only would I have better understood the challenge of online classes, but it also would reveal something greater: the culture and flexibility of the institution I was entering.
High school students: I encourage you to speak to students who have experienced college during the pandemic. It will give you an insight into how students band together in the face of extreme distress and uncertainty, what environment college communities seek to foster on their campuses, and how willing faculty are to adapt to a different model of teaching. Understanding your colleges’ practices during the pandemic may significantly alter the way you view your school. Uncompromising professors in your department may steer you elsewhere. Or, on the flip side, supportive communities, understanding instructors, and flexible deadlines may just be the deciding factors you think about when looking at various colleges.
Advising Fellows: Matriculate has a wonderful document that highlights the advisor’s side of things. Use it as a resource for empathetic, quality advising; it touches on everything from compassion to adjusting your advising plan according to your High School Fellow’s own COVID living situation. You can also support your HSFs by looking into college policies during COVID-19 and the accommodations that the college may or may not have implemented for its students. Don’t be afraid to use the Matriculate network to find current students at other schools!
As the next admissions cycle comes closer, I hope that colleges, especially Yale, do the right thing and continue to be test-optional for its applicants as more students begin to think about their college options. Putting equity and empathy at the forefront of Matriculate’s work has been essential to navigating this pandemic, and we know it will prove critical as colleges (including Yale) return to in-person proceedings in the fall. Many people’s living situations at the moment are difficult--HSFs should not have to navigate new territory on their own. Matriculate is here as a supporting force for everyone who reaches out--we want nothing more than to alleviate concerns about college applications and matriculation, especially during COVID-19. Information is power, and Matriculate seeks to arm HSFs and AFs with the tools that they need to feel empowered in this process.
One final note for our high school readers: we are readily available for you as Matriculate advisors! If you’re a high school junior/incoming high school senior, we encourage you to apply for Matriculate advising--you may be pleasantly surprised at the results! Or, if you have questions about the college application process or this article, please reach out. My email is lisbette.acosta@yale.edu. I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have.