The COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique dilemma for students looking to craft their college list and find the best fit school for them. The good news is that in the weeks following the shift to virtual learning, many colleges have rolled out excellent resources to help students get a sense of their school communities without being physically present on campus. Below are some ways you can get to know colleges without actually visiting campus!
Murilo visits Boston University before campuses shutdown
Virtual Info Sessions
Some schools have been offering Virtual Information Sessions on Zoom, where an admissions officer, sometimes joined by a student, will walk through the structure of the school, the academic opportunities, as well as what the school values in the admissions process. They’ll also share some of the highlights and unique factors of the school, so be sure to take plenty of notes to incorporate in your supplemental essays! This is also a great moment to inquire about what’s on your mind; just make sure the answers to your questions aren’t easily accessible online and reflect a depth of insight and understanding about the school and admissions process.
Virtual Tours
Since college campuses are currently empty, most of the Virtual Tours are prerecorded. Many of them are also accessible through platforms that require a sign-in, like YouVisit, which is a great opportunity to use the same email that you did for the Common App so you show up in the school’s log of demonstrated interest. As you’re touring, ask yourself if this is somewhere you can see yourself living and taking classes. Do you spot a space in the library where you can envision yourself studying for finals? Can you picture yourself gathering in cafes with friends in between classes? How are the facilities on campus for any specific programs (like Engineering) that you’re considering?
YouTube Channels
Watching videos on YouTube, both from the college and from students at the school, is a great way to get a peek into student life! They’ll most likely answer questions about social life, what types of students attend, and how the classes are. If you’re an international student, what is life like for other students coming from abroad at this school? Videos of students also tend to be a little more honest (less salesy) than the information session or tour, so this is a great avenue to get the full picture of the school.
Make It Personal
That said, student life is one of the trickier aspects to gauge remotely, especially without students currently on campus. However, there are a few ways to understand what life is normally like for students:
Get in touch with current students: A number of schools will give you the option to connect with current students through their website. This is a great way to replicate some of the conversations that you might have had with students on campus. There are also plenty of LogicPrep alums at schools all across the country, so let us know if there is a specific intro we can make!
Reach out to professors to learn about their work and research: Many professors are excited to speak about their work and will offer a glimpse into what your academic path at a particular school could look like. If colleges are operating virtually in the fall, some professors may even let you join a Zoom class. Not only will this give you a sense of what the classroom dynamics are like, but it will also enhance your supplemental essays with the opportunity for specific anecdotes and clear direction about your journey.
Read the school’s newspaper online: Even during the pandemic, student newspapers are continuing to run digitally. You can find them online, where they’ll give you a further glimpse into student life, what is top of mind for students, and what is/was happening on campus and online.
Email your representative: Last but not least, you’re always welcome to reach out to your regional admissions officer. They’d love to help you learn more about the school, so if you have any questions that aren’t answered elsewhere, you can definitely email them. We recommend not reaching out to just say “hi” though.
While school visits aren’t currently possible, we hope these suggestions can help you make a decision on where to apply. LogicPrep has worked with thousands of students on the college application process, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you have about particular schools!