The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Conference is the largest conference focused on college admissions where educators and advisors gather to discuss news and trends in the college admissions world. Since LogicPrep is a proud member of NACAC, we attend each year to learn about developments in the world of higher education. We were particularly excited to participate (virtually, of course) this year, as there have been so many changes due to the Coronavirus pandemic. We have our top three takeaways below!
How to Address COVID on Your College Application
The short answer? Unless you have a very compelling reason for answering the COVID-19 Common App question, don’t fill it out. And unless you have a unique experience to share, don’t write about the pandemic in your main essay.
In a presentation by Common App, they specifically mentioned that this question was made optional on purpose and is limited to 250 characters. It is not meant to be an essay necessarily-- but provides some students an opportunity to explain how their life was altered during this time. Similarly, there is a question for your school’s guidance counselors or advisors to discuss grading scales, policies, graduation requirements, how your school is operating, etc, so you don’t need to discuss these factors in your application yourself. Note: it’s always a good idea to check in with your guidance counselor or advisor to be sure they are filling this in!
One Admissions Officer from Tulane University recommended asking yourself these questions if you’re considering either responding to the Common App’s COVID-19 question or mentioning COVID-19 in your essays:
Are my experiences different from others?
If the answer is really yes, then it might be a good idea to use the COVID-19 Common App question to explain how your experience differed.
Am I aware of my privileges?
Be self-aware. Understand that many students have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
Am I complaining or explaining?
Did you take some school off because your parents lost their jobs, and you had to work and then you struggled with mental health? This is a compelling reason to respond to the question or consider writing about this experience in an essay. But be sure to explain, not complain.
Am I being specific?
If you do choose to respond, be sure to be specific and clear about how you were affected.
Am I being repetitive?
Guidance counselors will have an opportunity to mention how your school is handling the pandemic, so do not use the Common App question or an essay to explain the changes to your academic situation.
If you’re still unsure if responding to the COVID-19 Common App question or writing about the pandemic in your main essays, we’d be happy to help. Just reach out to get started.
The Importance of Demonstrated Interest
For colleges and universities who value it, demonstrated interest is more important than ever. While campus visits were one major way of showing interest in the past, that, of course, isn’t an option this year. So what are some ways you can make sure colleges know you’re serious about them? Admissions Officers from Tulane University, Bowdoin College, and the University of Southern California weighed in:
Attend virtual events
Colleges are tracking participants, just like they would if you were visiting campus! Does a college you’re interested in offer Q&As with Admissions Officers? Be sure to attend. Because options are now available in your own home, colleges expect that students take advantage of them.
Write a compelling “Why College X” essay
Show your genuine interest by taking the time to write a thoughtful essay about why you’d like to attend College X. An Admissions Officer from Tulane University mentioned a unique idea: connect with a current student to help develop this essay and then mention the name of that student in your essay. This will show the college that you’re already engaging with the community-- which is a huge plus.
Complete an interview
While interviews are typically optional, this year they absolutely should be done. In these interviews, you might be asked something like: “As a rising high school senior, 2020 has thrown so many big issues at you-- how are you handling them?” Don’t be afraid to respond honestly; feel free to talk about mental health or racial injustice or share a different opinion. Admissions Officers want to see opinions and perspectives from prospective students. One Admissions Officer said, “I have done 400-500 interviews, and not one has reflected poorly on a student.”
Take advantage of other application opportunities
One Bowdoin Admissions Officer mentioned that they have some unique application options available like a spontaneous on-demand video response question. Students can also submit a third letter of recommendation. While these options are specific to Bowdoin, look at what opportunities colleges are offering this year and take advantage of new avenues that you feel they can be additive.
Will Colleges Accept Fewer Students in the 2020 Application Cycle?
We’ve had many families ask us this question, and we came to NACAC hoping to understand whether colleges would be accepting fewer applicants in this cycle due to the class of 2020 opting to defer their admissions until next year. While this answer may not have been completely clear, Admissions Officers were proactive about stating that they are looking at applicants through a different lens this year. They also reminded attendees that they, too, are experiencing the pandemic and are aware of the disruption in testing and grades as well as the mental health strain that this has caused everyone. With this in mind, Admissions Officers will be sympathetic and evaluate applications sensitively and fairly.
While some aspects of the admissions process have changed, much remains the same: colleges continue to seek students who demonstrate academic achievement as well as creativity, compassion, initiative, and impact. There’s also tremendous opportunity to demonstrate these qualities in our current climate. We’re happy to continue supporting students any way we can, so don’t hesitate to reach out today to get started!