High School
University Admissions in the Time of COVID-19 Swati Shrestha, College Counselor
We have all felt the many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic globally to some extent. In the realm of college admission counseling, COVID-19 has turned an already fraught process on its head. Recent graduates have had to be very flexible with future plans, depending on their destination country, their university, and their own comfort level in making a leap during uncertain times. The cancellation of IB exams placed greater importance on internal assessments, coursework, and predicted grades. Embassy closures resulted in cancelled or delayed appointments, interrupting plans to study abroad. Border restrictions have made international travel difficult or impossible. Some students have chosen to take a gap year. For new university students, this is certainly not the first year that anyone could have imagined, whether in person or online. For rising seniors and juniors, research for the college admission process has changed dramatically. In the past, ISB has hosted up to 200 college representatives on campus to speak with our students about their institutions. This year students still have the opportunity to interact with admission counselors – virtually! As of September 25, we have made appointments with over 30 universities to meet with ISB students and families, and many more opportunities open to the general public. Students and parents can access our live and ongoing list of virtual visits at: www.tinyurl.com/isbcollege Standardized testing, such as the SAT and ACT, is another part of the college admission process that has become even more con-
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TOUCHSTONE Issue 1 / 2020-2021
fusing than it already was. Throughout this year, College Board has left the decision up to testing centers as to whether or not they would be holding tests, despite the dangers of congregating large groups of people. Because of this, there has been hugely inequitable access to testing. This has driven more universities than ever to become either test-optional or test-blind. Test-optional means that universities will consider standardized testing if submitted, but because it is not required, not submitting test scores will not negatively affect an application. Test-blind means that universities will not consider standardized test scores at all as part of their application moving forward. Approximately 2/3 of four-year universities in the US – more than 1500 – are now test-optional or test-blind for applicants entering university in Fall 2021. Many will remain test-optional for future admission cycles, according to The National Center for Fair and Open Testing (Fair Test: www.fairtest.org). If so, this could give future college applicants the time to focus more closely on their academics in school, and to engage in other more meaningful activities. Fair Test maintains a database of US universities and colleges that are test-optional or test-blind, and is a great resource for students who choose not to take part in standardized testing. Fair Test notes that this list now includes “nearly all of the nation’s most selective universities and liberal arts colleges.” Outside of the United States, universities have been working to make sure that they are able to evaluate students, regardless of any changes to testing or curricula as a result of the pandemic. Most universities are open to hearing from students to consider their
