With the start of a new school year, the stress of college is daunting for many graduating seniors. But this year is different. In the midst of a pandemic, many parts of the college application process have been altered in order to comply with the new obstacles COVID-19 have brought upon students and teachers.
Many colleges have changed their SAT requirements to make scores optional. Even though they aren’t required, Guidance Counselor Sarah Gammans recommends that students send in their scores. SAT scores can help students get chosen over others and be eligible for more scholarships. For highly selective schools, students should retake the SAT to get the highest score they can.
“[Colleges] won’t hold it against you,” Gammans said. “If they can use it as an additional positive piece, that’s how they are going to view it.”
Now that SAT scores are optional, more pressure is put on other parts of the application process. College representatives will be looking at students’ classes and extracurricular activities. Seeing what a student does when they aren’t at school can influence if a college wants a student to attend their school. Seniors past activities will be looked at because many clubs and sports were cancelled this year due to the CoronaVirus.
“They’re looking for leadership and if [the student] can time manage,” Gammans said.
Many colleges will still take into account the classes that students are taking their senior year. College representatives like to see high rigor of classes throughout all of high school.
Another part of college applications that is important is the essay portion. Some schools require essays while others leave a space open where the student can make a statement. The essay is where college representatives get to see the students personality. Gammans suggests that students not write about COVID-19.
“Use those essays to illustrate something about you,” Gammans said. “Make sure it’s really about you more than the event.”
Every week, counselors send out cards on Mavin full of information on various colleges and career paths. This information can help students figure out what colleges they want to apply to and what field they want to study. There is also information about what is required to apply to specific schools.
If students have questions while they’re trying to apply to college, they are able to set up meetings with the counselors through Mavin. On Wednesdays, the counselors have meetings based around a general topic, but asking questions during these meetings is encouraged.
“We’ll find out what college they are thinking about,” Gammans said. “Maybe jump on some websites to see if they have a problem finding information [about college applications].”
Mavin and Naviance are always helpful ways to find out information about application requirements and the school itself. Many colleges are offering virtual tours as well as the option to set up meetings with a representative.
“We want you to connect with our reps and our reps want to connect with you,” Gammans said.
October is college application month, meaning students should try to get in their applications before Halloween. Early applications allow for a quick response from the college. After that, students can start looking for scholarships. Preferential treatment is given on merit scholarships for students who turn their applications in early.
As motivation for seniors to work on their college applications, the counselors have created a raffle in Mavin. After every activity is done, students win a prize. Once they have done all of the college related activities, their name is put into a raffle for $50. Gammans hopes this encourages seniors to learn more about different colleges and turn in their applications early.
