Coronavirus has been spreading at a rapid pace all over the world. Like all other sectors, even education has been affected by the spread of Covid19. Colleges and universities have been facing a hard time in enrolling students. Likewise the students are also facing similar issues to get admission into the college of their preference. Listed below are some of the impacts of Covid-19 on college admissions.
More time to apply during Covid19
Many colleges have not filled their seats due to Covid-19. They have not been able to meet their enrolment goals, and as a result, they are allowing students to apply at a later date. Many colleges have even pushed back the deposit deadline so that the candidates can consider all the factors and then go forward with the payment.
Travelling abroad
There are many renowned universities where getting admitted to is very hard for many students. They have long waiting lists. This is true even in this situation. Many renowned international universities have a longer waiting list in 2020 due to the Covid-19 situation. There is uncertainty whether students can travel abroad now for studies. This is because of travel restrictions and the indefinite extension of admission dates and enters dates. Many students are also abandoning their first choice of colleges or universities. This is because of the fact that they are opting for a college which is affordable and closer to home.
A survey which was conducted in March has shown that about 35 per cent of the students are considering affordable colleges nearby to their homes. Even colleges will also be enrolling more students than yesteryears.
Bigger scholarships
Due to the financial strain that the people are facing due to the effect of the pandemic, many colleges and universities are offering bigger scholarships to woo the students. Many students decline admission offers from top colleges simply because of the high deposits. In such a scenario, the colleges will be most likely to offer better scholarships. The competition for enrolling students in the colleges will be very intense in 2020. At the end of the day, it will be the sole decision of the students as to whether they want to stick with the original college that they have chosen or they want to shift to a more affordable one.
More need-based aid may be available
Due to the financial crisis faced during Covid-19, many students may appeal for additional need-based financial help. The income by a family in the first quarter of 2020 will not predict the income of the family after the pandemic. This is the reason why it has become important for families to contact the financial aid office of the concerned colleges and ask them for aid. The financial aid offices must be asked for considering the family’s lower-income before the enrolment is done. It is very important that the families consider this and seek the help of the financial aid offices.
Increase in virtual visits
Before the pandemic, a student would schedule a day and visit the college that they wanted to get them admitted in. That helped them to understand whether the college will suit their needs. Due to Coronavirus pandemic, most colleges are shut down and visiting them is not an option any more for the students. However, many colleges have taken into consideration the needs of the students and have conducted virtual tours with interactive questions and answers sessions. One can also request to meet with a staff member or visit an online class too.
Stay informed
Instead of thinking about the worst, one must stay informed and be optimist during these grave times. The students must check the websites of the colleges so that they are well informed about admission dates and examinations to avoid any last-minute rush. Since the world has become dependent on virtual media at the moment, keeping yourself informed is very important.
Updates on US colleges:
| Universities | COVID19 impact |
| MIT | Student tours have been cancelled. On-campus admission is closed. No K-12 student programs for 2020 summer. |
| Stanford University | Undergraduate admissions closed. All student tours cancelled. Visitor centre is closed. |
| Harvard University | Admission office is closed. No information sessions are conducted now. |
| University of Pennsylvania | On campus visits have been cancelled. Virtual tours available for students. |
| Columbia University | Visitor's centre closed. Online classes for international students. |
Updates on UK colleges:
| Universities | COVID19 impact |
| University of Oxford | All admissions and examinations cancelled. Graduate applications are still under process. Test centres around the world has been closed. |
| University of Cambridge | IELTS/TOEFL centres are still closed. All events have been cancelled. |
| UCL | They are still accepting applications. Now started accepting Duolingo English test. |
| Imperial College London |
They have opened support for via extension. Accepting scanned copies of certificates. Hard copies are no more mandatory. |
| University of Edinburgh |
Open day of the university that was planned on the 15th of June has been cancelled. |
Updates on Australia colleges
| Universities | COVID19 impact |
| Australian National University | All courses are moving online. Help and support service is available. |
| Macquarie University | All travelling activity has been banned. Year 11 and 12 early entry program has opened. |
Updates on Asia colleges:
| Nanyang Technological University | All student tours have been cancelled. Self-quarantine guidelines issued for all students from abroad. |
| National University of Singapore | Campus tours have been cancelled. Temperature screening has been set up. |
| University of Hong Kong | Library remains open for students. All activities are online now. |
| Peking University | Deadline has been extended for document submission. |
Whatever you decide, you must choose wisely.. Both the parents and the students must take the decision wisely considering the student’s interest in going forward in a post pandemic world.
