The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the economy, businesses across the country, and virtually every aspect of normal life. Unfortunately, this is a trend that doesn’t seem like it will stop any time soon. With the fall semester for college right around the corner, many students wonder how this health situation will impact the admissions process.
While there are no guarantees of what will and will not happen, experts have made predictions regarding what to expect this fall.
More Time
Because of all the uncertainties around the financial and health implications of this pandemic, many colleges and universities will not have filled up their classes by the set deadline. Any college that is worried about not meeting the set numerical goals for enrollment will likely be flexible when it comes to student applications – even if they are sent in late.
Increased Likelihood of Acceptance
If someone applied to one of the strongest, most selecting universities (which only make up about 4% of all schools in the U.S.), they would be just as hard to get into, in the beginning, as they have in the past. However, these schools are also probably going to have longer waitlists because of the uncertainty about international students and if they will be allowed to come to the U.S. to attend school. If they can’t, a larger percentage of waitlist students may be admitted for the fall semester.
However, if you applied to one of the other selective colleges, including the 16% that admit up to half of the applicants, it will probably be easier to get into. One reason for this is the impact the coronavirus has had on economic conditions. Many students believe they have to go with a second or third choice school to make their education more affordable. Also, colleges closer to home are a more viable choice for many students. With this in mind, colleges are more likely to accept more students than they did in past years because more of the admitted students may decide to stay closer to home or to find a more affordable school.
Larger Scholarships
Many colleges are concerned that the health issues and economic fallout resulting from the pandemic will cause more students to decline admissions offers. This is why colleges may offer students more money to encourage them to enroll. Competition for student enrollment will be more intense than ever before.
Some schools may offer larger scholarships to students who decline an enrollment opportunity. This is good news for those who are worried about the cost of their education.
College and Coronavirus: Navigating These Uncharged Waters
Coronavirus has changed everything. It may never be possible to get back to “normal.” While this is true, there is a lot of potential for those entering college. As you can see from the information above, if you are applying for college, you may have a better chance of being accepted and getting larger scholarships. In the long run, this may be a positive for your education.
