The applications season has been like no other in the past. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many colleges and universities to go test-optional (or even test-blind) in their applications this past fall due to the difficulty of many if not most applicants to sit for SAT and ACT exams this past year.

How did this affect applications?

Students who would have otherwise not applied to the most selective schools due to perceived need of high test scores did. For example:

· Harvard up 42%

· Colgate University – up 102%

· NYU up 20% (but total applications exceeded 100,000)

· University of California – systemwide up 16%

This would suggest that the selectivity will be tighter at highly competitive institutions. At the same time, institutions that are somewhat less selective, or drew from a lower income applicant pool, experienced drops in applications, because more of these families may have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic economically.   Some schools (across the selectivity spectrum) have extended application deadlines in recognition of the difficulties many students experience in their application process.

What does this mean for future applicants?

While we wait to hear from institutions confirming whether they’ll continue their test-optional or even test-blind application policies (some have already announced they will) – it’s likely admissions officers evaluating candidates will continue to place more emphasis the other factors in your application, as part of holistic review. Here are some actions you can take in the following areas.

Academic Record: This means your grades, and the rigor of your record.  So keep up your marks. You can also make use of the opportunity to  take virtual courses above and beyond the normal curriculum.

Letters of Recommendation:  – character, personality, resilience.  You want to make an extra effort to know your teachers well.  It will be more of a challenge during virtual instruction to engage your teachers, but do make an effort to participate actively in class and make use of office hours accordingly.

Extracurricular activities:  Many of you may have difficulty continuing or engaging in your favorite activities due to pandemic restrictions; school admissions officers will acknowledge and understand that. Instead, explain how or what you’ve done with your time and energy instead. How are you being resourceful and adaptable to the circumstances? There are a number of virtual/remote activities available that can be meaningful and edifying to you available.

Personal Statement:  Always very important and a key point of your application – use this as an opportunity to espouse your values, insight, aspirations, and how you’ve developed your persona over time. If there’s a COVID-19 factor you can suggest it but make it unique and personal to your situation.

We will keep appraised of the changing environment for admissions to colleges and universities as they unfold – and welcome you to contact us accordingly.