by Brett E. Kennedy, Managing Director
With America in the midst of a continuing pandemic, colleges and universities are already impacted. First, the National Association for College Admissions Counseling shared that more than 700 colleges reported that they still have space available in their new, incoming classes for Fall 2020. This number represents a record high. Even before the appearance of COVID-19, colleges were having some challenges in meeting their enrollment goals. This year’s reported college openings marks a significant jump upwards when compared to the numbers from previous years. We are hearing reports that many selective universities moved deep into their waiting lists to fill their new, incoming classes. More students than ever are considering taking a gap year between high school and college. What does all this mean? I would suggest that the students and their families are feeling great uncertainty and anxiety. These feelings come both from concerns about maintaining their health during a pandemic and from the financial realities that come with the near shutdown of the American economy.
Further complicating this uncertainty and anxiety is the very divergent path that colleges and universities are taking towards Fall 2020. Some colleges have grandly announced that they will be open for in-person instruction but are prepared to move online if circumstances demand it. Other colleges sound decidedly less optimistic about opening in a normal way. Frankly, students do not seem enthusiastic about online learning particularly when they committed to an in-person residential experience. As evidenced by recent lawsuits, students and parents do not see online learning and the in-person residential learning experience as being comparable. In fact, the lawsuits are asking for refunds. I would argue that many students and parents are not going to be willing to pay the in-person price for a remote, online product. The colleges and universities have been vague in their reopening plans and giving themselves the flexibility to do what they need to do. I wonder whether this vagueness will satisfy the valid concerns of parents and students.
Looking ahead, the pandemic is not only impacting students currently enrolled in college and those headed to college for Fall 2020 but also those planning to head off to college for Fall 2021. Many colleges and universities have moved to a test score optional model for the next admissions cycles. What are the implications of this for students? The SAT and ACT have not been offered in several months and both testing agencies have announced they are working on a digital version to be available in the Fall. With colleges closed from March to the end of summer, many interested students have not been able to visit the campus to get a feel for the place. COVID-19 has delayed the preparation steps for many students headed to college for Fall 2021.
So what can be done? Of course, we need to find a vaccine for COVID-19. For parents and students, an independent college counselor can help your family navigate these changing practices and help find the right fit college for your student. I have the experience after 25 years in college admissions and aid, including 10 years in the dean of admissions role. I can help guide the process to help your student find that right fit college – academically, socially and financially – even in these rapidly changing and anxious times.