From SAT postponements and stranded students to shuttered campuses and campus tour cancellations, the effects of COVID-19 are just beginning to take their toll. As all of us deal with this new (but temporary) reality, we must stay flexible. That’s according to an  article in Psychology Today, which also recommends using this extra time to learn a new skill or devote free hours to a neglected passion or hobby. Here are some other ideas for navigating college admissions during this uncertain period:

Shift Your College Research Online Most colleges aren’t giving tours right now, and flying isn’t recommended. However, you may still be able to drive to colleges in your immediate area to get a feel for a campus and its surrounding area -- all while keeping social distance. If you planned on touring a campus over spring break, reach out to the college(s) to see if any alternative tour options (or virtual connections with admission officers) will be offered. You can also take college tours online with  Campus Reel  or  YouVisit . Don’t forget to visit the school’s own online tours, often easily found on YouTube and/or the school’s website. Now is also an excellent time to make sure you are following colleges on social media. Make connections via your LinkedIn profile and get creative about how to stay in contact with schools on your list. Rest assured that they all know that plans are being upended and they are figuring out how to proceed just like the rest of us.

Get Busy One thing all colleges love to see in students is initiative, so think about how you can use this temporary life shift to your advantage. Is there an online class you can sign up for? A community service project you can start to benefit those in your community who may be suffering? Now might be a good time to design an independent study or learn a new programming language. Think of any extended break from school as an opportunity to take the lead in your own learning and growth.

Prep for Tests and College Essays This one isn’t fun, but it’s practical. If you’ve got a break from homework, you can use some of your time for test prep or for starting to tackle the personal statement for your college applications. 

Learn Some Life Skills Mom and Dad won’t be there to do your laundry (well, not all the time, anyway), so make sure you know how to manage that--plus these other  basic life skills --before you head off to campus. 

Gone are the days when students thinking of applying to competitive colleges can lounge by the pool all summer. Many schools ask students to detail how they spend their summer breaks (particularly those before junior and senior year), so meaningful summer engagement is more important than ever. But should you get a job? Attend a rigorous summer program? Participate in a language immersion experience? Design an independent study? The answer really depends on you, your interests, and your goals. 

Asking yourself these 5 questions can help you plan your best summer.

As always, I am happy to see students and families online (Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc.) or at a safe social distance in my home office. Teenagers are generally a lot more comfortable doing everything online than adults are, so this new virtual reality is less jarring to them. I've worked with many students remotely and am confident that all of the work we do (from essays to applications) can be equally successful through a variety of communication methods. I have even worked with one student entirely via text and google docs--we can do this! Please reach out if I can be of immediate help and stay healthy, everyone!

SAT

May 2, 2020- Cancelled, new date TBD

June 6, 2020 (Register by May 8)

ACT

April 4, 2020-- now June 13th

June 13, 2020 (Register by May 8)

July 18, 2020 (Register by June 19)