Managing Finances and Budgeting in College
Check out my latest webinar which provides guidance for financial discussions families should have before students head to campus, details for mapping out a budget and plan for handling expenses, resources to help along the way, and tips from current students. A great resource for high school seniors and recent HS graduates preparing for college.
The Importance of the College List
Building a college list the student ‘loves’ and a balanced list is more important than ever. While it may be difficult to convince some students to add a few colleges they don’t consider ‘top’ or colleges they may not have heard of before, it is important to open their eyes to the options available to them. When I work with my students, I strive to help them create a list which goes beyond the obvious.
As of the end of January, the Common Application reported an increase in application volume of nearly 20% and an increase of 13% in the number of single applicants from the 2019-2020 application cycle. With the increase in number of applications due to reasons such as the ease of applying to more schools via the Common Application and more than 75% of colleges in the US now going test optional or test blind, it makes sense that the acceptance rates at some popular universities are going down. But how do you explain to a student with an excellent resume and top academics that they didn’t get in to a school they have worked towards for years?
The college admissions world comes with no guarantees. Every day, I hear stories from fellow counselors of top students getting turned down from schools they thought they were more than qualified for. But there are many factors considered beyond the basic application criteria often discussed such as the geography of the applicants, number of fellow applicants from the same high school, financial need, major applied to, demonstrated interest, predicted likelihood of a student enrolling if accepted, etc.
I recently lost a potential client because I would not ‘guarantee’ them admission to the schools they suggested to me. How could I ethically do so? While I can not guarantee admission to a certain university or the award of a certain scholarship, I can give my word that I will do my best and that includes helping students find additional schools which are great fits and helping them understand the factors to consider both within our control and beyond.
Building a college list the student ‘loves’ and a balanced list is more important than ever. While it may be difficult to convince some students to add a few colleges they don’t consider ‘top’ or colleges they may not have heard of before, it is important to open their eyes to the options available to them. When I work with my students, I strive to help them create a list which goes beyond the obvious. I have had many students apply to and/or end up attending schools they had not even heard of before working with me. It is an important part of my job to help them consider ALL options available to them and help them build a balanced list of schools – a list that is not ‘top heavy’, a list which includes schools who do not turn down more students than they accept. Most importantly, I help them build a list which includes schools where the student can be successful both socially and academically, a list of schools the student is truly happy with before they hit ‘submit’.
While reading the most recent article by Brennen Barnard, I was struck by the wisdom and optimism in some of the quotes such as this: “finding the college that will help one be successful isn’t a matter of gaining admission to X school, it’s a matter of going somewhere that can take you down the path to your goals and working hard when you get there.”…“admission is a door to a path and there is more than one door and more than one path. Getting an acceptance isn’t the ultimate goal and denial (or waitlist or deferral) isn’t the ending.”
Yes, it can certainly be frustrating and stressful, but there are so many wonderful options out there if you are willing to look and open your mind to the possibility of them. And if you plan ahead and build a solid list, you will find your place. More than half of colleges in the US accept more students than they turn down. Keep your head up!
Additional Articles to Consider:
https://www.collegeconfidential.com/articles/college-applications-in-2022/
https://www.collegedata.com/resources/the-facts-on-fit/understanding-college-selectivity
https://www.ppic.org/blog/college-admissions-in-an-era-of-uncertainty/
The new Digital SAT
Big news recently was that the SAT will be moving to 100% digital testing in the future. They will debut it internationally in Spring 2023, for the Fall PSAT both in the US and abroad, and by Spring 2024 it should be digital everywhere.
Big news in the college admissions world recently was that the SAT will be moving to 100% digital testing in the future. They will begin with it internationally in Spring 2023 then continue with the Fall 2023 PSAT both in the US and abroad; by Spring 2024 it will be digital in all locations for both PSAT and SAT.
The test is still required to be taken at a school or official test center. However, the possibility of more test dates and flexibility in test centers scheduling them may make it easier for students to find a test date that fits their schedule and location. For international students, this could make a big difference as their previous test dates and locations were more limited.
Students can bring their own tablets or laptops or they can use those provided at the test site. Graphing calculators will also be built in to the test, so students who feel comfortable using those can leave their own at home. Students will still be provided scratch paper and can use a pen/pencil to work on solutions as needed.
A major difference to be discussed is the difference in the questions students will get. Gone are the days when test centers will be mailed packages of the same test for one test date. Now, students will face different sets of questions based on the accuracy of how they answered previous sections. This will help eliminate the possibility of the hard copy tests being compromised and students copying answers from their neighbors, but the security of the digital versions will also surely be an issue. It will be interesting for us outsiders to see how the tests are scored and scaled when students take different levels of difficulty.
Current 9th graders may not want to take the PSAT 10 in 2023 as it will still be on paper and they would then be taking the digital version of the PSAT/SAT the following Fall 2023. College Board has announced prep materials for the new digital SAT will be available via their Khan Academy Fall 2022. We will see how soon other test prep companies adapt to the changes and offer new prep materials.
With more than 75% of colleges and universities in the US currently test-optional or test-blind, it will be interesting to see how students and colleges adapt to these changes.
Additional Resources
https://newsroom.collegeboard.org/digital-sat-brings-student-friendly-changes-test-experience
Budgeting in College
While keeping track of finances before college may not have been of concern to some students, it is a vital skill to learn for all. Parents should take the time to sit with their student and discuss budgeting before they arrive on campus for freshman year. It is important for families to establish a plan for how pay for both expected and unexpected expenses.
While keeping track of finances before college may not have been of concern to some students, it is a vital skill to learn for all. Parents should take the time to sit with their student and discuss budgeting before they arrive on campus for freshman year. It is important for families to establish a plan for how pay for expenses both expected and unexpected.
After the first major decision of how the direct expenses (expenses paid directly to the school) of tuition and fees and room and board will be paid for, families have to take into consideration the indirect expenses which will most likely be incurred. These usually include transportation, books and supplies, and personal expenses such as health insurance. Creating a list of these expenses and calculating what is expected to be needed monthly will help families understand what funds are necessary before the bills come in. A plan should be in place for paying for these expenses before the student sets off for college.
In addition to the expected expenses, it is a good idea to budget for the unexpected such as additional trips or activities the student may want to do and other discretionary spending. Where will these funds come from? Make a plan!
Many students already have their own checking account from saving and working while in high school, but if they do not, it is time to set one up together. Most major banks offer free checking accounts to students, but it is worth considering banks local to the college first in case an issue arises. Parents can easily send money to the account as needed and get access to the account summary (if student agrees of course). Check out this Forbe’s ranking of student checking accounts and what to consider when choosing where to open your account.
There are some very helpful programs to assist with keeping track of budget and spending and it is great practice for life in the 'real world'. Mint is a free program which allows you to set a budget for different categories, keep track of all expenses and bills, and make sure you make your payments on time. At any time, you can log in to see where you stand for the month and get a good look at how well you are staying on budget. They also have a mobile app which is perfect for today's students who never go anywhere without their phone.
Should students get a credit card? College is a great time for students to get their first credit card not only to have in case of emergency, but also to begin building their own credit history. They can also begin to acquire points for spending. As long as the student fully understands what the card should be used for, payments are made on time and you choose one with low or no fees, it can be a great thing to have. Take a look at NerdWallet's May list of Best College Student Credit Cards to get an idea of the associated details to consider.
Keep in mind as you are budgeting for future years that you need to fill out the FAFSA each year to continue to receive financial aid and you can continuously apply for outside scholarships throughout all college years. If you have any major changes in your financial situation which would increase your need, be sure to communicate that with the financial aid office as soon as possible.
These are all things you can begin working on this summer while your student is still at home. Make a plan, talk about it, and continue to communicate the importance of budgeting and discussing expenses even after they are on campus. It is a lifelong skill we all need and an important part of your student's journey to adulthood.
Tips for Researching Colleges
While much of this advice applies to researching schools any other time as well, it is particularly important for today’s students to understand the many ways they can learn about schools of interest outside of an official tour. Students are choosing their final college or building college lists without having the opportunity to visit the schools, but they are not taking the time to fully learn about them. It is vital that they understand the continued importance of educating themselves on their potential colleges and universities and use the tools available to them to learn what they can.
Many campuses are now allowing tours again, but they are limited and traveling is still discouraged. Most of my students who have gone on tours recently have been disappointed with the lack of what they are able to see and do at this time. Beyond that, it is hard to get a feel for the campus culture when many students are not there or are not socializing as they normally would. While much of this advice applies to researching schools any other time as well, it is particularly important for today’s students to understand the many ways they can learn about schools of interest outside of an official tour. Students are choosing their final college or building college lists without having the opportunity to visit the schools, but they are not taking the time to fully learn about them. It is vital that they understand the continued importance of educating themselves on their potential colleges and universities and use the tools available to them to learn what they can. These include:
College Websites – The number one source of information would be the school itself. Many other websites copy the information from there or from other databases which are not always accurate. The first place to go should be the college’s website. Go beyond the basics of admissions requirements and quick FAQs. Really take the time to investigate academic programs of interest, activities and clubs, campus culture, career services, etc.
Virtual Information Session – As they have cancelled tours or limited visits, nearly every campus now offers virtual information sessions. They will give you a good overview of the school as well as an opportunity to ask questions. It is also a great way to demonstrate your interest in the school and show them you are doing your due diligence. Some schools also offer sessions focused on certain areas of study to help you dig deeper into the programs.
Virtual Tours and Student Q&As – Many schools offer virtual tours via videos or interactive maps posted on their websites. If they do not, you can find tours and videos of some campuses posted on YouTube. Also, CampusReel has thousands of videos and tours directly from colleges and students and College Scoops offers many great video Q&A sessions with students from campuses all over the US.
Alumni or Current Student Connection – Reach out to alumni or current students to get additional views of campus. While everyone has their own opinion, speaking to someone who recently graduated or is currently there will allow you to get an insider’s opinion and get some of your questions answered. You can use the various forms of social media to find them (LinkedIn is great to find recent grads) or reach out to the college and ask if they would connect you with someone. It’s also a possibility someone you know already has a connection to grads or current students from your schools of interest, you just need to ask.
Virtual College Fair – Virtual college fairs allow you to attend several information sessions from various colleges all in one day. Sign up for them online, find the sessions where your potential schools are presenting and join in. Here are some upcoming fairs to check out:
Social Media – You can easily learn more about the student culture and various organizations on campus by investigating them on social media. Check out the clubs, sports teams, organizations, etc. on Instagram for example to see what they are involved in and what kind of culture they are ‘presenting’.
Hopefully by late spring traditional campus tours will be more of an option. But in the meantime, do what you can to learn about your potential schools online and through family and friends. Outside of the pandemic, it is often not possible for all students to visit every campus they are interested in due to financial and/or time constraints. Do not rely solely on the opinions of others and do not expect your family or counselor to do all of the research for you. It is up to you to make an informed decision for YOUR future. There are a lot of valuable FREE resources out there if you take the time to use them.
Additional Resources:
Check out Bucknell University’s newest Virtual Tour experience, a great way to ‘see’ a school without traveling: https://www.bucknell.edu/news/be-here-anywhere-bucknell-virtual-experience-helps-future-students-see-campus-their-own-eyes
Lessons From Applying to College During a Pandemic: https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/admission/blog/lessons-applying-college-during-pandemic/?utm_source=in-house&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Counselor_NL_030321
Virtual Tour Tips: https://www.cappex.com/articles/match-and-fit/virtual-college-tours
New Amazon series touring a different campus each episode: https://www.amazon.com/The-College-Tour/dp/B08QMDXR7Z
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/28/us/coronavirus-virtual-college-university-tours.html
How to Apply to German Universities
Over the last few years, the number of international students choosing to study in Germany has grown to over 380,000. With most public universities extending free tuition even to international students, the cost alone is a big draw. Add that to the safety of the country, availability of programs in English, opportunity for an international experience and easy travel within Europe, ability to work as a student and get an extended visa post study, and the high-quality education offered, it is easy to understand why students are interested in attending university in Germany.
Applying to University in Germany
Over the last few years, the number of international students choosing to study in Germany has grown to over 380,000. With most public universities extending free tuition even to international students, the low cost alone is a big draw. In addition, the safety of the country, availability of programs in English, opportunity for an international experience and easy travel within Europe, ability to work as a student and get an extended visa post study, and the high-quality education offered are major reasons international students are interested in attending university in Germany.
How much does it cost?
Public universities other than those in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg are free for both EU citizens and other international students. Students will need to calculate 700-1000 Euros/month for living expenses in addition to an administrative fee of 300-400 Euros/semester. This often includes public transportation for the semester. In Baden-Wurttemberg, public tuition for non-EU citizens is 1500 Euros/semester. Private universities costs can amount to up to 30,000 Euros depending on the school.
How to Apply
As with other countries, applying to university in Germany as an international and non-EU student is a bit different than for citizens. Unfortunately, there is not one streamlined process as it varies by school and program of choice. 170 universities use the central system, uni-assist, to process the documents and applications of international students. Students typically apply via the program and mail certified copies of their application documents to the system to be processed. They are then verified through the program and the results forwarded to the universities. Other universities use the platform solely for verifying the documents and then require the students to submit a separate application to the school itself (a process known as VPD – preliminary review documentation). Programs such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy have a nationwide limit (Numerus Clausus). Many other programs of study have a regional or university limit. Universities may have additional criteria such as entrance tests, portfolios, or recommendation letters materials in addition to the general requirements. Whatever the program of study and university may be, it is very important to follow the instructions given by the university on how to apply with your specific background.
Students can typically start during summer (March) or winter (September) semesters. Application periods are usually early May to July 15th for the winter semester and early December to January 15th for the summer semester.
Hamburg, a popular student city
The General Application Requirements for international students:
Certified copies of high school diploma/leaving certificate also known as the university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung)*
Not all diplomas and leaving certificates are eligible for direct entry to a university or to some programs. To find out how yours will be evaluated, use the search tool on Uni-Assist and Anabin.
If your country requires the passing of an exam to enter university, provide a certified copy and translation of results.*
Copy of all transcripts/overview of subjects taken and grades*
Proof of language proficiency – level of German and English required varies by university, check their criteria individually. Proof of proficiency can be shown in several ways.
German proficiency can be proven via the DSH test (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) which is given at universities, TestDaF (German test for non-native speakers) given at various test centers around the world, the Deutsches Sprachdiplom or certificates from the Goethe-Institut.
English proficiency can be proven via the IELTS or TOEFL examination, graduation from an English speaking school (only in certain countries), Cambridge English Language Certificates, and sometimes but rarely, having taken English as a subject in school.
Application fees – if applying via Uni-Assist, the fees are 75 Euros for the first application and 30 Euros for each additional. This includes each subject applied for.
*These documents must be in English or German, if they are not, you will need to provide certified translations of the certified copies. For detailed information on the certification and translations of documents, check out uni-assist. Confirm document language requirements with the universities.
German University Prep Course (Studienkolleg)
Students who do not meet the standards for direct entry to a university or a particular program of interest are recommended to apply to the Studienkolleg. Studienkolleg is a 2 semester college prep program which concludes in an exam to test the student’s levels of German and Math for university entry (Festellungsprüfung). The Studienkolleg is offered at many public universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) and private schools and students can choose to take specialized courses depending on what they want to study in university. The cost of these programs is typically 100-400 Euros/semester for public programs and can be more for private. Students need to calculate an additional 700-900 Euros/month for living expenses. Application for Studenkolleg can be done via the uni-assist page or the school itself. Spaces are limited and students typically need a German level of at least B1 to apply.
Visa Requirements
Visa requirements vary by citizenship. Citizens of the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Iceland can enter the country using a valid ID card and register as residents after finding accommodation. Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel and several other countries can enter the country without a visa, but will need to apply for a residence permit as they are only permitted to stay for 3 months without one. Seek advice from the German embassy or consulate in your country to get exact details on visa requirements.
If you require a visa to enter the country, you must apply for a student visa or prospective student visa before leaving your country. The documents you will most likely need are:
Passport valid for time of stay
Health insurance coverage certificate
Public health systems from various countries will cover a student while studying in Germany. If not, the student will need to find insurance valid in Germany which can be from a company in another country or a public company in Germany. For verification of which insurances are valid, contact the university directly.
Proof of financial resources
As of January 1, 2021 students are required to have proof of a minimum of 10,332 Euros for one year of study in Germany. There are various ways to demonstrate this such as proof of income of parents, documentation of someone in Germany who will assist you financially if needed, receipt of scholarships and/or banking statements. The best way to establish proof is to allocate this amount in a separate ‘locked’ account through a German bank which will not be available to use until your arrival in Germany (Sperrkonto).
Either a university entrance qualification recognized in Germany (can be provided through Uni-Assist for prospective student status) or letter of acceptance from German university (for student visa)
Certificate of language proficiency, German and/or English depending on program of study
While it may seem overwhelming to put together an application to study in a foreign country, there are many great resources available to help. Remember, the international student office at each university will be the most reliable source of information and place to get your questions answered. Start early to give yourself time to research requirements, form a solid list of universities and programs of interest, gather all of the documents needed and get them processed.
Advice for Deferred Applications
If you applied early to colleges, you may soon be very familiar with the word deferral. While most of the nation’s colleges noted a decrease in early applicants this year, early applications to the elite schools actually increased significantly. What does it mean? Being deferred basically means the school wants to reconsider you along with the next pool of candidates in regular decision. It is not a denial.
If you applied early to colleges, you may soon be very familiar with the word deferral. While most of the nation’s colleges noted a decrease in early applicants this year, early applications to the elite schools actually increased significantly. Some schools such as Duke, Yale and Dartmouth actually received historical high numbers. As these numbers of applications rose this year, so did the number of deferrals. Getting deferred is unfortunately quite common and this year even more so.
What does it mean? Being deferred basically means the school wants to reconsider you along with the next pool of candidates in regular decision. It is not a denial. They will take into context the profiles of the regular decision applicants along with any additional information you send about yourself and make their final decision in the next round. While the regular decision pool is typically not quite as strong as that of early application, there are many more applications to consider. Many colleges typically defer around half of their early applications to the regular decision pool. Some such as Georgetown actually defer all students who were not accepted in the early application period (nearly 90% of their early applicants this year). Statistics on the percentage of students deferred and then eventually accepted are hard to come by, but in general, the numbers are not high.
What should you do? Many schools will give you specific requests for more information such as updated grades, additional letters of recommendation or details on activities. Whatever they ask, make sure you follow. If they do not make any requests, you should be certain to maintain or improve your grades and submit any new materials which would enhance your application along with a letter to admissions reaffirming your interest.
Keep in mind that if you are deferred, you are no longer required to attend that college if eventually accepted. You can continue to apply to other colleges of via regular decision. If you no longer wish to be considered, inform the college of your decision and free up that space for another student. Remember, being deferred is basically a second chance for consideration, but you should definitely give yourself other options.
December and January Scholarships
Check out my short list of scholarships with December and January deadlines as well as recommendations for finding more.
Between completing college applications and finishing out the year with lots of school work, most students have not had time to apply for scholarships. Now that break is starting, I am hoping they will find/make the time to apply for at least a few. I have compiled a very short list of some with December and January deadlines. Check them out and use a little of your holiday break free time to APPLY!
Niche Monthly $1000 Scholarship
Due: December 20, 2020
Open to high school, college, and graduate students, and those planning to enroll within 12 months. Simply fill out a short form.
https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarship/december-scholarship/
Peck Law Group Elder Abuse and Neglect Scholarship
Amount: $700
Due: December 29, 2020
Scholarship is open to students who have been accepted to or are enrolled in college. Create an article on elder abuse and neglect of at least 1000 words (the more the better).
https://www.premierlegal.org/elder-abuse-neglect-infographic-scholarship/
Spotless Cleaning Chicago Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Due: December 30, 2020
If you are a dynamic, passionate, hard-working student in high school, college, university, or trade school, create a 2-4 minute video explaining why you think education is the key to a brighter future, and how you can shape society.
https://www.spotlesscleaningchicago.com/scholarship/
Shawn Sukumar 2020 Extracurricular Impact scholarship
Amount: $1000
Due: December 31, 2020
Open to US high school seniors and students currently enrolled in college.
An amount of $1,000 will be awarded to one student who best conveys in a 750-1,000 word essay how extracurricular activities have had an impact on their life and academic success. This can be an activity you are currently participating in or have previously been involved with. Whether it’s music lessons, art classes, sports teams, debate, or volunteering that garners your interest, what lessons have these extracurricular activities taught you that you have applied to your classes in school? What kind of positive impact have they had on your life as a whole?
https://washingtondccriminallawyer.net/2020-scholarship/
Fire Free Speech Essay Contest
Amount: Up to $10,000
Due: December 31, 2020
Open to US high school juniors and seniors. In a persuasive letter or essay, convince your peers that free speech is a better idea than censorship. Your letter or essay must be between 700-900 words. We encourage you to draw from current events, historical examples, our free speech comic, other resources on FIRE’s website, and/or your own personal experiences.
https://www.thefire.org/resources/high-school-network/essay-contest/
Fundera College Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Due: January 1 and June 1 each year
Scholarship is open to incoming and current college students in the United States. Applicant must be a young entrepreneur. Student must submit a video on a topic related to technology and small businesses. https://www.fundera.com/resources/fundera-scholarship
The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Scholarship
Foot Locker will celebrate 20 athletes for whom sports has helped them become leaders in their school and community by awarding them up to $25,000.
Due: January 8, 2021
For HS Seniors, class of 2021
https://app.goingmerry.com/scholarships/foot-locker-scholar-athletes-2021/7996
Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Amount: Several scholarships up to $10,000
Due: January 15, 2021
Contest is open to United States high school students in grades nine through twelve. Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1917. Essay 700-1000 words.
https://www.jfklibrary.org/Education/Profile-in-Courage-Essay-Contest.aspx
LiveMas Scholarship
Various scholarship amounts totaling $7 million
Due: January 20, 2021
Open to students 16 and above who plan on or already are attending college.
The Live Más Scholarship is not based on your grades or how well you play sports. No essays, no test scores, no right or wrong answers. Submit a two minute video that tells us the story of your life’s passion. This is not about how well you can make a film – we just want you to tell us about your passion and how you will use it to make a difference.
https://www.tacobellfoundation.org/live-mas-scholarship/
I have a Dream Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Due: January 31, 2020
Ages 14 and up may apply
"We want to know... what do you dream about? Whether it's some bizarre dream you had last week, or your hopes for the future, share your dreams with us for a chance to win $1,500 for college." (250 words or less)
https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/i-have-a-dream-scholarship
My additional tips for your scholarship search: https://www.acmcollegeconsulting.com/blog/2019/1/2/the-spring-scholarship-search
TIME FOR MORE?
For more scholarships, I recommend checking out these pages which require you to set up a FREE account. Remember you should never have to pay to apply and be careful with what information you share and how that information will be used.
https://www.fastweb.com/
SWFL STUDENTS
Don’t forget to apply for the Southwest Florida Community Foundation Scholarship funds. The application is due by January 11. It is a wonderful opportunity to receive funding specifically for students from your region and they have a lot to give!
https://floridacommunity.com/scholarships/
Lessons Learned this Semester
The recent article, ‘Meet Covid-19’s Freshman Class’ in The Chronicle of Higher Education sparked a lot of thoughts for me. Some of my freshman are on campus while others were asked to or chose to stay home this semester. No matter where they spent their fall semester, I heard many of them speak of their struggles. The biggest differences in their experiences stemmed from how the colleges handled the situation.
Those freshmen who were on campus with fully online classes often spoke of the struggle to make friends. They felt very homesick stuck in their dorm rooms with extremely limited social interaction. Some also mentioned that as the school did not provide much in terms of social activity, they felt like they needed to spend more money to go off campus and do things. Many colleges could have significantly improved the support and activities provided to these students. While they of course need to take precautionary measures, additional outdoor activities such as campus walks and small class meetings could have been implemented. A great example is the ‘Hike 4 Humanity,’ a hike organized by Coach Eric Taylor at Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania. He organized a student and faculty hike to promote unity on campus. It was a great success and they planned additional hikes throughout the semester. Small initiatives such as these could really make a big difference for those involved, especially when they are feeling disconnected from their peers.
Students who were on campus and able to attend at least a few classes in-person were able to truly meet some of their peers and professors and had more engagement in the classroom. These students were on campuses which implemented rotating schedules so students could have in-person classes some weeks and online the others. Of course, this would be more difficult at the larger colleges with more students/more students per class, but could this be implemented safely at more schools? What are some alternatives?
Students noted a lack of participation in online classes, some even mentioning they actually felt like an outcast if they spoke during class. While we are all familiar with the Zoom burnout occurring right now, there must be ways to improve this. Is there something those professors could have done to make the classes more engaging and encourage participation? Were the students somehow ‘introduced’ to one another at any point?
The students who were at home were not able to meet anyone from their freshman class or experience even a small part of campus life. Many wondered if they should have taken much cheaper classes at a local community college instead. They, however, were at least able to be with family and did not struggle from homesickness. I am now wondering what many colleges offered as ‘orientation’ and ways to ‘meet’ and connect with peers and faculty to those students at home. Will there be a new, second orientation for all students when they are able to truly be on campus together safely?
The financial aspect of paying for college when classes are primarily online and students are not able to enjoy campus is an issue pretty much everyone questioned. What some did not take into consideration was how lower income students or students whose family incomes were significantly impacted this year were able to handle the finances of college this semester. I had several students whose campus jobs were eliminated or the hours were cut which decreased the amount of Work Study funds they earned. Some of them really counted on that money and are now struggling to make ends meet. Food insecurity on campuses has been another major problem, particularly during this time. This is yet another issue many colleges were not prepared for, but a few somewhat successfully addressed. How can we help these students more?
There was certainly no easy choice this semester with regards to staying home or moving to campus. I feel for all of the students who missed out on a true freshman year in particular. Here's to hoping 2021 is much better and that students feel supported and better connected to their chosen school. There were a lot of lessons learned through trial and error this semester and we can hope the colleges have plans for improvement of the services and support they offer to students during this turbulent time and beyond. We have all learned something, haven’t we?
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A great success story of college during covid from my alma mater, Bucknell University
https://www.bucknell.edu/news/successful-semester-campus
What Counts as Success in a COVID Semester?
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/11/02/what-counts-success-when-it-comes-containing-covid
What to do after you hit submit
After applications are submitted and the giant feeling of relief has subsided, there are a few things to keep in mind. Each school has their own timeline for when they will inform applicants of their admission decisions. In general, schools which have rolling admissions take 2-3 weeks, schools with November EA will inform you between mid-December and end of January, and schools with RD in January will inform you by end of February or March. What do you do while you wait?
After applications are submitted and the giant feeling of relief has subsided, there are a few things to keep in mind. Each school has their own timeline for when they will inform applicants of their admission decisions. In general, schools which have rolling admissions take 2-3 weeks, schools with November EA will inform you between mid-December and end of January, and schools with RD in January will inform you by end of February or March. What do you do while you wait?
After receiving the application, colleges will create a personal account on their website for you to check the status of your application and submit additional materials. Check your email consistently and make sure you do not miss these emails from your colleges (typically by 2-3 days after submitting application). After receiving them, log in to your student portal and double check that the colleges have received all of your application requirements. While doing this, keep in mind that it may take some time for the websites to be updated as colleges are inundated with materials around their deadlines. If about a week after the deadline you still see that your application is missing something, follow up with the admissions office. Although some colleges will send you a reminder that something is missing, you do not want to rely on that.
If you have not completed the FAFSA and CSS Profile, you should definitely do that right away. Students who applied to colleges which require a Self-Reported Academic Record or proof of residency often submit these through their new student portal after they have applied. Also, some Honors programs, scholarships and other specialized applications are only open for the student after they have submitted the main application. Students should ensure they have followed the instructions from each college regarding completing all of their requirements and supplements.
If you do indeed find out that something is missing, do not overreact. Remember, with so many documents and emails being sent back and forth during such a short time span, it is very easy for something to get lost in the shuffle. If what is missing can be taken care of by you, do it right away. If it is something a counselor, teacher, or testing agency should have taken care of, politely follow up with them yourself. Whatever it may be, respectfully ask them to resend the materials as soon as they can. Confirm with the admissions office that you have taken care of it and verify if they have received the missing materials. While doing all of this, it is important that you advocate for yourself and be patient. Colleges would much rather hear from the students themselves than from a parent or counselor. You want to show them you are ready for college.
It should go without saying, but keep working hard and maintaining or improving your grades. Colleges ask for mid and final reports from your counselor for a reason! If you are given admission to a college and your grades sink, they have the right to revoke their offer. On the other hand, if you end up getting deferred or waitlisted, you want to be able to show progress to improve your chances of acceptance. No matter what your situation is, continuing to work hard and get good grades can only help.
You can use your new-found free time to search for scholarships and continue to learn more about your potential colleges. If you have not had time to tour or attend an information session, now is a great time to do that. You can demonstrate your interest in the colleges while preparing to make an informed choice when your admission decisions do come in. Congratulations on getting this far, get excited for the future!
Additional Resources:
An example of an applicant portal and use: Brown Admission Page