The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2019, dramatically reshaped numerous aspects of life globally, with college admissions being no exception. In the years immediately following the onset of the pandemic, college admissions underwent a sea change in policies, procedures, and priorities. Now, as we venture deeper into 2023, let’s reflect on the lasting impacts and how they’ve evolved.
1. Test-Optional Admissions Continue
Many colleges and universities decided to go test-optional during the peak of the pandemic, mainly because students faced challenges in taking standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. In 2023, while some institutions have reverted to their older test mandates, a significant number continue to uphold test-optional policies, giving students a broader range of colleges to apply to without the stress of test scores.
2. Emphasis on Holistic Review
While standardized test scores were a major part of college applications before the pandemic, the shift to test-optional admissions prompted schools to adopt a more holistic review approach. Institutions now place a stronger emphasis on essays, letters of recommendation, extracurriculars, and the overall narrative of a student’s journey.
3. Increased Use of Digital Platforms
Virtual campus tours, online interviews, and digital information sessions became the norm during the pandemic. Although in-person visits have resumed, the use of digital platforms remains prominent. Schools recognize the convenience and accessibility these platforms offer, ensuring that prospective students from all over the world can get a feel for the campus and its culture.
4. Continued Flexibility with International Students
With travel restrictions and other logistical challenges that cropped up during the pandemic, colleges grew more accommodating to international students. This trend persists in 2023, with institutions offering hybrid learning options, deferred admissions, and more supportive visa processes.
5. Mental Health and Well-being Prioritized
The pandemic highlighted the importance of mental health for everyone, students included. Colleges and universities have since boosted their mental health resources, emphasizing the significance of well-being in academic and campus life. Admission essays and interviews also reflect this trend, with topics often touching upon resilience, coping, and personal growth during challenging times.
6. The Growth of Gap Years
In the aftermath of the pandemic, many students chose to take gap years, wanting to gain experiences outside traditional academic settings. Recognizing the value in these pursuits, colleges have become more receptive to gap years, often encouraging students to share their experiences and learnings during their time away from school.
7. Emphasis on Community Involvement
The pandemic underscored the importance of community and collaborative efforts. Admissions committees have been showing a growing interest in applicants’ community involvement, valuing students who’ve made positive impacts in their local communities or worked on projects with broader societal benefits.
Conclusion
The post-pandemic era has witnessed a shift in the landscape of college admissions. As we navigate through 2023, it’s evident that many of these changes, initially birthed out of necessity, have now become integral to the admission process. They serve as a reminder of the adaptability of educational institutions and the ever-evolving nature of higher education.
