Academic Pandemic

In the midst of fall: the colors of the leaves are changing, the Pumpkin Spice Latté is finally out, and students all around the world are preparing for college admissions. Eight months into quarantine, COVID-19 has upended the world in all aspects of life. For the Class of 2021 and beyond, how will this affect admissions? Could this be the change that will cause institutions to drop the SAT/ACT forever? In collaboration with Leadership for their Virtual College Week, we interviewed ACHS Counselors for their advice about college applications.

Ever since 1960, the SAT has been used as an admissions factor for the University of California system. Setting a precedent, the UC schools have dropped the SAT/ACT through 2024. This year, the application is test-optional where you can choose to input your score without risk of being penalized. This decision was followed by CSU and many schools around the country including Ivy Leagues and private schools. For many years, the SAT has been widely criticized for concerns about inequality among students and how it is a poor indicator for student success in college.

In Mr. Demesa’s opinion, he says that,

“Admissions will more than likely return to its standard requirements prior to COVID-19”.

Whether this is a long-lasting change or not, this omission of standardized testing is a welcome change and a relief for many.

Without the SAT, the counselors agree that GPA, class selection, and extracurricular activities will be weighed more into consideration. With the added challenge of second semester grades being exempt, Mr. Som says that universities were left “scrambling to try to piece together an appropriate and equitable college admissions process”. However, this change provides a holistic view of a student’s achievement and character, rather than a number that could make or break a student’s admission.

Besides getting into college, what’s on many students’ minds is actually paying for college. To help out with the hefty price tag is financial aid, grants, and scholarships.

On October 1st, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opened for the 2021-2022 application. As a student, you and a parent/guardian can sign up for an FSA ID and enter in your 2019 Federal Tax information. This application allows you to be eligible for California and federal grants if your family meets the requirements. It is IMPORTANT to get this done ASAP as some colleges give out the money based on who completed it earliest. In addition to this, the CSS Profile is a supplemental application for private schools that might need to be filed as well. For all seniors, Mr. Som has been emailing about a Financial Aid workshop sponsored by 10,000 Degrees to answer all questions.

Signed on March 27, 2020, the CARES ACT is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the United States Congress. $14 billion was given to colleges and universities for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. As a result, some colleges may provide COVID-19 scholarships such as the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. It is best to check college websites for more information on options for financial aid, merit scholarships, or other sources of funding for incoming undergraduates.

With this unique period of distance learning, counselors, much like students and teachers, are struggling to make an impact through screens.

Missing her sophomores, Mrs. Hernandez says that:

“The biggest challenge for me has been not seeing kids everyday and basically not being in my ‘normal’ routine. Even though I am still able to talk to kids, there is a certain impersonal dynamic that comes with having sessions ‘virtual’.”

After 17 years of counseling, she feels like this year has thrown her for a loop and that she feels like a first-year counselor again.

Mr. Som shares the same sentiment in that he misses “the laughter in the hallway, shenanigans in the quad, and all of the students’ eagerness when I provide classroom lessons”. He also is concerned about not being able to monitor or check in with students who may be struggling, especially from mental health.

As a senior trying to navigate these waters virtually and apply for colleges at the same time, it has definitely been overwhelming. The work has piled up, the essays still need to be written, and it feels like I am crunched for time… all the time. However, I am beyond thankful that these counselors can be a valuable resource to depend on for all things academics and life-related.

For all students, the counselors advise to create a college list, to explore colleges virtually, and to stay updated on the college’s admissions and records website. It is always smart to invest in your future and it is never too early to start thinking and researching now!

Resources to check out:

• Mrs. Hernandez's Virtual Counseling Office

• Senior Scholarships

• Letter of Recommendation

• College Board (SAT, AP, CSS Profile, etc.)

• Naviance

Photos: 1) CNN 2) University of California 3) FAFSA 4) California Student Aid Commission