What to Expect this Admissions Cycle
What to Expect this Admissions Cycle
It really goes without saying (alright, we’ll say it) that the 2020/21 admissions cycle was unprecedented. Fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everyone’s plans to some extent, and many of you were affected in substantial ways. We certainly hope that you and your family are safe and finding a successful transition back to some sense of normalcy.
What can we learn from the experience of last year’s seniors? There are a few certain takeaways amid a sea of uncertainty that will help you make the most of your application process. Dive in with us below.
Expect the unexpected.
What is true today might not be true two months from now. As the social climate continues to evolve and vaccination rollouts accelerate, colleges will have to continue being flexible in their approach. So should you.
You may experience cancellations or alterations in plans. You may have to adjust on the fly and exercise more poise and understanding than you anticipated. By preparing yourself—mentally and otherwise—you can more easily go with the flow.
Remember, you will be evaluated based on how you take advantage of the opportunities you have, not whether or not those opportunities change.
Your response will matter more than your circumstances.
The students who will rise to the top of the list at the most elite schools are the ones who find a way to succeed despite difficulty. In a time when everyone is enduring disruption to their schedule, how will you overcome it to still pursue what you love?
Adaptation is key. If a program you’re interested in gets cancelled, how can you seek knowledge in a different way? If you’re unable to go on the service trip you anticipated, how can you serve your local community in light of its newly developing needs?
Likewise, you may not be able to spend as much face-to-face time with your teachers, but you can still make deep connections with them. You’ll likely have to be creative and persistent, but if you want to prove you’re ready for the challenge of attending a prestigious university, you should welcome that challenge! Working with a trained education consultant can help you think though your responses to change and make them work to your advantage.
Test optional does not mean easier to gain admission.
There may be a misconception that without requiring test scores, certain highly selective schools are easier to get into. Evidence has shown that couldn’t be further from the truth.
If anything, removing testing has made the process more competitive. Admissions officers place added scrutiny on students’ grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. Institutions that were already faced with a surplus of talented students are seeing the surplus increase.
Successful students will be intentional about where, and how, they apply. Identifying “fit” will continue to be a major determining factor for admissions officers; applicants should take this into consideration as they draft responses to supplemental essays and connect with college reps. And for those who opt out of taking standardized tests, they should repurpose the time they would have devoted to prep into strengthening other parts of their application.
Take these conclusions to heart at the beginning of your application process to create the most productive and likely successful environment possible for yourself. It may help to work with a professional who can help you navigate your situation specifically relative to the ever-changing landscape.
The expert admissions consultants at Wise World Prep have helped hundreds of students maximize their potential of being admitted to their top choice colleges and universities. Over 20 years, we have successfully guided students through each stage of the application process – from choosing competitive high school courses to building an appropriate college list to drafting winning essays to writing persuasive update and appeals letters. We would be happy to answer your questions and partner with you to create a successful admissions roadmap.
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