Every year college applications induce stress, anxiety, happiness, relief, and everything in between. However, this year was markedly different from most due to the pandemic, which you can read more about here. We decided to poll the current seniors, who now have the benefit of hindsight regarding college applications, and here is what we found.
Did the pandemic affect your decision of which application rounds you decided to apply under? (Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, or Rolling Admission)
Of the respondents, a majority denoted that the pandemic did not affect which decision round(s) they decided to apply under. However, the pandemic has increased the competitiveness pool of colleges and universities, most prominently those ranked in around the top 50 or 100 in the country. This has caused a sort of panic for many, resulting in them applying Early Decision, since the acceptance rates are higher than those of Regular Decision, as the application is binding. Additionally, many more people applied Early Action or Early Decision in order to hear back sooner, and feel more comfortable having somewhere to go if they got in.
“I wanted security by applying EA to a safety. I ED1(ed) to a school that I really liked, and had a higher acceptance rate in that decision round. I would add that I was unable to visit this school because of the pandemic, so it made this decision much riskier. However, I did intense research online, and the school hosted a variety of online events that helped. I was okay with being deferred as it provided me with more time to understand what I wanted in a college experience.“
“Personally, the pandemic made it difficult to be able to visit as many colleges. I just started visiting colleges in the Spring, and location and the general feeling on the campus was important to me. I also have a hard time making exact decisions, so that’s why I did not apply Early Decision. Maybe if I had an opportunity to either stay at the college for a class, or connect with more students I would have applied early decision or put more schools on my early action.“
Did you submit standardized testing scores to college?
As a result of the pandemic, standardized testing was suspended at many different universities, or at least made optional. Many students weren’t able to take standardized tests at all, and had them cancelled multiple times. Also, students, for the first time, had the chance to not submit a score they did not like. Mountain Lakes seniors were generally split on how they submitted their scores, approximately a third each submitting, not submitting, or submitting to some colleges, but not all.
“If my SAT score was in the range or above what the school’s average was then I sent it but if it was below I didn’t.”
“Even though I took the tests before the pandemic, I chose not to submit because I felt as though my test taking skills do not accurately show my intelligence.“
“I was originally worried about my test scores but with the pandemic and the admissions allowing test optional that made it a lot easier.“
Which standardized test did you take?
Of those able to take standardized tests, Mountain Lakes seniors generally preferred the SAT over the ACT, a little over half of the respondents taking the SAT comparative to the 32.4% who took the ACT. Some students also took both or neither.
“I originally took the first ACT and SAT in the Fall, but I wanted to continue with the SAT and take it one more time. I was supposed to take the in school SAT in March, which got pushed back to September.“
“I was perfectly ready to take 2 SATs in March until they were canceled… and all the other ones. They even would get canceled the day before.”
How many times did you take standardized testing?
Of those able to take standardized testing, an overwhelming majority took the test more than once. This can be attributed to both wanting a higher score and a practice called superscoring, which is when the highest sections of different tests are combined to create an even higher score than the two other scores.
How many schools did you apply to?
There was a wide variety in the amount of schools a student would apply to. This statistic does normally vary in a given year, as some students only apply to one school and get in early, while others decide to apply to 16+ schools through the regular decision round. Overall, though, it seems that people applied to more schools this year than in previous years.
“I wanted a variety of schools cause I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted in a school or where I wanted to be so I just did a bunch to cover a wide variety.“
“I applied to a bunch of schools that just seemed like they could be a fit as opposed to narrowing down the list more since I did not visit most of them in person.”
Did the pandemic affect how many schools you decided to apply to?
As referenced above, the pandemic largely increased the competitiveness of schools this year. This resulted in affecting the amount of schools applied to of nearly 41.2% of respondents. However, it is important to recognize that 52.9% were not affected by the pandemic, meaning that while the competitiveness of schools increased, the majority of respondents were not swayed to apply to more schools.
“I decided to add a few more schools to my list because I was worried that since a lot of schools received such an influx in applications, acceptance rates would go down and I wouldn’t get into any college.“
“Initially, I was all over the place with where I went, but virtual events and just the general information I was able to gain access to helped me refine my list and eliminate schools. In the midst of the pandemic, the most important factor was how students were still able to learn and create friendships and have a bit of student life while being safe and socially distant.“
“I knew I was going to apply to a ton before the pandemic, because college admissions is so competitive. However, I added an extra 1-2 schools on my list because I knew this admission cycle was going to be crazy.“
What helped you choose which colleges to apply to?
The college experience can be many different things that different schools supply. Some students want a large social scene with active Greek life and school pride, while others may be more concerned with research opportunities and an alumni network. Of all these factors Mountain Lakes High School seniors were most concerned with the programs/majors provided by the school, with 85.3% of respondents choosing it as a factor that helped them decide. Of these deciding factors, students also selected size, geographic location, and reputation as helping them choose which colleges to apply to.
Were you able to tour the colleges you applied to before the pandemic?
Of the deciding factors, touring a college is integral to capturing the ubiquitous “vibe” of a college that will make it home for the next four years. Unfortunately, the pandemic hindered this experience and 67.6% of respondents said they could only tour some, and 23.5% not touring at all. This lack of touring highlights the importance of online webinars and information sessions during this virtual application season, and hopefully students will be able to tour their prospective alma mater in the coming months.
“I was able to sit in on virtual webinars, some were general while others were specific to topics (study abroad, majors, student life, etc). I took some virtual tours, interviews, and even chatted one on one with students. While in person might have been more ideal, every school was very helpful and made every possible way for students to get to know the school. I feel that even through these virtual events, I was able to get a clear understanding of what makes each school unique. Talking to students and interviews are easier virtually because you do not have to travel which helped during the pandemic and when it was hard to travel.“
“I did some virtual information sessions and the virtual tours but it really didn’t help as much as I would have liked. I really need to visit colleges in person and doing it virtual just isn’t the same.”
“Yes, I went to virtual sessions for NJIT & Rutgers. They were informational, and definitely helped me understand the curriculum/program better for my major, but in no way could they substitute an actual visit.“
Additional comments: anything else you’d like to add regarding the college application process?
We added this section to allow the seniors to vent about a process that is largely seen as stressful and overwhelming, hopefully sharing a few pearls of wisdom with current juniors and subsequent students who will soon go through the same process.
Hi! The college process is daunting, I know. It seems like an impossible mountain to climb, with tears of defeat along the path, but I want you to know that it is also largely rewarding. Your writing skills will improve, you will be able to reflect on yourself and how you have developed, and above all, you will start the next chapter of your life through this process! Some pieces of advice:
Try to start in the summer to reduce the load during the school year (SERIOUSLY)
Talk to your guidance counselors
Make a spreadsheet of dates, and requirements for each school
Apply to a safety rolling/ea to make sure you have a bit of a security net through senior year (and please make sure it is actually a safety → certain majors are more competitive at schools)
Set boundaries with your friends (sharing schools/discussion), some people want the process to be private (which is perfectly OKAY), make sure you respect people’s wishes and try not to prod.
Understand that ED and REA don’t have to be an end-all-be-all. It is perfectly okay to be deferred or rejected. It is NOT a reflection on you. Colleges are businesses, they strive to form a “well rounded class.” Sometimes, no matter how many extracurriculars and awards you have, you will not be accepted just out of the pure fact that an admissions counselor was having a bad day.
Please try to show demonstrated interest. Colleges really care about yield, they want to know that you would be interested in attending. At that, try to attend information sessions, or sign up for interviews in the spring of junior year.
The college process is fluid, your list may change (don’t be afraid to add or take a school off your list)
Try to not compare yourself to others. It is easy to get wrapped up in other’s successes (and get jealous) and to compare your prospects. The college process is different for everyone. Take time away from social media (it can be toxic), and acknowledge your own accomplishments. You are worthy, and it is not worth it.
Some schools have merit scholarship applications on their website (not the Common App)
TAKE A BREAK (the college process is draining, and it is important to take time for yourself)
Just as this year was daunting, next year will be daunting. Many schools are test optional. We’ve had virtual school for a year. Take this process in pieces. Talk to people for support when you need to. You will make it out on the other side. I wish you the best of luck!
0
0
Average Rating