Applying to college through Covid

The college application process has been known for its stress but this year more than ever due to Covid-19 it is uncertain to know what colleges are truly looking for in applicants. One factor of the admissions process that has been affected is standardized testing.

The usual three hour Advanced Placement exams were shortened to 45 minutes and taken online. These exams are used to show colleges that students can handle college-level coursework and give them the opportunity to even earn college credit. In addition, the March and June SAT were cancelled by the College Board.

The August and September exams were administered but spots filled up very quickly, leaving many students to take the test hours away and in many cases not at all. This has led to most universities implementing test-optional policies.

Since standardized testing does not necessarily weigh as much as it has in the past, many students use their essays to add an extra layer beyond numbers. I personally have used my essays to honestly portray who I am and what I will contribute to each institution.

Even selecting which institutions to apply to is difficult. Under normal circumstances, on-campus tours would allow students to feel out the atmosphere of each institution. This has now been replaced by virtual tours and virtual admissions sessions.

From behind the computer screen, students have to decide which schools they would like to apply to. The Lawrence High School Guidance Department, more specifically my guidance counselor, Karen Staller, has been extremely helpful to students. As a first generation student, I was completely unfamiliar with the entire college application process including applying for financial aid.

Staller has always been there to answer my questions and help look over my essays before submitting them. She really wants her students to succeed and has their best interests at heart. I recently committed to Columbia University. If I could give a piece of advice to any upcoming juniors and current seniors it would be to remain true to yourself throughout your application. It is important to write what you want to write about, not what you think they want to hear. If that is not enough to get an acceptance letter then that probably is not the school for you.

There are thousands of schools out there that would be happy to accept you. Another piece of advice would be to maintain a positive mindset. Never doubt yourself or confine yourself to applying to certain schools.

It may be cliche but it definitely never hurts to try and put yourself out there. I definitely doubted myself but it ended up being the best thing that I have ever done. Lawrence has a bright group of students in this year’s graduating class and can look forward to many top tier acceptances.