3 College Admissions Considerations for 2020
There’s a lot that’s unpredictable in college admissions, but that’s never been more true than in 2020. When schools closed their doors this past spring, no one could have predicted what the fall—let alone 2021—would look like.
Then-juniors who were left scrambling to figure out grades and testing for their “most important year of high school” are now seniors trying to balance virtual college visits. All this while also chasing elusive ACT/SAT test dates and assembling application packages!
So what should those seniors now focus on? Let’s take a look at how the admissions game has changed in 2020.
To test, or not to test?
Driven by the lack of ACT and SAT test dates in spring 2020, hundreds of colleges and universities have gone test optional or test blind this year. (In case you were wondering, “test blind” means schools don’t look at exam scores at all, regardless of whether a student submits them or not. Test optional means that students aren’t required to submit scores, but schools will look at them if they are included.) So who, if anyone, does either situation benefit?
First, for students who are applying to college, don’t waste your time or energy trying to hunt down an exam date. I’ve heard accounts from students who have traveled by car or plane for a test date, only to discover late the night before that the session has been canceled. At this point in the process, it’s simply not worth the time, energy or, frankly, potential health risk.
When schools declare that they’re test optional (or test blind), it genuinely means that not having a test score will not hurt your chances of admission. That being said, it’s important to focus on other aspects of your application to ensure they’re painting a well-rounded and comprehensive picture of the stellar individual you are. In fact, this may even open some doors at other schools that you previously thought were out of contention. (See the next section for more details.)
For students who have a test score that’s competitive (i.e. higher than the average reported result at a given school), include it in your application. Think of it as another data point that further validates or underscores your academic accomplishments. The same holds true for SAT Subject Tests. If you have competitive scores, include them in your application.
Above all, don’t waste time overthinking the testing game. Admissions officers will be the first to tell you that high school grades, essays, activities, and letters of recommendation do a far better job of telling them who you are as a person and future campus community member. Focus your time and energy on making sure your application is well-rounded and highlights all of the wonderful experiences you’ve accumulated and the academic successes you’ve enjoyed.
Enrollment impact and the numbers game
Graduate programs—business schools in particular—are seeing a surge in applications this cycle, driven by a variety of factors from unemployment rates to deferrals. In the undergraduate space, 20% of Harvard’s freshman class deferred enrollment this year.
What can we assume about the future of admissions and, more importantly, acceptance rates this year? A survey by Inside Higher Ed revealed that many colleges are expecting enrollments to decrease this year, which might lead many students to think they could be more competitive at a school that previously was on their “reach” list. Couple this with the elimination of test scores as a factor at many schools, and this could expand your list of potential schools considerably. The fact is schools need to fill seats, and while the news from Harvard made headlines, the reality is that most schools are seeing much smaller single digit decreases in enrollments. It’s likely that schools will up their acceptance numbers a bit to ensure they have enough students to meet their enrollment targets next fall.
If you’re still refining your college lists, consider including a few extra schools if you can effectively manage the potential essay supplements and application fees. It’s not a guarantee that you’ll become Princeton’s next Tiger, but if you’re ever going to punch above your fighting weight, 2020 is a good year to take that chance. Use the lack of test scores to your advantage, and make sure that each piece of your application describes unique aspects of your character and interests. Did you find an innovative way to serve your community this summer during lockdown? Did you discover a budding entrepreneurial spirit and create a business or service that was pandemic-proof? Explore and share these unique talents and experiences in your essays and activities. Just be sure not to sacrifice application quality and customization in favor of more applications.
Early vs. regular admissions
While much has changed this year, the decades-old debate around early vs. regular admissions has not. As a refresher, early deadlines are usually in October or November, and schools commit to returning an admissions decision before the end of the year. Early applications can be split into two categories—early action (or EA) and early decision (ED). The main difference is that early action isn’t binding, meaning students can still apply to other schools under regular decision deadlines. Early decision is binding, and students are required to attend that school. Typically, students apply to a school under early decision if they’re 100% certain that the school is their top choice, and they understand the financial implications and commitments involved with attending. Similar to the previous discussion around acceptance rates, schools may up their acceptance rates during the early cycle, especially ED programs, to guarantee matriculation and tuition.
The same pre-COVID guidance applies for early vs. regular decision applications. Research your school options well, and prioritize your schools based on your current needs and plans. Consider the school that will ultimately be the best fit for your professional pursuits and personal preferences and if you believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that you’ve found your dream school, then consider applying early (especially if you can round up letters of recommendation and personal statements now).
Above all, the college admissions landscape is a little trickier than in previous years, but while much has changed about how we learn and attend classes, the admissions process is fairly consistent. Take a deep breath and work to control the things you can. A bit of planning and perseverance will pay off in dividends six to nine months from now.
Originally a Missouri native, Joanna Graham relocated to Washington, D.C. to attend Georgetown University and never looked back. She has been helping students prepare for standardized tests for more than 17 years and truly believes in the transformative power of education. When not living and breathing the SAT, ACT, GMAT, and GRE, she supports military families and women in sport. She serves on the Board of Directors for Team Red, White, and Blue, a veterans service organization that integrates veterans into their communities through physical and social activities, and works with the Pat Tillman Foundation and Dog Tag Bakery. She also serves on the IRONMAN Women for Tri Board, which is focused on increasing the number of women in triathlon, and serves on the Board of Governors at her alma mater. She is a military veteran spouse, an accomplished ultrarunner and Ironman triathlete, and proud mom of one fur-kid and one non-furry kid.