Adapting To The New Normal - Post-Pandemic College Admissions: Dean's Desk

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant disruptions in nearly every aspect of our lives, including education. In the midst of the pandemic, most colleges and universities across the globe devised innovative solutions to navigate the crisis. The pandemic forced colleges and universities to adapt rapidly and students had to navigate a landscape they could not have imagined a few years ago. As we look towards the present and the future, a lot of components of the admissions process have evolved for the better, and the change is here to stay.

Here is what Robert Springall has to say about these changes brought about by the pandemic:

Robert Springall

"Going back to pre-pandemic times is not the fix."

Robert Springall, Pennsylvania State University

Let's evaluate some of these changes that were the result of the pandemic:

1. Test-Optional Policies: With the cancellation of standardized tests and concerns about equitable access, many colleges adopted test-optional policies. This shift has created a more holistic and inclusive admissions process, placing greater emphasis on other aspects of a student's application, such as essays and extracurricular activities.

2. Digital Admissions: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in the admissions process. Virtual tours, online interviews, and electronic document submissions have become the norm. This shift has increased accessibility for international and remote students.

3. Flexibility in Deadlines: Recognizing the challenges students faced during lockdowns, many colleges and universities provided flexibility in application deadlines. This adjustment acknowledges the difficulties students encountered, such as limited access to resources and disrupted school schedules.

4. Assessment of Character: Colleges began to place a greater emphasis on evaluating applicants' character and resilience. Essays and personal statements took on new significance, offering students an opportunity to demonstrate their adaptability and ability to overcome adversity.

Here is how colleges adapted to these changes:

1. Holistic Review: Colleges now emphasize a more holistic approach, looking beyond test scores and GPAs to assess the character, potential, and unique qualities of each applicant.

2. Virtual Engagement: Virtual campus tours, online information sessions, and video interviews have become essential tools for engaging with prospective students. These resources offer insights into campus life and academic programs.

3. Application Essays: Essays and personal statements have gained prominence, allowing students to showcase their personalities, experiences, and aspirations.

4. Standardized Testing: The test-optional trend has allowed students to choose whether to submit test scores, offering flexibility in showcasing their academic abilities.

Now that these changes have been implemented in the admissions process, here are some reasons why going back isn't the fix to it all:

1. Catalyst for Change: The pandemic catalyzed changes that have improved and modernized the admissions process. Going back to the old ways would mean sacrificing the progress made in creating a more equitable, flexible, and inclusive system.

2. Equity and Access: Test-optional policies have democratized the admissions process, leveling the playing field for students who may not have had access to test preparation resources.

3. Accessibility: Virtual admissions processes have made it easier for international students and those with limited mobility to engage with institutions.

4. Diverse Perspectives: Assessing character and resilience offers colleges a broader and more diverse range of perspectives and backgrounds, enriching their campuses.

Looking at the admissions process and the education industry, the pandemic has reshaped college admissions, fostering a more inclusive and equitable process. The changes to the system are being well accepted by the students and universities, making them stay. The lessons learned from this experience should guide us toward a future where the admissions process continues to adapt and improve, providing all students with equal opportunities to pursue their higher education dreams.

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