As we all face the effects of the current pandemic together, I am sharing with the parents and students I work with how to best navigate these uncertain times in terms of college planning and applications.

First, stay informed from reliable sources, not rumor. Find reliable sources of information and news.

Second, families should think carefully about how they frame the crisis they are experiencing. This perspective will influence both personal resilience and college planning. These challenging times test us as individuals, and our mindset can shape the decisions students make about their future.

While in-person activities like volunteering may shift to online alternatives, students still have opportunities to build character and share their talents. They can make an impact in their communities, develop new computer skills, and potentially improve their chances for college admission and scholarships. This approach creates a win-win outcome, especially during the pandemic.

My main message to high school students is this: the world needs you right now—your unique combination of strengths. This is what Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, calls your talent stack. Here are questions to reflect on as you re-imagine your volunteer activities and summer programs:

1. What problem/s are there in my community re: COVID-19?
2. What is my talent stack?
3. How can I use my talent stack online to help solve this/these problem/s?
4. Who can I work with in my community with complementary talents to help solve them?

You might come up with ways to support your friends, younger kids, non-profits, your school, your family, that will be much more essential and meaningful than the summer program or activity you had planned to be engaged in before the crisis. And these choices can impact college admissions and scholarships in a positive way. 

Now more than ever, we need to work together—counselors, parents, and students—to redirect the focus away from “getting in” to specific colleges. Instead, let’s aim for best fit colleges and making a positive impact on the world. Focusing on purpose and helping others has been shown to boost mental and physical health, and is the basis of a strong resume at the same time.

Finally, whether high school students are juniors or seniors, freshmen or sophomores, remember: studies shows that the best predictors of future personal fulfillment and financial stability are NOT the rank of the college attended but rather these three factors:

1. Mentoring by college professors—the guidance and networking is key.
2. Engaging with the college community in an active way—participating and making a difference.
3. The most important job skills for the future of automation include creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, judgment, and decision-making. Leadership, communication, cultural intelligence, diversity awareness, embracing change, and a growth mindset will also be essential.
4. Students can succeed in many careers, including psychology, entertainment, design, management, and data analysis. Future opportunities will extend beyond traditional paths such as medicine, law, and engineering.

Keeping all this in mind, our “new normal” may become an opportunity to grow and learn unexpected skills. It can also help us build compassion and make a difference.

I hope readers focus on supporting their communities. In the process, we will develop valuable skills that will serve us well in the future.

Author’s Bio:

Anjali Maazel is the founder and CEO of Anja Education Consultants, which offers outstanding test prep and college admissions guidance to families around the world. Her mission is to empower parents and teens with the most relevant information on 21st Century job skills and careers. She is invited to speak at schools in the US and abroad. Anjali is committed to promoting equal access to education for all. She is also the proud mother of a thriving graduate student. Watch Anjali’s Ted Talk.