There is a saying that the only constant is change, and that is especially true today. As an independent college counselor, I see new announcements every day that affect the college application process.

Schools have closed, and many classes have moved online. Advanced Placement exams will be taken at home and shortened to 45 minutes by the College Board. Testing for the International Baccalaureate Organization has been canceled for 2020.

Many colleges have also moved deposit deadlines earlier, with some requiring deposits by June 1. I believe this moment will be remembered as a pivotal period in our lives. It is important that we make decisions that keep our communities safe and healthy.

I see this time as an opportunity for reflection, learning, and growth.

There are five possible parts to a student’s college application.

1. High school transcript
2. Standardized tests (ACT, SAT)
3. High school activity list
4. Letters of recommendation
5. Essays

In my work, I see students putting most of their effort in the first two areas:  grades and test scores.  While data points are important, I don’t think anyone is defined by a number.  In the Seattle area, high school students with strong grades, rigorous classes, and high standardized test scores are not uncommon. 

So how does a student standout in a crowded field of 4.0 GPAs and 99th percentile ACT or SAT scores?

It is through a student’s unique activities and experiences which can lead to excellent essay material. I see where my students are admitted to college and the merit scholarships they receive – a student’s activities can make a huge difference.

Many families worried about what is going to happen with the upcoming college application season.  We don’t know – everything is up in the air.  Please know that colleges will be working WITH students, not against them.  Everyone is experiencing the same things and we can expect colleges to be flexible. 

I see this period as an opportunity to learn and grow despite the uncertainty. When things eventually return to normal, I hope you will be able to share meaningful experiences when asked what you did during the pandemic.

Some students I spoke with mentioned feeling bored from playing video games. I encourage you to think creatively and try something new. Brainstorm ideas with your parents and pursue activities that genuinely interest you.

I am taking my own advice. In addition to catching up on my work and meeting remotely with students, I am spending an hour each day working in my garden (something I really enjoy but rarely the time to do).  I also made a list of all the little projects around my house that I keep meaning to do.  I am doing one or two a day.  It makes me feel productive during these unsettled times.  These are things that I can control.

Here are some suggestions to get yourself started. 

• Have a structure to your day – it will keep you organized and on task.  If you study or read for an hour, reward yourself with something fun.  Use the timer on your phone but make sure that your phone is far enough away that you aren’t distracted by notifications.
• If you have AP classes, keep studying.  Go to the College Board’s site to stay up-to-date on AP. Khan Academy has AP tutoring. If you don’t already have one, get an AP test booklet from Amazon.  Use Zoom or some other remote service to have study sessions with your classmates – teach each other.  
• If you are planning to take the SAT or ACT, keep studying.  Familiarity with the material is key – keep taking practice tests (Khan Academy, ACT Academy, test prep books from Amazon).
• Work on your high school activity list as a living document and update it regularly. Colleges want to see how many hours per week and weeks per year you spend on each activity. When completing a college application, list your activities in the order of personal importance, not based on what you think colleges prefer.
• If there is something you have always wanted to learn, take it up now.  YouTube has videos on everything.  Learn to knit, play guitar, a foreign language.  There are free online courses through Ivy League colleges. Go on a free virtual tour of museums and write reviews for each.  Make sure to include this on your activity list.
• Interview adults whose careers interest you (many adults have free time too).  Ask your parents to help you find people or look on LinkedIn.  Perhaps you can find a summer internship this way.  
• Be creative — journal, paint, make a movie. All of this can go into your Cirkled In account.
• Going off to college is very difficult — take this time to learn the life skills needed to be successful.  
• Apply for summer programs.  It’s possible that some may not happen, but we don’t know yet.  
• If you like children, plan outdoor activities (practicing social distancing) to give kids a chance to run around (and give their parents a break).  Maybe a scavenger hunt or an exercise class.
• Check on your elderly neighbors – they might need help or just want to talk to someone (again, practice social distancing).

Hopefully, these ideas help you to come up with some of your own. 

The bottom line is to do things that are authentically you and bring you joy. 

The reality is that 80% of colleges in the United States accept at least 50% of the students who apply.  Use this unusual time to learn more about yourself.

Author: Mary Pat O’Neil – True Fit College Counseling

Mary Pat O’Neil thinks that finding the right college for a student is more important than using rankings to find the best school. She also thinks it is important for students to take control of the college application process and know what they need in a college to have a better chance of success. Students need to own the process – she’s am here to guide them, encourage them and sometimes nag them. She wants her students to have plenty of college choices to choose from.

https://www.truefitcollegecounseling.com