1. Investigate whether your top-choice colleges have altered their ACT and SAT policies As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, many colleges and universities have decided to alter their policies regarding standardized testing. For example, the University of California has currently suspended the requirement for standardized testing for fall 2021 applicants to reduce impacts of COVID-19 on students and schools. Make sure to check through the university’s official website for their updated policies. If the universities that you wish to apply to have made it optional, it is up to you to decide what is best for you regarding standardized testing.
2. Set goals to stay on track for college applications and avoid procrastination When preparing to apply to colleges, procrastination may get the best of us. Especially in a pandemic many of us may feel extra lazy and may want to procrastinate, but many colleges are most likely to continue with their usual deadlines and expectations. In order to avoid this procrastination, set goals and a timeline for the things that you need to complete for your specific application whether it be writing essays or getting letters of recommendations. Another method to reinforce sticking to your timeline is to reward yourself after each step that you do end up completing from your to-do list.
3. See how your top-choice colleges view AP and IB scores Similar to the alteration to standardized testing for the ACT and SAT, AP and IB exams have been altered to accommodate the coronavirus pandemic. Inquire the universities that you wish to apply to in order to ensure that you are fully aware and knowledgeable when you do apply for college.
Tips for being a good COVID-19 era student By Julia
Here we are, learning almost completely online. Whether you’re in high school or college, it’s a lot to adjust to. I’m gonna share a few things that have worked for me in the past few months.
1. Watch your lectures Maybe your classes are live but you don’t have to turn on your camera, maybe they’re recorded and attendance isn’t required. No matter what, you should watch the lectures. No one will get mad at you if you watch them on 2x speed or pause to get a snack. But don’t forget to pay attention, pause and rewatch or slow down the speed if you don’t understand something. Even when things are online, the learning doesn’t have to stop! Yay!
2. Join group chats with friends in the same classes In a time when we don’t get to see our classmates all the time, we miss social interaction! But classmates also can keep us on track and remind us of assignments, help us study, answer questions together, etc. Having a group chat is a good way to get in some friendly conversation while also having people to remind you that, “Oh! We have a test tomorrow!”
3. Go to office hours, ask questions! Professors and teachers are lonely right now too. It will probably make them really happy if you show up and demonstrate that you care about what they’re teaching. And then you can have a better learning experience. I’m a nerd, this is what I do, don’t hate me. I firmly believe that this is the best way to learn, plus it’s great for getting your money’s worth out of your classes and getting great letters of rec (if you’re into that sort of thing).
4. Stop studying once in a while Because we’re all stuck inside all the time, it’s easy to feel like you’re being unproductive if you’re not actively working. But to be really productive when it counts, you have to give yourself a break! Mask up and take a walk. Try bike riding. I’ve started knitting, watching Korean dramas, and fostering kittens. Whatever floats your boat! If you still wanna feel productive, you can clean your room or something. Just take a break from studying and then dive into it with a refreshed mind!
5. Let people know if you’re having a rough time We’re in a pandemic. Our nation is deeply divided and troubled politically, socially, and economically. It’s okay to not be okay. Make sure you tell your teachers, friends, family, boss, whoever. Hopefully they will care and be able to help you out in some way. If you’re not comfortable, you don’t have to tell them anything personal, just say, “I’m having a tough time right now so it’s really tough for me to study/hang out/work/be happy/etc.” If other people know, then they can go a little easier on you with work or school and help you concentrate on what really matters right now.
6. Stay socially distanced/masked/responsible. Not about to lecture anyone, but it’s really hard to study if you’re sick. While it’s sometimes unavoidable, it’s good to take preventative measures when you can!
How I took advantage of online learning (and how you can too!) By Christine
For many students today, they are being forced to adapt to circumstances never before experienced. One of the biggest changes: transitioning to an online education. This adjustment has brought on a whole new set of difficulties for learners; whether it be getting used to new academic standards, challenges studying in an unfamiliar environment, or finding access to technology that can meet this educational demand, we are all trying to learn how to navigate this new norm. This is our reality, and while it was unexpected, these times have shown how resilient students are in the face of adversity. This is the time to prove what you’re capable of and how you take advantage of a bleak situation. Below, I have listed some ways I have “taken advantage” of the new norm to hopefully get you guys motivated about how you can utilize this experience to your advantage.
1. Fluidity of schedule School is a very singular concept, rigidly designed in a way that really only suits one type of learner and expects others to fit this standard. However, with new access to online materials and recorded lectures, students who have been unable to keep up with classes are now able to excel. Being able to design a schedule that makes adjustments for you versus you adjusting to the schedule has been one of the redeeming parts of online education. Learning can occur at your own pace (faster or slower) and at the time suiting you best (to account for a work schedule or the time of day you learn better). In addition, having a more flexible schedule gives you the chance to take on other opportunities that may have a stricter schedule. Personally, enrolling in recorded lectures allowed me to participate in a research opportunity that previously conflicted with my class schedule, and I could rewatch old lessons before an upcoming midterm to solidify information I missed the first time. In addition, both in high school and college I would miss meals because of classes during lunch hours, whereas now I am able to schedule classes that allow me a break.
2. A controlled environment In the beginning of my transition to online education, I found it very difficult to adjust to my new home-education setting. Whether it be my parents or sibling, there was always a distractor in the background. However, once I was able to establish a schedule with my family when I needed to be left alone, I found that I studied more productively alone and paid closer attention to classes at home than on campus surrounded by friends. Finding this self discipline and taking responsibility for my education played a major role in improving not only how I learned, but how I valued my education. Taking control of your education and prioritizing it as something that is meaningful to you helps you find personal growth that will prepare you for the many challenges you are going to face as an adult.
3. More time With classes at home, I, as did many other students, saved an enormous amount of time by eliminating transportation from my daily routine. Having a few extra hours free throughout the day not only gave me more time to study, but it also allowed me to indulge in hobbies I had put to the side during college. I began gardening with my family, learning to paint with my sister, and started a small business on Etsy. By doing the things I enjoyed more often, I was able to take care of my mental health during lockdown and find projects I would be proud of talking about in future interviews. Many of my peers have found their own ways to make use of their time. Whether it be studying a little more to get that grade boost, volunteering at the food bank to enrich their extracurricular background, or hitting the gym for personal growth, finding a purpose with your time will reflect back well on you.
4. Wider range of activities you can do As many activities and events have been transitioned to an online platform, it is the perfect opportunity to broaden your horizons. With college courses, volunteer opportunities, and many internships/jobs making it more accessible to work from home, now is a great time to find an opportunity that interests you. The range of opportunities brought by technology combined with less limitations in terms of physical distances, you have more chances to belong to a project that will be meaningful to you. I have found online seminars and virtual volunteer opportunities an enriching part of my academic journey throughout this time. Many people will be going through their own personal journeys during these times, and I recognize the privilege that allows me to take advantage of being in a global pandemic. Your journey through Covid won’t be exactly like mine. However, by making the most out of your unique situation, you will be doing your best with your circumstances, and that’s the greatest way you can benefit from living through a global pandemic. Stay safe and I wish you the best of luck!
College admissions changes due to COVID-19 by Ashley
Five things to do to improve your college application during COVID-19 by Irene
This is an unprecedented time for everyone and most students are now at home with eclubs, sports, part-time jobs, and other extracurricular activities on hold. You might be wondering how you can remain active and improve yourself during this time so that you can strengthen your college application. Here are five different things you can do to prepare for college applications!
1. Volunteer at a food bank If you are short on volunteering hours, this could be a great opportunity to involve yourself more in the community by playing an active role in lowering food insecurity. Many families may be struggling to feed all of their children and this opportunity would be great to see the reality of COVID-19 in your own community as well as show that you took initiative to offer help in any way.
2. Tutor children of healthcare workers Healthcare works on the frontlines of the pandemic are working extremely long hours while putting their own health and families at risk. By tutoring the children of these families, you are helping to alleviate some of the stresses of these healthcare workers and doing your part in supporting them during the pandemic.
3. Start a blog A great way to kickstart your self-improvement and keep yourself accountable is to start a blog tracking your quarantine activities or any other knowledge you wish to share with the world. It is very easy to start your own blog and writing about something that you are passionate about will be fun as well! This also shows colleges that you are productive with your time and that you took this time to create something of your own that showcases your development and growth. Some possible ideas could be a daily diary, a cooking series, or your goals and how you plan to accomplish them!
4. Begin drafting your personal statement Why wait until later in the year to begin preparing your personal statement when you have this extra time right now? This is a great time to reflect about what you think is most important about you and how you would like to share that with college admissions officers. The key to a great personal statement is careful reflection and preparation. This means beginning ahead of time so that you have time to think introspectively and edit your drafts so that you will have a great finished product well ahead of time.
5. Take online classes Since all universities are currently online, many schools, even Ivy Leagues, are offering free online classes. This is a great opportunity to learn more about topics you are interested in, get acquainted with the pace of a college class, show your initiative in learning, as well as demonstrate your interest in a specific school. Many college admissions officers value intellectual curiosity in applicants; taking online classes to learn for the sake of learning is one great way to broaden your own knowledge as well as develop that intellectual curiosity.
These are just five ideas for activities to involve yourself in during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the opportunities are definitely endless! Even creating your own ideas or figuring out what works for you and interests you is a great way to be productive with this time so that you can better prepare yourself for college applications. Best of luck and stay safe!