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Coronavirus and College Enrollment: Possible Next Steps

If you’re a 12th grader, congratulations on your college acceptances and upcoming high school graduation! These are unprecedented times and as with all things in the world right now, many uncertainties surround the fall semester for college. As you contemplate your options regarding the Coronavirus and college enrollment, we wanted to offer some guidance for the common questions that are on many students’ minds.

First, let’s look at all the options that may be available to you: after enrolling, you may have a choice between attending classes in person or online. Instead, you might prefer to defer your spot at a school who has offered you admission, with the intention of taking a gap year and starting classes Fall 2021. Another possibility is to decline all current offers of admission, take a gap year, and reapply next cycle. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the routes available to students considering options in light of Coronavirus and college enrollment, outlining the pros and cons of each of them. 

Enroll

Enrolling in the fall would allow you to start your college life this year, either in-person or remotely, depending on whether your college is ready for on-campus classes. You would move on to the next stage of your life, meet new friends, and connect with professors and others who are all interested and invested in teaching and helping you. Some of this may have to happen remotely. Enrollment is usually the plan for the vast majority of students. 

Because of the unusual circumstances with the Coronavirus and college enrollment, there are some downsides to this option. You may not experience the usual perks of freshman fall if campus remains closed, such as meeting people in person, and having resources or help clearly visible to you. You might miss out on the endless supply of food in the dining hall! You may also face financial challenges if your family’s income has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. While Boston College and a few others have already announced that they will be open in person, many colleges are still making decisions about their fall semester plans. Some, like the California State College system, have already announced that they will hold all classes online. So, keep an eye out for any updates from your college about details.

If you plan to enroll

If you want to go through and start college this September no matter what, you’ll have to start preparing accordingly. Let your college know, and depending on how classes will take place, you must get ready. In the case that classes start in person, you’ll have to sign on for campus housing, since most universities ask that freshmen stay on campus. You should start preparing a packing list and thinking about what you need. But if your college lets you know that your courses will take place online, make sure that you’re equipped with the tools and technology necessary for this to be successful.

For international students who need visas to come to the U.S. for school, we advise that you keep in close contact with the International Student Affairs Office at your college about your I-20 and visa status. If traveling to campus continues to be impossible, colleges will likely allow international students to take classes remotely, so be sure to ask about that option when talking to your college.

For domestic students whose family financial situation has changed, reach out to the Financial Aid Office at your school to inquire about possible options. The financial aid officers will help you and your family find solutions that work for everyone. 

Keep in mind that college is a four-year journey, so having an unusual first year is only a small part of your overall college experience. Even if it’s not immediate, you’ll experience on-campus life eventually. 

Deferral

Deferring your enrollment for a year means that you will not start classes at the school where you have accepted an offer of admission until fall 2021. It also means that you’re committed to enrolling in the college where you’re deferring. Once you’ve deferred your offer, you should NOT apply to other colleges or accept another college’s offer. You’re simply delaying the start of your first semester of college.

Deferring your offer allows you to wait out the uncertainty of this fall semester. It also means you will be a year older than most other students when you do start in the fall of 2021. You may end up with one fewer shared conversation topics with your high school friends if they enroll for this fall. It is also difficult to continue to learn and challenge your mind on your own and this could make freshman fall more difficult if you’ve been “out of practice” in learning. If you want to do this, you should have a clear plan of what you’re going to do, and how you plan to spend the year off.

If you plan to defer

Every college has their own process for how students should request to defer their offer of admission. This usually includes completing a form that outlines reasons for deferral and your plans for during the deferred period. If you plan to defer, reach out to the Admissions Office and inquire about the deferral process. Follow any instructions given and make plans to be productive while you’re away from school. If your college has requirements concerning what you cannot do (enrolling in a certain number of college level courses for example), be sure not to violate those requirements.

Denying all offers of admission

The third possibility for students looking at options for the Coronavirus and college enrollment is to take a gap year. This usually applies to students who are not committed to any college, who instead take a year to pursue their own passions. Gap year students typically turn down all current offers with the intention of applying again in the next application cycle, usually to schools that the student has not applied to previously. If you received an offer from a school and turned it down, it is unlikely that the school would extend another offer to you again next cycle. 

Re-applicants generally face more challenges. Unless there are meaningful changes to a student’s candidacy, applying again usually means fewer chances. If you’re thinking about a gap year because you want to try to get into a different college, transferring may be a better option. Enrolling in a college and excelling there demonstrates your academic capabilities and will give you more credibility as a transfer applicant. It shows you have what it takes to succeed, which is more reassuring for admissions officers to see. 

If you plan to re-apply

Thoughtful planning and structure are two critical components of a successful gap year. Studying for and retaking standardized tests is not a good use of your time (it especially cannot be your ONLY use of time for several months) during a gap year. 

It takes initiative, motivation, and determination to create your own structures and opportunities. Think about what you want to do the most with your time then find resources that you have access to either through your social/family network or through research. Develop a concrete plan for the next 3-6 months and hold yourself accountable. Be sure to reflect on your experiences and write down your thoughts along the way. 

The situation with the Coronavirus and college enrollment is certainly not an easy one. You don’t have to make the decision in one day. Take some time to go over the pros and cons of each of your options so that you can make the call that’s best for you and fits in with your plans. Hopefully, you’ll be able to figure out what’s ideal and enjoy a fulfilling college experience. Good luck!