Challenges in This Year’s US University Admission Cycle

Students, how are you feeling after months of online schooling this year? Have you picked up the quirks of virtual courses and figured out how to get better online course experiences?

As we all are aware, the COVID-19 has put limitations on our everyday mobility. Schools all over the world shifted to virtual interactions to cater to students' best interests. 

We're already in the last quarter of 2020, and the next admission cycle is right around the corner. For you, 12th graders, it is time to gather up your portfolios and prepare your university application.

In this blog entry, we are specifically discussing the upcoming US university admission cycle and the changes that appeared after the COVID-19.

With so many changes this year, it's unfortunate to say that the 2020/2021 university applicants are facing more challenges due to the newly shaped admission process. 

Different kind of challenges that rose during the lockdown

As schools enforced online learning, it brought complexities in the transcript process, from grading assignments to exams. The new virtual method also affects the community where students struggle to keep their grades up as a result of the lack of resources. 

Besides the academic transcript, most universities have made the standardized test requirement optional for the 2020/2021 admission cycle. Even so, the policies were not created equal. Some schools still require SAT/ACT for specific majors, or selective schools, like MIT, cancel their SAT Subject requirement. This only creates further questions on how the application will be fairly reviewed. 

Both grades and standardized tests have been crucial in university applications, especially for international students. But with this year's special case, admission officers might have to take it easy in reviewing both grades and standardized tests. 

On top of that, it is predicted that new applicants will have to face increased competitiveness where there will likely be applications to school with test-optional policy and from deferred applicants. 

With the two central differentiators off the main spotlight, how will you appeal to top universities with your applications?

With challenges, also grow new resolutions.

After months of working with students virtually, we think the way to differentiate yourself from other applicants is quality over quantity. Where you work on the aspects of your application that shows yourself beyond the quantified grades or test scores. 

Stay tuned with us to talk more about the qualitative elements to boost your university application in the pandemic-influenced admission cycle.