COVID College Conundrums

Cheyenne Gray

Date: 04/13/2021

As spring approaches, Reservoir’s juniors will begin the college application process while seniors make final decisions to alter the course of their life.

The pandemic and resulting lockdown pushed colleges to reapproach how they conduct admissions. Some schools changed to a test-optional application, helping low-scoring students improve their chances of consideration. This has led students to expand their school choices and aim for elite schools, causing a rise in competitive acceptance. With this change, students wonder whether applicants who submitted scores have an advantage.

The submission of test scores may help in an eliminatory situation. However, the ones who choose not to list any will be in good company alongside many. Admissions officers now must focus more on character, evaluating the given information. This emphasizes the essay portion. A friendly note: they reportedly do not want to read a story on how you spent your quarantine. The importance of character increased since some students do not have complete transcript grades due to the sudden transition to a pass or fail system.

Many juniors and seniors of Reservoir express increased confusion and frustration because some colleges require score submissions while others do not. When asked how test-optional procedures could impact future application processes, every individual wished for scores to be exempted indefinitely to place student’s merit over standardized scores.

Due to the financial repercussions of the pandemic, an increasing amount of disadvantaged students are opting for a gap year. Reasons range from the loss of a family member’s income, the emotional distress from loss, or the impacts of isolation.

Senior Dayna Jackson states, “College debt is something crippling… it is probably one of the worst things you can have, other than death or ailment.”

Even though this may seem extreme, Jackson further explains how a build-up of debt can destroy one’s life and mental health. She notes the pandemic is drawing attention to these problems that have remained ongoing in society without enough solutions.

Each student interviewed described the college application process as taxing on their mental health, especially now under the present circumstances. Each frequently mentioned the personal pressure and the worry of disappointing friends and family. Senior Maggie Madden described the journey as “lonesome” while navigating through the unknown. With the school year being irregular and the future of college approaching, Jackson honestly admitted to facing despair and hopelessness. Junior Isaiah Dunn discussed how plaguing the process can feel for those who battle anxiety and depression. When asked how much he thinks about college, Dunn confidently claimed, “it’s an omnipresent force in my life.”

Commonly with each student, their stress about college began roughly around sophomore year, with their worries becoming more daunting as they progressed. When questioned if they felt prepared for the application process, all said no and laughed. It was then a common opinion was established: regardless of how many resources you utilize, one can never really be truly prepared.

Though, juniors and seniors are bonded by their biggest fear of being rejected. Madden made a point to advise time management, to which Jackson agreed. Jackson additionally described the importance of taking relaxation and mental care seriously during this season.