Picking the right college in the crisis of COVID – 19

Around India, all the universities have been shut down and classes have been suspended due to this pandemic. There are many colleges who have cancelled their examinations and semesters making them into online assignments and online exams.

Due to COVID – 19, people have been confined to their homes and it has broken the economy drastically leading up to a major threat to human life. All over the world, there have been so many deaths for this virus. Hence, to contain the virus, all the universities decided to safeguard their stakeholders and shut down until further notice.

COVID – 19 Impact on College admissions

1. Students who are planning to take admission in abroad universities must think about their decision again and discuss with their family and career coaches before arriving at a conclusion.

2. Apart from admissions, colleges and universities in India are providing online classes via Zoom app which is an easy video conference and calling app. Many students are attending lectures sitting at home for a fixed time period and taking in notes.

3. Students have set up online groups through which they can meet virtually.

4. You should make a contingency list for the ideal colleges you can choose during this time for backup. For example: if you have secured admission in an overseas college/university then you should start exploring domestic options too.

5. The universities are as taken aback by the current situation as the students who seek admission into their programs.

How to make the right decision?

1. Be aware

Good and thorough research is a must in the sea of COVID – 19 news and fake messages. It has become the need of the hour. Potential students must start researching about the cities/towns current economic, political, a social context where they wish to study. Due to the pandemic, many countries, states have taken containment measures across the globe. A student who wishes to travel abroad must keep up to date with their policies and news and in the case of India, one can track the recent developments across various states.

2. Be flexible

In this crucial time, try to seek transparency from the universities/colleges you’re applying for which can give you a sense of clarity as well. To make an apt decision, you need to find out information about the university’s or college’s academic year plan and their strategies. It is your job to ask for that information. You must also make sure that the information you’re are researching is from reliable sources.

3. The gift of social media

Social media is an ocean of resources. You can find out the latest information on it for the campus you wish to study in. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, are helping students to connect who are in the same grave situation as you. Discussing the issues and gaining knowledge will certainly relieve your stress.

4. Online classes and courses

Many colleges/universities are providing online classes and assignments to their students. If your admission is done online smoothly, you can start with your classes right away.

Of course, you might face some difficulties when it comes to doing practical assignments but it can be resolved by asking questions to your designated faculty.

There are also many free online courses available which you can pursue and broaden your skill and knowledge to the next level! Some of them are designed by Ivy League universities and you will have an amazing experience!

5. Creativity!

The colleges and universities have to find creative ways to get their student admissions in this crisis. The University of Illinois have shifted their admission deadline from May 1 to June 1 says Andy Borst (director of undergraduate admissions).

It is not an ideal time to choose a college but with good research and knowledge, you can choose the right one!

6. Openness

It is very important to be transparent at this crisis. The universities/colleges must be clear with their procedure and information when students ask for it.

It will give a chance to make wise decisions from both sides. As there is much fake news around, you might be vulnerable to trust on wrong facts and take a wrong decision. What is that you need to make a decision and how are you going to be best informed? Make sure to ask the universities tough questions and get straightforward answers.

7. Variety

It is important that you have a variety of colleges in your hand. If one doesn’t work out in this crisis you can opt for the second one.

Seek out multiple sources to find out information about the campus and its reputation. Social media and websites are a great help to get to know about the campus you’re going to go.

You get to know about student social life, athletics, the arts, food etc. Many abroad universities had to cancel their campus visits for the students; hence, they’re trying to show it through various videos, calls, webinars which is a good step to view the campus sitting at home and get to know more about it.

You can rate a college/university based on:

Affordability (financial aid, tuition fee)

Outcomes (internships, job placements, graduation rates)

Support (academic accommodations, mental health counselling, tutoring)

Engagement (co-curricular activities, sports, clubs, academic societies)

Community Life (location, student life in campus, food, events)

Equity (diversity, inclusion, campus policies)

Gut (what your heart is telling you)

Apart from choosing the right college for yourself which might start after June month. Make sure to stay away from outdoors as much as you can.

If you’re coming from outside, make it a habit to wash your hands from soap or hand wash for a minimum 10 to 20 seconds and don’t forget to save water as well. In case you’re in a place where there is no water, you must use hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean and germ-free.

We can fight this virus by taking care of ourselves and make people educated by sending them the correct information.