Talk about a new definition of "March Madness."
Many students and their families wonder how the current public health crisis will affect college admissions. Whether you are a sophomore just beginning to research schools or a senior trying to make your final decision, there are some important things you need to understand.
To begin, almost certainly, the May 1st "Decision Day" deadline will stay in effect, and all remaining decisions will be released as expected. Additionally, the vast majority of schools have canceled all campus tours, information sessions, and admitted student days. Colleges are putting together alternate means to try and "sway" accepted students to send in their deposits, such as the potential for additional merit aid, financial incentives, attractive perks, and possible discounts. Colleges will need to get a bit "inventive," so make sure you check every email you receive and review them carefully.
For the younger students, the canceled tours affect your research as well, but you do have the luxury of time to visit schools. Of more importance are the pending discussions about postponing SAT and acting text dates until the crisis subsides. For now, register as usual and prepare as if you are taking the exam. On the bright side, postponements will give you more time to prepare.
Do not use any of this as a reason to deviate from your college plans. If anything good comes out of this, it will be increased admissions rates as schools struggle to keep up appearances and present a sense of normalcy.
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