Here are six tips and resources to help you finish your school year and keep your college plans on track.
As COVID restrictions on social distancing begin to lift in many parts of the U.S., some students will get to experience a more traditional end to the school year, including smaller but in-person graduation ceremonies and proms. Many colleges and high schools are also looking forward to a “more normal” college and high school experience this fall. Even so, life isn’t completely back to normal. Here are some tips for navigating the rest of the school year during the latest phase of COVID-19.
Most high schools and colleges consider vaccination an important step towards returning to normalcy and are encouraging incoming and returning students to get the COVID-19 vaccine prior to the 2021-2022 school year. Some colleges are even offering incentives to motivate students to get vaccinated. For example, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro entered vaccinated students into a lottery to win free housing, meal plans and other prizes. Rowan University in New Jersey is giving $1,000 to vaccinated students who plan to live on campus.
Yet, most colleges have stopped short of mandating COVID vaccines for legal and privacy reasons. But recently, several colleges including Boston University, University of Michigan, Princeton University and UCLA, announced that they will require COVID vaccinations for all students on campus by the beginning of the 2021 school year. Now’s the time to find out if vaccination will be required at your school.
2. Prepare for Changes to AP Tests
The 2021 Advanced Placement tests will be different than last year’s shorter, online, open-note exams. This year, students will take full-length tests and notes will not be allowed. Depending on what your school decides, you’ll take either a digital version of the test on your computer at home, or you’ll take either a digital or pencil and paper version of the test at school or at another testing location.
For security reasons, all students worldwide will take their AP tests at the same time: at 12 noon EDT or at 4 pm EDT, depending on the subject of the test. One of the most significant changes to the test is that students who take the digital exam will not be able to go back to questions they previously answered or skipped. The College Board recommends that students download the testing app and practice using it well in advance of the test date.
Social distancing has changed the way we gather, especially to celebrate milestones like graduation and prom. As pandemic restrictions loosen, some high schools and colleges are re-thinking graduation and organizing hybrid virtual and in-person celebrations, although many schools are cancelling large graduation ceremonies and indoor proms.
Regardless of what type of prom or graduation your school has planned, remember that the important thing is to celebrate your graduation and all you and your friends have accomplished! As people have showed us throughout the COVID pandemic, a little creativity can make any celebration meaningful and fun.
The increase in the number of test-optional and test-blind colleges has correlated with a record number of college applications at the most sought-after schools. As a result, waitlist offers and denials also increased. It’s not fun to experience a waitlist or a flat-out denial, but this year especially, you won’t be alone. Here are some resources to help yourself—or your friends—cope with a college denial or waitlist offer.
At the end of the school year, it can be challenging to stay focused on your schoolwork. If you have final exams coming up, or if you want to improve your study habits before your next academic term, check out these science-backed study tips and ways college students can prepare for finals.
Also, even though you’ve been admitted to college, your grades from your last semester of senior year are still important. If your grades slip the last semester of senior year, your admission offer could be in jeopardy. Here are some tips for fighting senioritis.
Looser or fewer COVID restrictions may provide more opportunities than last summer to get involved in your community, gain work experience, or explore an academic interest. Here are a few different ways, some virtual, that you can spend your summer.
We know that high school and college life has been challenging for many of you this past year. We wish you and your loved-ones a happy, healthy and safe end-of-school year, as well as joyful celebrations of all you have accomplished during this unprecedented time.