Cirkled In CEO Corner - June 12, 2020
Memorial Day Weekend marked the unofficial start to the summer season. However, this year feels very different because of, of course, COVID-19.
As students prepare to attend virtual proms, Zoom graduations, and even some in-person, socially-distanced ceremonies, we look ahead to what the summer and eventually fall will bring for our students. But the truth is--there is a lot we do not know.
Recently, I had the pleasure to speak with college admissions experts. Here are some things they do know.
Consistent with our surveys, Jonathan Lindsay, vice president of enrollment at Goucher College, says we can expect a drop in international student enrollment.
He also mentioned that post-COVID19, he hopes that schools will move past traditional testing. We’re already seeing that as more and more schools drop requirements. COVID-19 may have been the final nail in the coffin of Standardized tests. Read our thought leadership article published in Puget Sound Business Journal on this topic.
We also spoke with Terrence Izzard, associate vice president for enrollment management and student success at Tennessee State University where he addressed the adaptation of admissions policies to accommodate for this modified sense of normality. He says that while online learning may be cheaper, families are still struggling with accumulating the necessary funds for education; and so colleges and universities must rethink their resources to support those in need.
We’ve also found that students’ financial situations are rapidly changing during the pandemic. In fact, almost 70 percent of surveyed students expected a change.
In another interview with Patricia Lemon, director of undergrad admissions at St. Martin University, she found a silver lining of college admissions officers: Students who were once unable to attend crucial college events, are now able to connect with their counselors and participate in virtual campus tours. In addition to the diminishing of geographical borders.
We look forward to keeping students, teachers, admissions officers, and parents updated over the summer as we shift into our “new normal”. Stay up-to-date on the latest education news by following our blog or connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram.
Stay safe,
Reetu Gupta, Cirkled In CEO
