Navigating the Whirling , Swirling, Ever- changing world of college admissions -during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Headlines blare the news that admissions to the most selective range of colleges is harder every year.

Test Optional policies due to the pandemic have significantly increased those applicant pools.

Flagship state universities, with the best values in higher education are becoming more selective as they are far more affordable.

News such as this feeds a frenzy among the most loving parents and their hard working students, yet the admissions picture for strong students with genuine interests and activities they love, has never been rosier.

While the pandemic has created unknowns in all fields, new trends in college admissions are emerging as well. Some due to COVID-19, and some due to changing demographics of high school aged students in our nation.

The key to success in college admissions reflects the keys to success in all of life: optimism, hard work, caring connections, open mindedness to new ideas, and the pursuit of authentic interests. Character traits such as honesty, diligence, reliability, empathy, loyalty and contributing to a greater good are key to a fulfilling life and evidence of those traits are sought as admissions officials review applications. In a world where “gaining an edge” seems to be valued, authenticity and genuine achievement are truly the secret to success in college admissions as well.

At Clear Directions our counselors help students experience their college search and application process as a “journey of self-discovery”, while discovering the many colleges that would be great fits for them academically, personally, socially and financially. Our students apply to colleges with an appropriate range of selectivity,.including those that are the most selective. We are all confident that our students will recognize great colleges that would value them and where we can all be sure they will be able thrive. This process is based on continuing engagement with our students ensuring that they are supported and encouraged as they navigate this process . This process must be personalized, so little is true for every college, and few answers are right for every student.

We know that virtual college tours and information sessions will remain as part of the future process for college investigations, but we can’t wait for our students to have the chance to visit colleges in person. We predict those tours will be of much stronger value once students know the strengths of colleges in advance of the tours.! The expansion of test optional applications to colleges is likely to remain for many collegesin the post-pandemic days, which we see as an advantage for our wonderful students who do not perform well = but also an advantage to those students who gain strong scores and therefore will submit them.

Many students and parents believe that Admissions Officials are a group of wise individuals who ponder the worthiness of each applicant. Sadly students and parents start to confuse their potential for success and happiness and self- worth with the name of the college that they attend. This is perhaps the hardest myth to conquer. Admissions Officials do maintain standards for the institution they work for, but ultimately they are employing client relations management systems, data analytics and algorithms to help create a class that will include students from all over the country and world, that will also meet the needs of the college ‘s budget. No matter what we say, it will always feel personal to a 17 or 18 year old who is disappointed- but we assure you it is not.

This is why the counselors at Clear Directions are certain to explain this process to our families and to be sure that our students include applications to colleges that will value and admit them for sure. Jeffrey Selingo has torn back the curtains and explained this process in his latest book, Who Gets in and Why. I encourage parents to read this book. I truly believe it will help families avoid the stress and frenzy that can surround the admissions process, and add to the confidence of students as they pursue the amazing opportunities, personal and professional connections a college education can provide.