Students are presently receiving their much awaited acceptances from US colleges. However, with universities sending back students in the wake of the COVID19 pandemic, there is uncertainty amongst prospective international students. Some of the common queries being asked are:
- Will the Fall 2020 semester start on time?
- What will be the decision with regard to students from the more affected countries?
- What is the status of university tours?
- Why are so many students being placed on waitlist?
- Will students be permitted to defer their acceptances?
- By when do students have to confirm their acceptance?
- Will the IBDP and A-AS level exams be held on time?
The situation is being monitored and responded to on a day-to-day basis. However, there is this one certainty guiding the decisions and actions of every education provider in the world- and that is ‘education of our children must continue’.
Let us attempt to understand what can be expected during the Fall 2020 international college admissions:
As we can see, the acceptance decisions are being taken and informed on time by the Colleges. It is noteworthy that several students are reporting being placed on the waitlist. This is understandable because Colleges want to secure their enrolments, and in the prospect of cancellations by students who are unable to travel, more waitlists are ensured conversion. It is advisable for the students to accept the waitlist at their preferred colleges.
International travel stands frozen presently, and in the advent of extension of these travel restrictions, the colleges are preparing to conduct classes online for the 2020-21 batch till the students can join their colleges. Based on their individual circumstances, some students may even defer their admissions by a year to join next year.
Often, international students and their parents travel to the colleges they have gained acceptances from- before finalizing their preference. This year such campus visits have been cancelled. Though it is not quite the same, but virtual tours can be a substitute; links for the same are present on the college websites.
Check- https://campustours.com/ or https://www.youvisit.com/collegesearch/. Some colleges will facilitate a guided virtual tour for those who sign in at a pre-decided time. Most colleges have also cancelled the ‘Admitted Students Weekend’ or are having it online for those students who have already been admitted for this Fall.