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How to Make College Decisions When Campuses Are Closed How to Make College Decisions When Campuses Are Closed
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As colleges and universities nationwide shift to online classes in an attempt to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, the usual spring break college tours have been upended.As colleges and universities nationwide shift to online classes in an attempt to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, the usual spring break college tours have been upended.
Things are changing fast, so it’s important to check with individual colleges, but most prospective student visits, including events and overnights for admitted students, are off the table for now. With campuses closed, frustrated high school juniors face tour cancellations, and seniors won’t be able to set foot on most campuses to feel the vibe before their deposits are due on May 1, National College Decision Day.Things are changing fast, so it’s important to check with individual colleges, but most prospective student visits, including events and overnights for admitted students, are off the table for now. With campuses closed, frustrated high school juniors face tour cancellations, and seniors won’t be able to set foot on most campuses to feel the vibe before their deposits are due on May 1, National College Decision Day.
Choosing a college can be a stressful decision any year, and the special circumstances this spring call for extra resilience. Parents can help their teenagers keep their perspective and stay levelheaded, weighing the pros and cons of the schools on their lists remotely. In addition to the usual factors like academic and social opportunities and financial aid offers, the public health crisis may make some families prioritize closeness to home.Choosing a college can be a stressful decision any year, and the special circumstances this spring call for extra resilience. Parents can help their teenagers keep their perspective and stay levelheaded, weighing the pros and cons of the schools on their lists remotely. In addition to the usual factors like academic and social opportunities and financial aid offers, the public health crisis may make some families prioritize closeness to home.
Following are some ways students can get creative to gather their information for college decisions while maintaining plenty of social distancing.Following are some ways students can get creative to gather their information for college decisions while maintaining plenty of social distancing.
Your high school counselor can provide a wealth of information about specific colleges or connect you with former students from your high school attending the colleges you can’t visit right now. And just because the college admissions office isn’t open to you doesn’t mean it’s not open at all. Admissions staffs are scrambling to provide as much information as possible so students can make informed decisions.Your high school counselor can provide a wealth of information about specific colleges or connect you with former students from your high school attending the colleges you can’t visit right now. And just because the college admissions office isn’t open to you doesn’t mean it’s not open at all. Admissions staffs are scrambling to provide as much information as possible so students can make informed decisions.
Sulgi Lim, director of admission at Williams College, said her team is “gearing up to provide alternative opportunities for students to get to know Williams from afar.” Williams admissions counselors continue to answer phones to field students’ questions, and the Williams website now includes profiles of current students with diverse interests, along with their email links, so prospective students can communicate with them. No hand washing necessary.Sulgi Lim, director of admission at Williams College, said her team is “gearing up to provide alternative opportunities for students to get to know Williams from afar.” Williams admissions counselors continue to answer phones to field students’ questions, and the Williams website now includes profiles of current students with diverse interests, along with their email links, so prospective students can communicate with them. No hand washing necessary.
The admissions counseling team at the University of Washington “is scheduling appointments by Zoom and phone and offering online information sessions for all prospective students and their families,” said Paul A. Seegert, director of admissions. “Soon, we’ll also have the ability for current tour guides to chat with prospective students online.”The admissions counseling team at the University of Washington “is scheduling appointments by Zoom and phone and offering online information sessions for all prospective students and their families,” said Paul A. Seegert, director of admissions. “Soon, we’ll also have the ability for current tour guides to chat with prospective students online.”
Mr. Seegert pointed out that the university’s shift from live to online classes may provide a unique opportunity for more visitors to “sit in” on classes, albeit virtually. “We’re excited to extend our reach to communities who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to visit our campus,” he said.Mr. Seegert pointed out that the university’s shift from live to online classes may provide a unique opportunity for more visitors to “sit in” on classes, albeit virtually. “We’re excited to extend our reach to communities who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to visit our campus,” he said.
Cate Granger Zolkos, dean of admission at Amherst College, expressed the pervasive feeling of disappointment resonating among admissions staffs nationwide. “I love welcoming our admitted students to campus — we all do,” she said. “Best time of year!”Cate Granger Zolkos, dean of admission at Amherst College, expressed the pervasive feeling of disappointment resonating among admissions staffs nationwide. “I love welcoming our admitted students to campus — we all do,” she said. “Best time of year!”
Ms. Zolkos reassures students awaiting notifications, “We will enroll, as planned, a typical class of 473 incoming first-year students,” and the admissions staff encourages prospective students to visit the college website, take a virtual tour, and learn more about student life by reading the student blogs linked there.Ms. Zolkos reassures students awaiting notifications, “We will enroll, as planned, a typical class of 473 incoming first-year students,” and the admissions staff encourages prospective students to visit the college website, take a virtual tour, and learn more about student life by reading the student blogs linked there.
At the Ohio State University, although all undergraduate admissions visits and on-campus recruitment events scheduled through April 20 were canceled, Beth A. Wiser, executive director of undergraduate admissions, said Friday that a skeleton crew was still in the office to greet walk-in prospective students. Virtual webinars with admitted students were in the works, she said, and the admissions staff planned to add more opportunities for in-person visits for juniors when that’s once again possible.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
At the Ohio State University, although all undergraduate admissions visits and on-campus recruitment events scheduled through April 20 were canceled, Beth A. Wiser, executive director of undergraduate admissions, said Friday that a skeleton crew was still in the office to greet walk-in prospective students. Virtual webinars with admitted students were in the works, she said, and the admissions staff planned to add more opportunities for in-person visits for juniors when that’s once again possible.
[From 2017: Skipping the College Tour][From 2017: Skipping the College Tour]
For a less biased contact than the college admissions office can offer, mine your personal virtual networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn to find and connect with enrolled students or alumni to learn more about a school. Email or message to set up a time to chat over FaceTime, Skype or even an old-fashioned phone call. As a bonus, you’ll have a contact no one paid to peddle the school, who can provide candid, useful information you’d never hear in an official information session.For a less biased contact than the college admissions office can offer, mine your personal virtual networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn to find and connect with enrolled students or alumni to learn more about a school. Email or message to set up a time to chat over FaceTime, Skype or even an old-fashioned phone call. As a bonus, you’ll have a contact no one paid to peddle the school, who can provide candid, useful information you’d never hear in an official information session.
Many schools offer virtual campus tours — whether elaborate virtual reality experiences, videos or slide shows — where you’ll find images that can give you a feel for what a campus looks like and highlight what each college holds dear. Dig further, and you’ll find admissions blogs, podcasts and links to follow a school on social media. You may also find free access to the school newspaper that covers events, sports, politics and opinions of real students.Many schools offer virtual campus tours — whether elaborate virtual reality experiences, videos or slide shows — where you’ll find images that can give you a feel for what a campus looks like and highlight what each college holds dear. Dig further, and you’ll find admissions blogs, podcasts and links to follow a school on social media. You may also find free access to the school newspaper that covers events, sports, politics and opinions of real students.
While juniors may have future options for college visits, seniors will need to make a final decision as best they can with the tools available, including their gut instinct. When admitted students are having a tough time choosing among colleges, it usually means that any of their finalists could work out well. Remember that once you have made your choice, you have the power to arrive on campus with a great attitude and make your college experience your perfect fit.While juniors may have future options for college visits, seniors will need to make a final decision as best they can with the tools available, including their gut instinct. When admitted students are having a tough time choosing among colleges, it usually means that any of their finalists could work out well. Remember that once you have made your choice, you have the power to arrive on campus with a great attitude and make your college experience your perfect fit.
Jill Margaret Shulman is a college essay coach and the author of “College Admissions Cracked: Saving Your Kid (and Yourself) From the Madness.”Jill Margaret Shulman is a college essay coach and the author of “College Admissions Cracked: Saving Your Kid (and Yourself) From the Madness.”