Watch LogicPrep’s Founder & CEO Lindsay Tanne discuss in detail how COVID-19 will affect your college admissions plan.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

WEBINAR RECAP

Presented on April 14, 2020 by ​Lindsay Tanne​, Founder & CEO of ​LogicPrep
Please visit our ​COVID-19 updates page​ to find all of the latest developments regarding college admissions.

TL;DR:​ ​

While some aspects of the admissions process have been affected, much remains the same: colleges continue to seek students who demonstrate academic achievement as well as creativity, compassion, initiative, and impact. There’s also tremendous opportunity to demonstrate these qualities in our current climate.

  • Test dates are changing, but ​scores still matter and can be additive​ (even in a test-optional context)

  • Many schools are going pass/fail or relaxing academic standards, but ​make sure you’re grasping the material and building connections with teachers

  • Now is the time to ​show initiative and impact​: pursue additional avenues for learning and supporting your community

STANDARDIZED TESTING

What does test-optional mean?

  • Students may ​choose​ to submit SAT/ACT scores though they are not required

  • Students ​should​ ​still submit scores​ if they would enhance their application

  • Since transcripts will be limited, SAT and ACT scores may paradoxically be ​more​ meaningful​ for this cycle

  • If students submit scores, they ​will​ ​be evaluated

  • FairTest​ maintains an updated list of test-optional schools

ACT, SAT, & SAT Subject Tests:

  • While the June SAT is canceled, ​College Board​ has committed to offering a test each month from August through the end of 2020. In the case that tests are not able to be given at centers in the fall, College Board is developing a digital, at-home option.

  • The June SAT Subject Tests have also been canceled and ​College Board​ will provide more information in the coming weeks.

  • The ​ACT​ has hinted at digital at-home testing options as well

English Proficiency Testing:

  • TOEFL provides an at-home testing option

  • Duolingo is a compelling alternative that can also be taken at home

What can I do?

  • Juniors​: Register and stay consistent - if you’ve already committed, maintain your momentum!

  • Sophomores​: Take diagnostic SAT and ACT tests (learn more about the ​diagnostic process​ with LogicPrep)

  • Freshmen:​ Read as much as possible

  • Prep for Subject Tests​: Given the abbreviated AP format, Subject Tests - like the SAT or ACT - offer a valuable opportunity to demonstrate prowess

  • Expect ​greater flexibility​ around testing recommendations/requirements

  • If English Proficiency Testing is in your prep plan: ​register for the TOEFL​ or ​Duolingo English Test

CURRICULUM & GRADES

AP adjustments:

IB adjustments:

  • May IB tests are canceled; November tests are still on

  • How students perform in their classes matters now more than ever

  • For Seniors, this cancellation shouldn’t have an impact on your admissions outcome since US offers are not conditional.

What can I do?

  • Strengthen other aspects​ of your profile (testing, personal narrative) since your transcript will be limited

  • Understand your course material - remember, your ​high school coursework is cumulative​!

  • Cultivate relationships with teachers​ - ​Juniors: they’ll be writing your recommendations

PERSONAL NARRATIVE

What can I do?

  • Learn a new skill or go deeper into an academic area of interest​: many universities have made courses available for free online through resources such as ​EdX​ , ​Coursera​, ​Yale Open Courses​, and ​MIT OpenCourseWare​. View our full list of ​educational resources ​here​.

  • Demonstrate initiative and impact through meaningful services experiences​: there are so many problems to solve. Translate previous service work online or brainstorm ways to engage with your community in response to today’s crisis.

  • Juniors, get ahead: ​open up a Common App account​ - information will “roll over” in August

  • Brainstorm essays: to ​avoid common/cliched topics​ (and quarantine will be one of them!), identify ​what makes you and your story unique

SCHOOL SELECTION & TIMELINE

Application & matriculation timeline:

  • Schools have not announced changes: they are still anticipating a ​fall start​ and ​no changes have been officially made to application deadlines​ (November ED/EA)

What can I do to learn more about schools?

  • Explore fit & demonstrate interest​ through the following avenues:

  • Virtual tours​ and ​mailing lists

  • Emails to ​regional admissions officers​ & professors

  • Connect with ​LogicPrep alumni & staff

LINDSAY TANNE

FOUNDER & CEO

Lindsay Tanne, LogicPrep’s founder and CEO

As Founder and CEO of LogicPrep, Lindsay helps students maximize their potential, tell their stories, and identify the best fit schools for them. Over the past 12 years, LogicPrep has helped thousands of families successfully navigate the standardized testing and college application landscape. In the process, Lindsay has been an integral part of growing LogicPrep’s team and shaping the development of the firm’s curriculum and software.

Lindsay is a member of NACAC, the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization for successful entrepreneurs under 40, and an Associate Member of IECA. She is frequently featured as a thought leader and writer in publications including Forbes, Inc., The Huffington Post, & Teen Vogue.

Lindsay is also the President of the Jesse Kolber Foundation, which provides both access to and financing for college to highly achieving students who have demonstrated resilience, financial need, and a commitment to academic excellence.