The COVID-19 PANDEMIC has affected everyone around the world, meaning both universities and prospective students are experiencing an unprecedented admissions season. There are countless challenges along with millions of concerns that these students are facing as the pandemic is not yet over.
Given the current complex situation, many universities have waived mandatory standardized test score requirements. Even with GPA, it has become challenging to decide whether to accept or reject an application when many high schools used a pass-fail grading system for the spring 2020 semester. Most of the factors for annual admissions have become outdated due to the developments of the pandemic.
Ethan Sawyer – founder of College Essay Guy, a website providing essay writing resources, states: “When other factors like GPA and standardized test scores no longer play a significant role, it’s clear that other elements of the admissions application become more important than ever.”
Essays and letters of recommendation are the factors Sawyer is referring to. For this reason, many essays will focus on how COVID-19 has strongly impacted students’ lives over the past year. However, before writing an essay centered on COVID-19, students should carefully consider whether this is truly a suitable topic for them.
Writing About COVID-19 in College Applications
Many aspects of daily life have completely changed due to COVID-19. Online learning has become the “new normal” at many universities and high schools, countless extracurricular activities have disappeared, and social distancing has become mandatory in many countries to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
“I believe that for many teenagers, the pandemic has robbed them of the opportunity to shine in their senior year,” said Robert Alexander, Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Student Life at the University of Rochester, New York. “A spot on the competition team or a lead role in a school play. I know many students keep lamenting what should have happened, but the important thing is what they have done and what opportunities they have seen for themselves even during the pandemic?”
That’s precisely the question admissions committees expect candidates to answer in their essays if they choose COVID-19 as the main topic.
The question of “Should I write about Coronavirus?” is more complex because this decision largely depends on the student. Experts have mixed opinions on whether students should write about this popular topic:
Carolyn Pippen, another college admissions advisor, suggests that “if a student’s essay can showcase something interesting and unique, they should not hesitate to choose this topic.” She emphasizes that students should not be discouraged from writing on a topic simply because it’s common. “In fact, all topics will be repeated in some form or another.”
Above all, “Be honest,” Carolyn advises.
“Honestly, I don’t think students should write about COVID-19 in their main essay. Of course, there are exceptions, but the main essay is where each student has the opportunity to express themselves and share their strengths. There are many other topics more unique than COVID-19,” said Robin Miller, a college admissions advisor. He stresses that passions, personal strengths, and future career interests are topics that students can write about.
Writing About Coronavirus in Main & Supplementary Essays
To give students the opportunity to further explain how the pandemic has impacted them, the Common App has added a feature where applicants can write 250 words describing their personal experiences and how the pandemic has affected them.
“There is absolutely no right or wrong answer. The admissions committee simply wants to know how students have coped with the pandemic, how they have managed their time, and the lessons they have learned from this unique experience,” Alexander said.
Experts suggest that if students can fully present the above information in 250 words, it’s not necessary to write another 650-word essay about COVID-19. Students can skip this question if they feel it’s unnecessary.
Finally, Miller emphasizes, “I believe this question is a good opportunity to talk about the difficulties or challenges that students and their families have faced during the pandemic. That’s what the admissions committee is truly interested in. Therefore, essays lacking deep insight will not be highly rated.” Agreeing with this, Alexander advises students not to write about what they’ve simply heard or read somewhere, “Write about what has truly challenged you.”
For students who are determined to choose COVID-19 as the central theme of their main essay, it’s essential to discuss this with an admissions advisor to determine if it’s the right choice. It’s important that your essay is clear, detailed, and insightful about what you’ve learned and adapted to in the “new normal” reality.
