Are you a high school senior who’s no longer sure what you’ll do in the fall?  Have you changed your mind about the school you’ll attend or decided to take a year off?  If so, you’re not alone.  According to a national survey of prospective college students conducted by the Art & Science Group, up to 1 in 6 students’ plans are changing.  Some will attend a different 4-year school.  Others will take a gap year.  Still others will attend a local or community college.

What’s bringing about these changes?  COVID-19 is upending the way students are making their decisions.  “Must haves” that were so important a month ago have been supplanted by new criteria.  Some seniors want to be closer to home.  Others simply can no longer afford their top school.  Suddenly a quality 2-year school seems like a great choice as does a gap year.

The important thing for seniors to know is that it’s ok to be unsure of your next steps.  This uncertainty is to be expected given the current situation.  You’re taking all of your classes online; you can’t visit the schools that accepted you; your financial situation may be markedly different than you expected; you or a family member may have health concerns.

No one could have predicted the upheaval we’re experiencing when you submitted your applications back in the fall. It’s ok to regroup and reconsider your options.  It’s ok to make a different choice if you need to.  It’s also ok to say “Yes” to your top choice school if that’s still the right fit for you.  You need to make the choice that’s best for you given these new circumstances.

Need help deciding?  Schedule time with me, and we can talk about your options.

Check out this article from The Chronicle: https://www.chronicle.com/article/How-Is-Covid-19-Changing/248316