Pandemic's Effect on College Admissions? Early Research Results

Even before the Coronavirus pandemic reaches its peak in the United States, research results on its anticipated effect on college admissions are available. Just two weeks ago, SCOIR conducted a survey of 3300 students and 900 parents.

• 89% of students did not intend to delay college enrollment
• 19% of students said recent events might result in reconsideration of their college choice
  • one quarter would consider schools closer to home
  • almost half gave greater consideration to colleges extending deposit due dates
  • 40% of juniors reported delays in standardized testing make them look more closely at test-optional schools
• half of seniors and parents were more concerned about the financial impact of attending college
• about 6 in 10 said they now consider a college's health, safety, sanitation, and maintenance service will strongly impact their enrollment decision.

While it is too soon to know the full impact of the pandemic on college admissions, these early results are insightful. More research is needed.