Ms. Kett offers insight into the new world Waiting for college-bound Juniors and seniors
Interview by Alyson Lihzis
These unprecedented times have affected almost every aspect of a student's life, but one of the most significant areas for seniors is the college admissions process. Many of the traditional steps, including standardized testing, are being reformed in order to aid students without access due to the pandemic.
These changes pose notable affects of which students must be aware, so Ms. Kett, director of guidance and college and career readiness, is here to provide answers to frequently asked questions regarding the alterations of college applications.
The Falconer: What measures do you think universities around the country are taking in order to ease the application process for the Class of 2021?
Ms. Kett: So, probably the biggest and most obvious is that pretty much all schools are going test optional, meaning that they're not requiring the SAT or ACT for criteria for admission. Students can still send them, if they took the exams. However, it is not part of the eligibility criteria to actually apply.
So what's happening is you're seeing it working both ways, some students who wouldn't normally apply to a specific school because they don't meet the SAT criteria are applying now, because they meet the GPA criteria. For example, a school like Boston University got an exceptional amount of applicants, because that SAT criteria has been waived at this point, so more students felt that they were eligible to apply.
These unprecedented times have affected almost every aspect of a student's life, but one of the most significant areas for seniors is the college admissions process. Many of the traditional steps, including standardized testing, are being reformed in order to aid students without access due to the pandemic.
These changes pose notable affects of which students must be aware, so Ms. Kett, director of guidance and college and career readiness, is here to provide answers to frequently asked questions regarding the alterations of college applications.
The Falconer: What measures do you think universities around the country are taking in order to ease the application process for the Class of 2021?
Ms. Kett: So, probably the biggest and most obvious is that pretty much all schools are going test optional, meaning that they're not requiring the SAT or ACT for criteria for admission. Students can still send them, if they took the exams. However, it is not part of the eligibility criteria to actually apply.
So what's happening is you're seeing it working both ways, some students who wouldn't normally apply to a specific school because they don't meet the SAT criteria are applying now, because they meet the GPA criteria. For example, a school like Boston University got an exceptional amount of applicants, because that SAT criteria has been waived at this point, so more students felt that they were eligible to apply.
They are also applying a “holistic review”, which many schools already do. This means that they take everything into account--your transcript, your college essay, your recommendations, your counselor’s statement. Then, they really review you, holistically, meaning every aspect of you as an individual, which is wonderful for most students. A holistic review is really the direction that most schools are looking to move towards.
The Falconer: What advice would you give to a senior trying to decide on a school in a time where visiting campuses is difficult?
Ms. Kett: The advice that I would give is to connect with the admissions office, and do any and all virtual tours. Also, participate in any virtual events that they may have, they may pair you with a current student, in which you can ask questions about campus life. They might point you in the direction of different student blogs. There are ways to learn about schools without actually being on campus. Some schools have actually begun to start allowing small tours on campus. You would want to find out if this is an option for your schools of interest. They do have decision days and accepted student days, many of which are virtual, but still be a part of this. Even virtually, you will still know if that is the place for you.
The Falconer: Do you believe that most schools will transition to permanently being test optional after the past two tough application years? If so, do you agree with this decision?
Ms. Kett: Yes and yes! There are a number of schools that you can look at on a website called fairtest.org that are all test optional, they transitioned to test optional years ago. Years ago some schools went test optional because they were saying how one data score should not dictate a student's future education. However, on the same note, there are some schools who need that data point just to rule out some applicants because they receive such a large number of them. The schools that are test optional usually have you show your ability in other ways.
To say that one data point should determine a person's future and where they should attend is difficult. What if someone just has a bad day? What if testing is simply not your strength, but everyday you show up and work hard? That to me is the type of student you want on a campus, not just one that can get a perfect test score. Test availability can pose economic concerns as well. What about students who can not financially afford the tests? Luckily in Mashpee, our school committee has made a commitment to make sure that all Sophomores and Juniors can take the PSATs.
The Falconer: With the pandemic, many students in the Class of 2020 deferred for a year. Do you think that this has led to a more competitive admissions process for the Class of 2021?
Ms. Kett: That’s a great question! I honestly do not, I think if they deferred they already had that information. They already have that data of who is deferring and who is actually coming, I think they planned for that. You know it’s hard to speak to each individual school. In some schools it may reduce the number of students they can actually take, but I think colleges are working to try and find the ways to adjust to that. They understand why students would defer. I do think there's been a rise in our community colleges, as students are saying: “Why am I going to pay for a college course when I can get the same one at a much reduced rate at my community college, if I'm living at home and taking it online anyways?”
The Falconer: During these unprecedented times, what is one thing you would recommend to incoming seniors (Class of 2022), in order to help ease their college admissions process?
Ms. Kett: What I would say is, enjoy the process! You guys have been through a lot, and you've worked hard for this! For those students who haven't worked their hardest, they're going to have to make the choice to start applying themselves. And for some it's about just continuing the course. Keep following up with your studies, utilize your time management skills by meeting deadlines, self-advocacy, these are all very important. Just enjoy the process of researching schools!
Actually right now, one of the benefits is that a lot of the admissions reps are not traveling all over, so they are easily accessible by any means! There's a lot of virtual college tours coming up and that’s something that I would definitely recommend to all the students. With everything virtual, we are actually being brought together. You can virtually see schools from across the country, there are so many opportunities!
Also, show demonstrated interest, it helps students stand out! Really connect with the admissions officers, making sure they know who you are, therefore when they get your application you're not just a name on a paper. Anytime you email an admission rep back and forth, or you have a phone call, they track it. Or if they send you an email, be sure to send one back because they track that data, and that all shows demonstrated interest.
The Falconer: What measures do you recommend students take when it comes to reaching out to schools they are interested in, especially with this being so difficult due to almost everything being virtual?
Ms. Kett: Every school has a website with an admissions page, so go on the school's website and it'll say: “Do you want us to send you more information?” They have it all spelled out on their website, as long as you go to the admissions office page, that's the starting point! Every school looks a little different, but let me tell you those admissions reps are available and they're excited to meet the new students who will be working with! You also need to realize that you’re a young adult, and you have to be the one reaching out. You can’t leave it up to your parents, you can’t leave it up to someone else, you have to be the one driving this. We will of course help you, but in the end it is your future, so they want to hear from you as the student. Take initiative!
The Falconer: Do you believe that with the changes to the application process, it has allowed admissions officers to look more at the character of the individual and what they would offer for the school, rather than just statistics and scores?
Ms. Kett: I do, I think it's a healthier balance now. They use that holistic review, they get to look at some students who they might not have actually looked at in the past, because the SAT might have not met their requirements. They are really looking to see how some of our students have shown resilience and how they have been moving forward through a really challenging time.
Mental health is the most important thing for students. Everyone is being impacted by these times differently. They do on the application give you a chance to write how COVID-19 has impacted you. Students have shown their strength and resiliency, and their ability to move along with what is happening. The colleges do have a way of pulling this information from students, and seeing really what the overall impact is. Especially the impact to their grades, because virtual/online learning is very different from the traditional, in school learning.