With COVID-19 taking a devastating toll on all aspects of life, colleges and general education centers have not been spared given they are cesspool locations that could potentially facilitate the spread of the virus. Colleges have closed as a result of the national health crisis following the lockdowns across the country. Unlike past years, prospective college applicants looking to enroll in school this fall cannot physically tour the campuses they want to determine which one’s the best fit.
COVID-19, a disease resulting from the new strain of coronavirus, doesn’t permit in-person meetings or gatherings with current students, alumni, faculty, and others who may be in a position to give you insights about a particular program. What’s more, guidelines issued by government authorities and public health officials concerning social distancing strictly discourage in-person interactions of any kind. So how will you choose a college if you cannot visit it?
Here’s a guide to choosing a college when you can’t visit the campus premises:
Attend a Virtual Tour
In the fantastic age of the Internet, you can get a feel of the campuses up for selection by viewing them online without having to set foot in either of them. The virtual reality experience can either be in the form of slide shows or videos. This way, you have a picture that you can use to evaluate their dorms, classroom other essential facilities such as gyms and cafeterias at the comfort and safety of your house. And the best part is that these virtual tours are available for free.
Seniors
Seniors are the best people you can reach out to because they can make a conclusion based on the tools they have plus use their very own gut feeling. After you have seen the campus online and are still not satisfied, you can ask current and former students any inquiries you may have. You can:
- Reach Out To Alumni: You can search LinkedIn and other social media platforms for alumni of the undergraduate college program you are interested in. The best thing about using an alumnus to get info is that they may already be on the working force in the line you want. Also, considering the current health crisis, these alumni have loads of free time and will be more than inclined to discuss their major. Your school counselor may be in a position to assist you with an alumni list willing to discuss their experiences.
- Look at Forums: Multiple websites host forums where current students and prospects talk about their colleges. Given that you can’t physically visit your dream college, you can take to the web and network with other students in your shoes.
Even with the spread of COVID-19 intensifying day by day, it doesn’t mean you can’t pursue your career goals. Selecting a college is usually a stressful ordeal; but with the special circumstances this year, one has to maintain a level head while weighing the pros and cons of institutions. Life has to go on; all you can do is remain optimistic and hope for the best as you pursue your dreams.
Click Here To See The Results Of A Major National Survey Of High School Counselors About Communicating With Higher-Ed Institutions During The COVID-19 Crisis