How does COVID-19 affect college admissions?


Monday, March 30, 2020

The novel coronavirus outbreak has resulted in the cancellation of on-campus college classes for the rest of the university semester, among the suspension of any events related to large social gatherings. How are college admissions processes being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?



College and universities have included the emphasis of virtual tours and the extension of deadlines to accept admission offers.

Early events for admitted college and university students often give students a useful introduction to the college campus. They help freshmen college students get their bearings and learn about the services that will be available to them as they begin their university careers. In light of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease outbreak, colleges and universities are closing and therefore, shutting down any of these events.


Students that have been accepted to a college but haven’t made a decision, institutional responses to the pandemic may make this even harder. If a student hasn’t already visited colleges where he or she has been accepted, a closed campus definitely eliminates the option to do so.

Choosing a college may have just gotten harder.


For many students, being on campus gives them a sense of what the college community is like. Students are expected to make a decision typically by May 1, traditionally known as National College Decision Day. Now, students will have to consider attending colleges that they have never visited in person. The inability to visit in person can often make it difficult for students and their families to find the right fit.

What does COVID-19 mean for college admissions?
There is most likely going to be a shift to more online admissions events and resources. College and universities will start setting up online groups so that first-year students can meet each other virtually. A lot of things will need to go online.

College responses include virtual tours and online content for prospective students as well as extending offer acceptance deadlines so that students are not rushed in making their decisions.

Prospective students should reach out to colleges and universities to see what each one is doing to accommodate applicants as the coronavirus outbreak throws a wrench into the gears of the college admissions process. 

While they may not be replacements for the physical campus tours, prospective college students should definitely take advantage of virtual college tours. Students should also look into course offerings in their major of interest. 

College social media accounts and university admissions forums can also be helpful resources.




Get Instant Information about the University

By clicking “Get Information Now,” I hereby authorize startuniversity.us, their dependents, subcontractors, or associates to contact me in regards to education proposals offered by universities in the United States.