COVID-19 Impact on College Admissions and High-School Seniors’ Well-Being

• Activity Number: 353 - Research and Educational Tools
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Thursday, August 12, 2021 : 10:00 AM to 11:50 AM
• Sponsor: Social Statistics Section
• Author(s): Joshua H Lo* and Florence Yong
• Companies: Northeastern University and Pfizer Inc.
• Keywords: COVID-19; pandemic impact; college admissions; college application; high schoolers; admission rates

Abstract

COVID-19 tremendously affected and continues to impact high school students' learning environment, particularly high school seniors' college application, aspects, outcomes, and well-being. College admission statistics from representative samples of colleges classified by historical selectivity are collected as a baseline. The time trend of admission, prior and after COVID, is analyzed. We discuss the impact of COVID-19 on college admission, including the increasing unpredictability due to gap year applicants, a change of admission policies, a reduction in available opportunities for learning and extracurriculars, and a tremendous mental impact on high school seniors. Significant decreases in admission rates and increases in unpredictable outcomes may potentially affect high school students' well-being. Recommendations to next year's high school seniors and risk mitigation measures to improve students' well-being are discussed. Mitigation measures are proposed to reduce the stress of stakeholders involved.