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353 – 353 - Research and Educational Tools
Impact of COVID-19 on College Admissions and High Schoolers’ Well-Being
Joshua H. Lo
Northeastern University
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.