Preparing for College During a Lost School Year

By Joanna C.

It’s now been over a year since we’ve left the classroom and begun distance learning. With virtual classes, it’s been incredibly difficult to stay focused on completing classwork and homework or even staying motivated to continue logging into Zoom. For Sophomores and Juniors, this was supposed to be the time where we took more AP’s, more college classes, and did more extracurricular activities. However, the coronavirus has thrown us a curveball and shattered almost all those plans. 

Colleges have become more lenient about student statistics, some becoming test-optional or even test blind for the SATs and ACTs. This shouldn’t stop you from taking those tests though, you may need them for scholarships, grants, or internships. Keep in mind that not all colleges are test-optional or test blind. 

As a junior, I’ve been trying to stay as competitive as I can. I take multiple AP’s, community college classes, and participate in many extracurricular activities. Even with the pandemic, I wanted to stand out and make sure I was noticed by admissions officers. For the most part, I’ve stayed on top of my work. I turn in everything on time, I reach out if I need help, and I try to participate in class as much as I can. 

Some tips I have for preparing for college during a lost school year are: 

• Continue to take community college classes, even if they’re virtual — Not only do they boost your GPA and give you additional credits outside of school, they look great on your college applications. Taking initiative shows colleges that even through these tough times, you’re still striving to be the best student you can be. 

• Join new clubs — Clubs are a great way to meet new people and explore your interests. Joining clubs can help the time go faster (so the day doesn’t feel super long) and shows colleges that you’re actually taking advantage of your free time and going above and beyond to explore what you might like or dislike. 

• Give yourself free time — Yes, it is good to take extra AP’s and community college classes and join extracurriculars but mental health is more important. You don’t want to burn out and completely fry your brain. Taking a day or even an hour to relax and unwind can keep you from becoming mentally and physically exhausted. 

These tips helped me navigate a year in quarantine education and helped me stay sane. Hopefully, they’ll help you too.