Kimi Abernathy, Independent Educational Consultant

Any good college counselor will tell you that college rankings are relatively meaningless. Sadly, it is the driving force for many families. Columbia professor questions Columbia's ranking.

“Their endowments are at the top, their alumni giving is at the top, and their spending per student at is at the top,” he said. “They’re the richest.”

U.S. News Ranked Columbia No. 2, but a Math Professor Has His Doubts A professor identified several data discrepancies that Columbia University provided to U.S. News & World Report, renewing the debate over the value and accuracy of college rankings.

The New York Times has an interesting opportunity for high school students to voice their opinion on the SAT. Check out the call for opinions below:

Is Taking the SAT a Necessary Step in Preparing for Post-High School Life? Have you taken the test? If not, do you plan to take it at some point?

Interesting shift in college admission. Let's see where it goes.

Opinion: What the SAT's waning relevance really tells us Following the SAT's move to a shorter digital format, historian Nicole Hemmer weighs on the test's past, present and uncertain future.

SAT going all digital!

SAT will soon be all-digital and shortened from 3 hours to 2 The SAT taken by prospective college students across the country will go all-digital starting in 2024 and will be an hour shorter, the College Board announced in a statement Tuesday.

This will be interesting to follow. UC schools did not just drop admissions testing for this cycle, but permanently.
"The action by the nation's premier public university system could mark a turning point in the long-running national debate over whether the standardized tests unfairly discriminate against disadvantaged students or provide a useful tool to evaluate college applicants."

UC makes landmark decision to drop ACT and SAT requirement for admission In a decision that could reshape the nation's college admissions process, University of California regents voted Thursday to suspend SAT and ACT testing requirements through 2024 and eliminate them for California students by 2025. The action by the nation's premier public university system could mar...

The Chronicle of Higher Ed is posting as colleges and universities make a decision about the fall semester. The link is here:

Here’s a List of Colleges’ Plans for Reopening in the Fall Our searchable list, now with cumulative analysis, tracks whether institutions expect to have in-person or online-only classes or some mix of the two. Tell us what your campus is doing.

Students are contacting me expressing anxiety about how to move forward with college for fall 2020 and college applications for the 2020-2021 application cycle. We do not know how everything will play out, at this point. The ground is shifting every day. Make the best plan for you and your family. Then be flexible. This is not the way you envisioned starting your college career but there will be surprising silver linings and lessons along the way. The whole world is shifting and I believe we will all be better for it. Let me know if you have specific questions.

Below are questions I have received multiple times.

If colleges are online in the fall, would it be better to do online classes at a local community college than pay full tuition at a competitive college?

It would certainly save money. If you can work out an arrangement for a deferment with the college to which you have been accepted, it may be worth doing. However, colleges will likely receive an exponential increase in requests for deferments. The colleges may be hesitant to do this. You will have to weigh the risks and benefits. If you accept the spot at the competitive college, you will have a place when the college reopens. If you go to a community college with a deferment you should be fine. If you chose to go to a community college without a deferment, you will have to go through the application process all over again.

Do colleges really mean it when they say test scores are optional?

Usually, optional should be read required. This year, test scores really are optional, however, if you have really strong test scores submit them. The most competitive schools are still requiring test scores. You should note that without test scores, schools that ask for letters of recommendation will likely consider these more heavily, just as they will your essay. Ask for letter a letter from different disciplines - one from a liberal arts teacher and one from a STEM teacher.

Will the accept rates go up? or down?
I do not expect a big change in the accept rates at the most competitive schools. Though Middlebury had its highest accept rate in over a decade admitting more than 20% of applicants, her peer schools accept rate remained unchanged. I anticipate a much more aggressive use of waitlists than we have seen in the past as students and colleges struggle to work out finances and hit target enrollment.

Would it be better to take a Gap Year?
No. Unless that was already your plan. Travel or finding work may not be realistic right now. If you have a spot at a college, keep it.

How can I let schools know I am interested if I can't visit?

The schools are as worried about about connecting with you as you are with them! Virtually all the schools I work with are now hosting virtual tours and informations session. Go on these! They can be really fun. You can ask to speak or Facetime with a student ambassador. Connect with your regional admissions rep. Which you should have done anyway!

Will schools extend the May 1 reply deadline?
Over 400 colleges have already extended to June 1. Almost all schools will work with individuals based on their specific situation. Contact the admission office as early as possible to hold these conversations. Do not wait until the last minute. They will be swamped.

What about Financial Aid?
You must file the FAFSA as early as possible. Availability begins Oct 1.

Remember that students and families have taken a big hit financially but so have colleges. Colleges pay for financial aid with funds derived from their endowments. Those endowments were hit hard by the stock market crash. Further, colleges make a great deal of money from international students. The #1 country represented on US campuses has been China. That income has dried up. Education funds at the state level are being cut. We just do not know how everything will play out, at this point. Many schools award money on a first-come, first-served basis. Even wealthier schools may have less financial aid this year. We just do not know so get the FAFSA in pronto.

Look for outside scholarships however the best use of your time is to make sure you are applying to schools where you are one of the top students and a great fit. When that is the case, the school will work hard to get you there.

I had an internship set-up for this summer. Now, what can I do for my resume?

First of all, make sure you are doing something that reflects your interests rather than just resume padding. That always shows through. Schools consider extra-curricular activities to get to know you and to see what kind of person you are. Do you take initiative? Do you push yourself? Do you stick with things when the going gets tough? Are you willing try new things and leave your comfort zone? Are you engaged with others or more introverted? Are you a helper, a la Mr Rogers? Yes, the pickings may be slim this summer but there are ways to challenge yourself and grow. Here are some remote activities you can try. If you are an historian, form a facebook group and collect first person accounts of COVID-19 experiences in your community to donate to the local museum. If you are an activist, get involved with a local political or issues-based campaign. If you are an artist, learn some new technology that aids artists or work on your portfolio. Learn to code!!!!! Take an online class in something you have never had time to do but always wanted to learn. Get trained in peer-to-peer counseling and volunteer on a mental health hotline or website. Do not sit around doing nothing. Sign up to train a service pet. Life is better when you explore options whether they are online or in your back yard.

Use this time to breathe; to slow down; to listen; to appreciate those who have to work to make our safety possible. If we are well, have a roof over our heads, and are able to stay home, we are more fortunate than most.

Testing cancelled through May. Be sure to watch for emails with instructions about what to do for refunds or rescheduling. How will colleges handle this? Could COVID-19 be the end of testing?

Colleges consider the unthinkable: Dropping SAT and ACT requirements for next year's applicants High school juniors, it may be time to kiss your prep books goodbye. An increasing number of universities are dropping the SAT and ACT requirements in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

We will see how COVID-19 affects college admission and enrollment for 2020-2021.

Colleges delay deposit deadlines amid coronavirus Usually, colleges require students to send in a deposit by May 1 in order to hold a spot in the incoming freshman class. But some schools are offering more flexibility to students as the coronavirus crisis grows.