KLINGSHARE:#11 KLINGCHAT - APRIL 30, 2020 COLLEGE AND PLACEMENT COUNSELING DURING COVID-19 KlingShare:#11 share key points from a KlingChat discussion held April 30, 2020 for both college counselors working with high schoolers and placement counselors working with elementary or middle schools students.. WHAT STRESSES/CONCERNS ARE YOUR STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES EXPERIENCING AND WHAT APPROACHES HAVE HELPED THEM NAVIGATE THE RAPIDLY CHANGING TESTING/ADMISSION LANDSCAPE?
Areas of concern included changing practices for standardized testing and grading; shifting deadlines; questions about deferrals/gap years and the ramifications for admittance and aid; how to make college decisions when campus visits are impossible; international student visas; tuition and housing costs; and when and how schools will reopen. Techniques to help: Host weekly meetings and provide. Record short videos targeted at each grade level. Balance constituent anxiety and uncertainty with clear communication and transparency. Host open Q&A or "Coffee Hours" for questions. Collect and communicate information from schools/colleges about virtual info sessions and other opportunities. HOW MIGHT WE PLAN FOR NEXT FALL IN THE FACE OF UNCERTAINTY?
Promote self-care and positivity. Encourage students to focus on elements they can control (e.g. college research, starting applications). Encourage juniors to reach out to seniors and alumni as resources for their search. Host essay sessions with admissions officers at perspective schools. When appropriate, record meetings to share with the school body. Identify which schools are looking at standardized tests as optional and the potential impacts. Still encourage independent study online to prepare and determine how much weight these tests will hold given this crisis. Look into virtual information sessions, panels, and visits to prospective colleges and with college/placement officers to continue a model of connection. Identify financial aid budgets and availability, especially if tests become optional Determine the best way to “own the story” and provide evidence that the education is still valuable in spite of it being online.
KlingShare:#11 | Klingenstein Center, Teachers College, Columbia University | klingensteincenter.org