Being Proactive in a time of uncertainty

Melissa Ryan
Aug 8, 2020
3 min read

No doubt, we live in uncertain and changing times. COVID-19 is changing the face of post-secondary education. And, in all honesty, we really do not yet know the full impact of the changes that we will be facing and trying to navigate. Demystifying the college admissions process is going to become ever more challenging in the days, months, and years that are ahead of us. However, I think there are things we can do to be proactive in preparation for the new reality in higher education.

This is the perfect time for students to pause and be reflective about the COVID experience.

How did COVID impact your life?
How did you compensate for the loses you experienced?
What did you learn about yourself and others?

If you have not already, I would begin journaling. I predict you will see these questions on every college and scholarship application for years to come. Interviews will be ripe with questions about your COVID experience. It is important for you to begin documenting now while your emotions are raw and your feelings can easily be articulated.

Most higher education institutions are facing a financial crisis unlike anything ever before experienced. Costs are increasing for colleges as adjustments are made for COVID. Schools have had major expenses in the area of technology as well as physical facilities. I read today that the University of Alabama is going to have to move 450 students into apartments in order to accommodate students who test positive for COVID in on campus dorms and that is just the tip of the iceberg.

As operating expenses are increasing, income is decreasing. The loss of revenue for most collegiate athletic departments is breath taking. Donations have been impacted as many donors have also suffered

financially by COVID. Lawsuits are mounting as the result of the transition to distance education.

What does all of this mean to you as a high school student preparing for college? My first thought is that scholarship dollars are going to be impacted - academic scholarships as well as athletic scholarships. It is going to be more important than ever for you to have a competitive edge for scholarship dollars.

You need someone in your corner advocating on your behalf as well as helping you every step of the way to maximize your academic skills and talents. Athletes must view their academic record as important as their athletic skills. As schools cut college athletics, there will be fewer athletic scholarships. Recruiters are going to be most interested in athletes who are strong students as well as athletes. They want athletes who they know can be successful at their institution. You don't want to be teetering on Division I or II eligibility. There will be a direct correlation to the financial cuts in athletic departments and the availability of athletic scholarships.

YOU need a GUIDE who can help you demystify the process and equip you with the toolkit for success. I am a trusted educational consultant who believes that finding the right college fit is one of the most important decisions for students and their families. College is a major financial investment in many cases. Therefore, you want to be armed with the best, most up to date, and sound information. Making the right choice enhances the overall educational, social, and career experiences in life. Finding that right fit can be an overwhelming task, and this is where I can help.

As a knowledgeable college consultant, I can do the following:

Offer individualized guidance based on individual student needs.
Provide insight and information on next-gen education, the changing college landscape, and what that means for your student.
Alleviate stress for students and parents and allow you to enjoy your student's high school years.
Provide your student with a competitive edge.
Make the best use of your financial resources.

We are all finding our way through these uncertain times. The board is scrambled. We cannot let COVID cripple us. We must allow it to propel us toward proactivity. Enough time has been lost. One thing is certain even though the game of higher education is altered - the workforce is going to continue to demand well educated, skilled workers which supports the demand for higher education.

I look forward to talking with you about the opportunities. Please complete the Contact Me Form for a free consultation.