Tony Di Giacomo:

This week in education, we’ll cover how test-optional admissions will change the game for applicants. This fall big ten’s decision reversal to play college football, and New York City schools’ last-minute shifts to the reopening timeline. Hi, I’m Dr. Tony Di Giacomo from Novella Prep, and this is A Novel Take.

A recent Wall Street Journal article explained how this application year over 60% of colleges and universities will not require standardized test scores in the wake of COVID-19. Removing this traditional staple of the college admission criteria has left many schools scrambling to reinvent their admissions process. Most will shift their priorities toward assessing transcripts, grades, and recommendations as well as new pandemic-related essay responses.

These new uncertainties, undoubtedly add an element of stress. However, we encourage students to see this as a unique opportunity to demonstrate their strengths in a new and exciting way. Rather than dwell on what’s missing focus on what’s within control, whether it’s reaching grade goals or volunteering in your local community, there remain opportunities for students to communicate deeply valuable personal experiences to their top schools this fall.

In a surprise reversal of their previous decision, the big 10 athletic conference has decided to commence their football season. The New York Times reports that previous decisions to cancel were primarily driven by concerns of student health and COVID-19. The conference now explains that daily testing protocols and no fan policies will allow them to safely play beginning in October. Such decision shed light on the overall financial impact and influence felt by almost all colleges and universities amid the pandemic. Both within and outside athletics, such rapid fluctuations in decision-making speak to wider institutional pressures schools are feeling to make resources last through the coming months. Unfortunately, this has, and may continue to force colleges to prioritize finances over the wellbeing of students.

In similar decision reversals, Mayor Bill de Blasio has decided to amend New York City public schools’ reopening timeline. The Times explains the city will now phase the reopening process. Beginning with the youngest grades, schools will gradually extend in-person classes to older students week by week. The Mayor hopes this delay will allow for all safety measures to be properly addressed and mass teacher shortages to be filled. This last minute change has left many students and parents once again, overwhelmed and confused by such constant shifts to the city’s plans.

Unfortunately, such changes are not unique to New York City schools. The past month has seen several schools and across the country shift to online learning in response to rising cases at their own or other institutions. This trend of uncertainty will likely continue this school year making, staying up to date, student organization, and adaptability more important now than ever before.

That’s all for this episode of A Novel Take. Thank you for listening. Remember to subscribe for more discussions on the latest education headlines, key topics and expert interviews. As always, you can learn more about us at novellaprep.wpengine.com and find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @novellaprep. I’m Dr. Tony Di Giacomo, bye for now.