I still remember my first Zoom advising session in 2020 with a high school junior named Leo. He sat in his bedroom, surrounded by college brochures and uncertainty. “How am I supposed to compete for college if everything’s canceled?” he asked. At the time, I didn’t have all the answers. None of us did. COVID-19 had upended nearly every part of the college admissions process — and now, five years later, we’re still seeing its effects ripple through the 2025 application cycle.
Whether you’re a first-generation applicant, an international student, or someone who’s just trying to figure out what colleges even want anymore, I want you to know this: the process has changed, but so have the opportunities. Let’s walk through what’s different in college admissions post-COVID and how you can navigate it with confidence.
How COVID-19 Has Changed College Admissions (Tips for 2025 Applicants)
COVID-19 didn’t just pause campus tours and shuffle classes online. It shifted what colleges value, how they evaluate students, and how applicants present themselves. For 2025 applicants, understanding these changes is key to building a strong, authentic application.
Test-Optional Policies Are Still Widespread
One of the biggest admissions changes sparked by COVID is the surge in test-optional policies. Many schools suspended SAT and ACT requirements during the pandemic, and several have extended or even made those policies permanent.
For example, the University of California system remains test-free. Other schools, like the University of Michigan and Tufts, have extended test-optional pilots through at least 2026. But this doesn’t mean tests don’t matter anymore — it means strategy matters more.
When I worked with Maya, a homeschooled student with strong grades but limited extracurriculars, we decided to submit her SAT score because it helped balance her unconventional transcript. But for Jalen, whose testing was disrupted by illness, we focused on highlighting his service work and leadership instead. The key is to use test scores when they add value — not out of obligation.
If you’re unsure whether to submit your scores, check each college’s admission testing policy and consider reaching out to admissions reps directly. They often appreciate the initiative and transparency.
Grades and Rigor Are Being Viewed in Context
Another lasting shift is how colleges evaluate academic performance. During the height of COVID, many schools moved to pass/fail grading, and some students faced major disruptions to their learning environments. Admissions officers now read transcripts with more empathy — but also more scrutiny.
One admissions officer recently told me, “We’re not just looking at GPA. We’re asking: What did this student do with the hand they were dealt?” That’s where your course rigor, grade trends, and explanations matter.
For example, if you had a dip in grades during remote learning, you can explain that in the “Additional Information” section of your application. Just be honest and constructive. I helped a student named Fatima write about how she struggled during virtual school while caring for younger siblings. That context made her upward trend in 11th grade even more powerful.
If you’re still building your academic profile, consider taking AP or dual enrollment courses to show readiness. But don’t overload yourself. Balance is still key.
Virtual Engagement Now Counts as Demonstrated Interest
Before the pandemic, demonstrated interest often meant visiting campus or attending in-person events. But now, with so many experiences moved online, colleges have broadened how they track engagement.
Attending virtual info sessions, joining mailing lists, emailing admissions reps, or even following a college’s social media can all show that you care. This is especially helpful for students who can’t afford to travel.
One of my students, Diego, couldn’t visit any schools because of family financial constraints. But he attended every virtual event offered by his top-choice college, asked smart questions during Zoom Q&As, and even submitted an extra essay expressing his interest. He was admitted — and the admissions officer specifically mentioned his “thoughtful virtual engagement.”
To learn more about this, check out our guide on how to show demonstrated interest in ways that really matter.
Essays Have Gained New Importance
As test scores became optional and transcripts more complicated, personal essays began carrying more weight. Admissions teams are using them to understand your resilience, values, and voice.
For 2025 applicants, essays are a chance to reflect on how the pandemic shaped your growth. But be careful not to write another generic “COVID changed everything” story. Instead, focus on a specific moment that reveals something deeper about you.
One student I worked with, Alina, wrote about organizing mutual aid grocery runs for elderly neighbors during lockdown. It wasn’t dramatic — but it was grounded, personal, and full of heart. That’s what stood out.
If you need help shaping your story, I highly recommend reading our breakdown of the 2025-2026 Common Application essay prompts and how to approach them.
Admissions Are More Holistic — and More Competitive
Here’s the paradox: colleges are looking at students more holistically than ever, but they’re also receiving record numbers of applications. That means it’s not enough to meet the baseline — you need to stand out.
This is where crafting a clear application narrative really helps. I often tell students, “Don’t try to be everything. Show me who you are and why it matters.” Whether you’re a coder, a caretaker, or a creative writer, lean into your story.
We have a full guide on how to build a compelling application theme that threads through your essays, resume, and recommendations. It’s one of the most effective ways to rise above the noise.
Tips for 2025 Applicants Navigating Post-COVID Admissions
If you’re applying in 2025, here are some concrete ways to adapt to this changing landscape:
- Be strategic about test scores: Submit them if they strengthen your overall application. Otherwise, focus on your GPA, course rigor, and essays.
- Use the Additional Info section wisely: Explain any disruptions, but don’t dwell on hardship. Show growth and resilience.
- Engage virtually: Register for virtual tours, webinars, and Q&As. Follow schools on social media and reach out with thoughtful questions.
- Tell a cohesive story: Align your essays, activities, and recommendations around a central narrative that reflects your identity and impact.
- Start early and stay organized: Use a checklist like our senior year application timeline to stay on track.
And remember, there’s room for creativity. Virtual internships, family responsibilities, community work — these all count. Admissions officers are more open than ever to nontraditional experiences. Just be honest and intentional in how you present them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are campuses still considering pandemic-related disruptions in 2025?
Yes. Many admissions officers recognize that COVID’s academic and personal effects didn’t disappear in one year. If you faced obstacles like illness, family responsibilities, or remote learning challenges, use the Additional Information section to provide context.
Should I still take the SAT or ACT?
That depends on your strengths and the colleges you’re applying to. Check each school’s current testing policy. If your scores are above the school’s average range, they may enhance your application. If not, you’re likely better off applying test-optional.
What if I didn’t have access to extracurriculars during COVID?
Colleges understand that many activities were canceled or limited. Focus on what you did do — even if that means caring for siblings, helping neighbors, or learning something new online. Authenticity and initiative matter more than quantity.
Are virtual college events worth attending?
Absolutely. Many schools track attendance at virtual info sessions, webinars, and student panels. It’s a great way to show interest, especially for students who can’t visit in person. Be sure to ask questions or follow up via email for extra impact.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Behind — You’re Evolving
I want to leave you with this: you are not at a disadvantage. You are part of a generation that’s had to rethink resilience, redefine leadership, and reimagine what success looks like. That’s powerful.
Colleges aren’t looking for perfection — they’re looking for perspective. So own your story, use the tools available to you, and trust that there’s a place for you in higher education, even if the path looks different than you expected.
And if you’re wondering what comes after hitting submit, check out our guide on what to do next after submitting your college applications. You’re not alone in this process — and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
Stay grounded, stay curious, and keep going. The world needs your voice now more than ever.