Post-pandemic study in the US: Considerations.
Intelligent Overseas Education Travel Update: Most colleges’ acceptance ratios have plummeted since several institutions announced test-optional or test-blind policies for Fall 2022.
It’s no secret that studying abroad in developed nations opens up new opportunities for students. Most parents want their children to study overseas after 12th grade to expand their horizons, build their future and accelerate career growth. UNESCO found that even during COVID, nearly 91 percent of Indian students desired to pursue post-secondary education overseas. It has also created a new set of concerns for both parents and children. To help parents and children make informed decisions and prepare for the future, we will elaborate on these concerns in this article.
Low acceptance rates
Most colleges’ acceptance ratios have plummeted since several institutions announced test-optional or test-blind policies for Fall 2022. Below is a graph showing a decrease in acceptance rates at some top colleges:
Due to the lack of in-person classes, many admitted students postpone their admission until the following fall. This decreased the number of seats open to students this year. As per U.S. News, 16% of students admitted in 2020 took a gap year and entered 2021. For example, out of 350 seats at Yale in 2021, over 50 were reserved for students who deferred admission in 2020. Shorter postgraduate courses had a greater impact (year or two).
Status of Vaccination: Have you had the right one?
Vaccination status also poses significant challenges for students traveling abroad—both the FDA and the WHO have denied vaccine approval. International students who are only partially or not vaccinated will need to be revaccinated. This will depend on the college’s rules. The CDC has issued detailed guidelines that require international students to be revaccinated with an FDA-approved vaccine.
Approximately 500 US universities and colleges will require the students to get vaccinated against c by the start of the fall term. Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, University of Chicago, and New York University are some examples.
The primary vaccines used in India, such as Covishield, Covaxin, and Sputnik, are not approved in the USA. WHO has only approved eight vaccines: Pfizer/BioNTech, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Sinopharm, Sinovac, and three AstraZeneca vaccines. The Indian RTPCR test results are not recognized in Canada. Take the exam in a third nation. They don’t trust the results from India.
The Essential Travel Category – Students alone?
Travelers in the essential travel category are also allowed in countries like the US, Canada, and Singapore. Ahead of time, parents would accompany their kids to college, then return home. In the absence of an adult, children must travel alone. What if the child can’t adjust? No family support system means a first-year student 18 can face many challenges. And the COVID-19 threat is real. Even if the child isn’t doing well, parents can’t travel.
Visa issues
In addition, students may not be able to obtain a visa for some countries. Students from other countries can ask colleges for credit. A student will spend the first year at ABC College in London and the second year at XYZ College in America. In addition to discussing the lack of an American student visa with XYZ’s coordinator. In the second year, they agreed to accept credits from ABC College in London.
How do universities respond?
Because of this, universities are doing everything possible to help mitigate the issues. Colleges have responded by creating WhatsApp, Instagram, and other social media groups for students and parents. Most colleges help parents and kids online. Parents can inquire about these groups through colleges. For example, they can find out about quarantine requirements, required documentation, and what to pack for the children.
Second, colleges assign first-year students to mentors. These peer mentors help students prepare for academics and campus life. Much help comes from talking to seniors and parents of deceased children.
Preparing with ambiguity
Given the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, parents and children must devise a plan to overcome obstacles. Students should have a dual-action plan with timelines, goals, and tasks. Mentors, counselors, peers already enrolled in university, and students’ research should thoroughly review and approve this plan.
Indian Students are most welcomed to join our Study abroad Education Community to get General Updates and clear queries for keeping a step towards success.
