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My school district has shut down for an extra week in my area due to COVID-2019 which isn't a big deal. As a senior tho it is hard to think that they might cancel school. I've been hearing rumors and even seeing in some news articles the state of Texas might postpone school for the rest of the year 2019-2020. I'm worried about how that'll affect me not gonna lie. Whether colleges think I failed to what job I apply for in the future... Any tips or advice? Thanks in advanced!
#college-advice #student #college #school #uncertain #covid-19
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19 answers
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Jaclyn’s Answer
David don’t worry every senior in America is experiencing this or will experience this soon. Chances are your Administrators already have a contingency plan in place if your school has to close permanently for the rest of the year. Colleges are expecting this and have their own issues too. I’m hearing some universities have went 100 percent online for the rest of the semester. Because of the virus. Just pay attention to any communication that comes from your high school and stay up to date on any home school assignments that will most likely be thrown your way. Be prepared there may be summer school too. It’s a though time to be a senior.
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Mark’s Answer
While I completely understand your concern, take some relief in the fact that it is the same situation for everyone else in the country and around the globe for that matter. Meaning, your situation is one that you will be able to explain and help either your college or a future employer to understand,
It is important however that you continue to stay focused on your education and learning through whatever online resources your school is providing to you. You might want to even consider going above and beyond the curriculum they are providing as there are so many great tools and resources available on the internet.
Stay positive and stay hopeful that we will get through this and we will be stronger in the end as a civilization. You will be fine and will reflect back on this one day as something that made you stronger.
It is important however that you continue to stay focused on your education and learning through whatever online resources your school is providing to you. You might want to even consider going above and beyond the curriculum they are providing as there are so many great tools and resources available on the internet.
Stay positive and stay hopeful that we will get through this and we will be stronger in the end as a civilization. You will be fine and will reflect back on this one day as something that made you stronger.
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Mattie’s Answer
The best advice is to relax! Times are tough right now and there are thousands of people who are in the same boat as you. I promise that high schools and colleges are understanding right now and I’m sure they’ll take measures to take care of their seniors and incoming freshmen for next year. I would continue to apply to colleges, tour them when they reopen, call and email as many colleges as you can with any questions you may have. Eventually, even if in-person classes are cancelled for the remainder of the year, you will have to finish your high schooling, take the exams, and do the things you need to do in preparation for college. I’m sure you’ll be able to get into the college you want, although it may be a little delayed.
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Kim’s Answer
Hi David!
I understand your stress! In 2008, I retired from one job, fully expecting to be able to find another. Yet, because the economy was in the tank, it took me another year to do so! I was all freaking out, because, we all "know" there aren't supposed to be any gaps in employment on the resume.
What I found in my job interviews wasn't a question of "Why" it took me so long to find work. The questions I got were usually, "what did you do during that time?" They were looking for answers about professional development. Everyone understood why I was in the predicament. They wanted to know what I had done to take advantage of this free-time.
There is no sense in stressing over things you have no control over. Sounds pretty common sense, right? But, it takes lots of years to actually learn and practice it. Not to sound like no one cares, because, we do, but, really, if you ( and a gazillion other seniors) get set back a year, or half a year, 10 years from now, it won't matter. Right now, it's crazy. You were probably already making all sorts of plans. Keep making your plans. Just be prepared for them to be disrupted. I truly believe by August you will be a HS graduate. I don't expect the schools to hold you back, and deprive the colleges of their Fall freshman class.
So, please find something that will make for an interesting conversation in an interview. Take free on-line classes in something wildly different. Google "MOOCs" if you are unfamiliar with them. Lots of classes. Volunteer. Start a program to call and check on the elderly in your neighborhood to help them get services they need. Seeing others' problems will put yours in perspective. Also, please engage in stress management activities -exercise, meditation, etc.
These are stressful times. But, we've gotten through stressful times before!
Kim
I understand your stress! In 2008, I retired from one job, fully expecting to be able to find another. Yet, because the economy was in the tank, it took me another year to do so! I was all freaking out, because, we all "know" there aren't supposed to be any gaps in employment on the resume.
What I found in my job interviews wasn't a question of "Why" it took me so long to find work. The questions I got were usually, "what did you do during that time?" They were looking for answers about professional development. Everyone understood why I was in the predicament. They wanted to know what I had done to take advantage of this free-time.
There is no sense in stressing over things you have no control over. Sounds pretty common sense, right? But, it takes lots of years to actually learn and practice it. Not to sound like no one cares, because, we do, but, really, if you ( and a gazillion other seniors) get set back a year, or half a year, 10 years from now, it won't matter. Right now, it's crazy. You were probably already making all sorts of plans. Keep making your plans. Just be prepared for them to be disrupted. I truly believe by August you will be a HS graduate. I don't expect the schools to hold you back, and deprive the colleges of their Fall freshman class.
So, please find something that will make for an interesting conversation in an interview. Take free on-line classes in something wildly different. Google "MOOCs" if you are unfamiliar with them. Lots of classes. Volunteer. Start a program to call and check on the elderly in your neighborhood to help them get services they need. Seeing others' problems will put yours in perspective. Also, please engage in stress management activities -exercise, meditation, etc.
These are stressful times. But, we've gotten through stressful times before!
Kim
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Lauren’s Answer
Hi David! Hope you're healthy and doing alright. I want to start off saying that you are definitely not the only one in this boat. I recently graduated from college and know a lot of people in both college and high school that have been affected by COVID-19. It's definitely a scary time with a lot of unknowns so it makes sense that you would be nervous about things that are out of your control.
There's pretty much a nationwide shut down of schools so you are not the only one experiencing the school shutdown. The college I went to went virtual for the rest of the semester. With this in mind, I don't think anyone will fault you in terms of college, internships, jobs, etc. I think the only way they would is if you neglect your work and don't remain dedicated to school and going to college. Things like this are going to pop up for the rest of your life, hopefully never this extreme though!! Just stay adaptive, and dedicated to your work, and no one could possibly deny you success based on COVID-19.
Hopefully this helps!!
There's pretty much a nationwide shut down of schools so you are not the only one experiencing the school shutdown. The college I went to went virtual for the rest of the semester. With this in mind, I don't think anyone will fault you in terms of college, internships, jobs, etc. I think the only way they would is if you neglect your work and don't remain dedicated to school and going to college. Things like this are going to pop up for the rest of your life, hopefully never this extreme though!! Just stay adaptive, and dedicated to your work, and no one could possibly deny you success based on COVID-19.
Hopefully this helps!!
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David’s Answer
Relax. These are unusual times. I entered the workforce in 1979 with double digit inflation in place. Just take your time and identify the best opporutnity. COVID-19 will give you a pass on what you may be missing in the eyes of an employer.
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José Javier’s Answer
Hi David, you definitely aren't alone with your concerns about school closings. I live in Chicago and the entire district has closed for an entire month so a lot of seniors feel what you are feeling.
With regards to what colleges might think, I would say that the COVID 19 pandemic is a global issue. Health and safety come first, so college admissions professionals will understand your situation. Have you already been admitted and accepted which college you'll be going to? If so, I would recommend keeping in contact with them to find out how they are responding to this issue and what they are asking of incoming college freshmen.
I would also keep in touch with your teachers, counselors, principals, etc. because they are the ones who will be deciding how the rest of the school year will play out. Talk with your fellow classmates and make your feelings known (in a professional/respectful manner) about how you are worried about your future so they can empathize. Chances are they already have plans in place that take into consideration your worries.
I hope this helps, David. I understand why you are worried. We are living in unprecedented times so we just need to keep our chins up and plan ahead for our future.
With regards to what colleges might think, I would say that the COVID 19 pandemic is a global issue. Health and safety come first, so college admissions professionals will understand your situation. Have you already been admitted and accepted which college you'll be going to? If so, I would recommend keeping in contact with them to find out how they are responding to this issue and what they are asking of incoming college freshmen.
I would also keep in touch with your teachers, counselors, principals, etc. because they are the ones who will be deciding how the rest of the school year will play out. Talk with your fellow classmates and make your feelings known (in a professional/respectful manner) about how you are worried about your future so they can empathize. Chances are they already have plans in place that take into consideration your worries.
I hope this helps, David. I understand why you are worried. We are living in unprecedented times so we just need to keep our chins up and plan ahead for our future.
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Colin’s Answer
If I were in your shoes, I would feel the same way...Certainly shows you care. However, these are very strange and unique times we are living in now. This is worldwide and everyone understands what students are going through. Unfortunately, we can't control it but rest assured no one will be holding this against you either in college or future jobs...Everyone is in the same boat.
For yourself, keep your studies up during these times. Try not to get too distracted. Stay focused on your goals and take it 1 day at a time. We will all get through this and as said in other responses, don't stress on what you can't control.
Good Luck!
For yourself, keep your studies up during these times. Try not to get too distracted. Stay focused on your goals and take it 1 day at a time. We will all get through this and as said in other responses, don't stress on what you can't control.
Good Luck!
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Anne’s Answer
Hi David - Don't worry! Elementary, middle, high school and college students around the country are all going through the same thing. Keep up your studies and participate remotely with your classes and teachers if that is possible. Also, think about using some of your free time at home to read books or online articles about subjects that you are interested in. Or, volunteer online to help a charity. Then, in the future when someone asks you what you did during the COVID 19 shut-down, you will have exciting and interesting things to talk about. Colleges and employers will be more interested in hearing how you handled the time vs. judging you for not being able to attend school in person.
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Helen’s Answer
We are living a very uncertain time David, but I am sure every aspect of our lives is adjusting to this "New Normal". So do not think that colleges won"t, all education institution need to adapt to changes and take that into consideration when checking for new applications.
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Richard’s Answer
Don't worry! Everyone will be in the same situation. My sons' internships were all canceled this summer but future employers will have to understand.
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John’s Answer
A very valid concern to have. I know it is not much of a reassuring thought, but the rest of the academic world is going to experience the same things. It would be short-sighted and naive of the workforce and other educational establishments to overlook the break in performance due to the pandemic. Continue to sharpen your resume by means of volunteering, reading, and fine tuning current skills.
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Sendil’s Answer
Yes schools will be closed for the rest of the year, as you know by now its not getting any better, until vaccine is developed. It's same with rest of the world. In future if you mention to your employer 2020 they will understand and it will not affect your career.
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Rachel’s Answer
Try to remember that everyone in school right now is facing the same situation. Future employers will understand the circumstances. No one will think you failed because school was cancelled or online due to COVID.
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Reema’s Answer
Hi David,
I completely understand how you feel. Just as others in this thread said, a lot of people are in your shoes now. It's great that you're passionate about your future and your college. Here are my thoughts -
1. I agree with everyone that says you should focus on your studies right now. As tough as this time is, you still need to keep up with your school work.
2. If you have a little extra time with this covid 19, maybe you can think of what you can do with that free time. Is there a free online course you want to take in an area you're interested in? A hobby that you can do indoors? Finding something that you can do during this extra time and being able to share that.
3. As I stated earlier, a lot of people are in your shoes right now. This a very uncertain time. Know that colleges and other people will realize this and understand this. I would try to relax and focus on items 1 and 2 in my response. I certainly sympathize with your situation - just know that we need to stay positive and do what we can in this situation.
Good luck and stay safe!
Reema
I completely understand how you feel. Just as others in this thread said, a lot of people are in your shoes now. It's great that you're passionate about your future and your college. Here are my thoughts -
1. I agree with everyone that says you should focus on your studies right now. As tough as this time is, you still need to keep up with your school work.
2. If you have a little extra time with this covid 19, maybe you can think of what you can do with that free time. Is there a free online course you want to take in an area you're interested in? A hobby that you can do indoors? Finding something that you can do during this extra time and being able to share that.
3. As I stated earlier, a lot of people are in your shoes right now. This a very uncertain time. Know that colleges and other people will realize this and understand this. I would try to relax and focus on items 1 and 2 in my response. I certainly sympathize with your situation - just know that we need to stay positive and do what we can in this situation.
Good luck and stay safe!
Reema
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Jabari’s Answer
Hi. Don't worry that your local school district's response to Covid-19 will impact your college years. The impacts are widely-felt and well-understood, and your college will not consider you to have been a high school drop out. Relax on that front, stay safe, and wash your hands.
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EmilyAnn’s Answer
In the state of the world, colleges will not think less of you based on your performance/accomplishments during this time. Many are already waiving standardized test requirements as well as offering virtual resources! As a college student, I know that most schools recognize how difficult it is to learn virtually and most have offered pass/fail grading options. It won't count against you as much if your grades were lower last semester or you struggles working virtually - it's been hard for students and teachers alike so schools will be very understanding. I hope you ended your year well and wish you the best of luck!
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Keri’s Answer
Hi David,
Now that we are many months into COVID "normal" I feel like your question is even more relevant as there will be not one Senior Class impacted by COVID, but 2, as well as many other educational challenges presented throughout the school curriculums.
While I believe, more and more, that it is not what you were able to accomplish in your past, but what you are accomplishing right now, that will impact your growth. We are all learning to navigate in a remote situation, and the innovation and inspiration that are being forced into the workforce and public schools will forever change the way we do business/school. I firmly believe that the first class of students impacted by COVID will be some of the people coming up with the most innovative ways of dealing with the pandemic, because your lives have been so impacted.
It will be interesting to see how employers and colleges will make determinations based upon the new normal, but my best guess is that your record will speak for itself, with or without COVID.
Now that we are many months into COVID "normal" I feel like your question is even more relevant as there will be not one Senior Class impacted by COVID, but 2, as well as many other educational challenges presented throughout the school curriculums.
While I believe, more and more, that it is not what you were able to accomplish in your past, but what you are accomplishing right now, that will impact your growth. We are all learning to navigate in a remote situation, and the innovation and inspiration that are being forced into the workforce and public schools will forever change the way we do business/school. I firmly believe that the first class of students impacted by COVID will be some of the people coming up with the most innovative ways of dealing with the pandemic, because your lives have been so impacted.
It will be interesting to see how employers and colleges will make determinations based upon the new normal, but my best guess is that your record will speak for itself, with or without COVID.
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Lauren’s Answer
These are unprecedented times. I understand how you may be feeling disappointment and confusion regarding not being able to close out your senior year of high school.
Regarding college applications, the thing that is in your favor is that everyone is in the same boat. Colleges will be aware that this current school year ended abruptly. It would be wise to still fill out your applications as if everything is going to return normal come the fall semester. Another thing that is important is how well you did for the portion of the semester that you were in school. It is likely that colleges will be looking at the grades that you already achieved. Good luck!
Regarding college applications, the thing that is in your favor is that everyone is in the same boat. Colleges will be aware that this current school year ended abruptly. It would be wise to still fill out your applications as if everything is going to return normal come the fall semester. Another thing that is important is how well you did for the portion of the semester that you were in school. It is likely that colleges will be looking at the grades that you already achieved. Good luck!