The challenges of a global pandemic are already hard enough. Now we are having to figure out where we want to attend college with limited access to seeing campuses. I know even without a pandemic, the struggle of the college search is extremely rigorous. I have watched two of my sisters go through their own journey. My older sister also had to do it during COVID-19. Seeing her struggle to visit schools this year was only a tiny glimpse of what I will go through because I have never been able to take an official college tour.
How am I supposed to decide where I am going to spend the next four years of my life if I cant even view a college campus in person? All I have are impersonal, virtual college tours that (some) are outdated and not entertaining to watch. I completely understand why all college tours are being restricted, but it's very hard to try and make a life-changing decision based on a five-minute video that doesn't capture the culture of the schools I'm interested in. I will most likely have to apply to most of my potential colleges without ever stepping foot on their campuses. I have been doing a lot of research online, but nothing will compare to being able to experience in-person visits.
Luckily, I was able to see one of my current top school choices, Ohio State University, about four years ago. My sister Claire was touring there, and I fell in love with the campus immediately. Being able to have a first-hand experience with the culture on campus allowed me to imagine myself there one day. I wish I was able to also have that connection with several other schools I am interested in. I am hoping that by the time I apply and receive my decisions, I will be able to take a tour of my top schools so I can make the best decision for my future!
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| This is an image I captured at the Thompson Library at Ohio State University. From the other side of the library, there is a view that overlooks The Oval! |
I agree that it has been really hard to explore options for colleges this year. I know that the colleges are trying their best, but the online visits aren't very helpful. It is good that you were already able to visit one of the colleges you wanted already!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you! Not being able to physically explore colleges and get the tour will make this decision very very difficult. I think one thing that will be tough is that you won't know the environment that you would be living in as I think that is a big thing. It is definitely very stressful to begin with and to add to it all, we can barely visit schools!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you! Searching for these colleges has been a very difficult experience! I especially thought about this during my time taking junior seminar! Not only am I a little unsure of what I would like to do, but also where I would like to go.
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