SCHEV & HIGHER ED NEWS

How College Admissions Have Changed During Covid

"After the pandemic forced most schools to adopt test-optional admission policies, applications soared at the nation’s most selective schools ... In their admissions announcements, schools touted the increased number of nonwhite students they had accepted and the number qualified to receive government Pell grants, awarded to students from low-income families ... The message to students this year is mixed. In theory they have had a greater chance to reach the pinnacle of college admissions and get into a highly selective school that promises to meet students’ full financial need. But at Harvard more than 95% of applicants were rejected. Which means that tens of thousands of aspiring Ivy Leaguers are coping with disappointment and defeat," reports Forbes.

Photo: Harvard University's iron gate in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA (GETTY)

Virginia establishes tuition-free community college for high-demand fields

"Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed legislation Monday establishing tuition-free community college for low- and middle-income students studying for jobs in high-demand fields. The program targets students pursuing degrees in such industries as healthcare, computer science and early childhood education within the Virginia Community College System," reports Higher Ed Dive.

Photo: Gov. Ralph Northam signs legislation on March 30, 2021. (Governor's office)

State offers students free help applying for financial aid

"Gov. Ralph Northam’s office said in a statement Monday that the coronavirus pandemic has lead to a decline in completion rates of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The Virginia College Access Network and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia have partnered to offer one-on-one FAFSA assistance," reports The Associated Press.

Photo credit: FAFSA form (Getty Images)

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