Turning Your Educational Future Right Side Again Up

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There is no question that COVID-19 has turned the world upside down. Schools are closed, students are having to learn remotely through a variety of means. Adjustments to time and family life have had to been made. Social distancing, quarantines, stores and restaurants closed, and lots of bad news. It is hard to keep one’s head focused on the future. But that is what is necessary.

Here are a few things to remember:

1. It could be worse. The actions that most countries are taking are helping to resolve the pandemic that is beginning to work. China has drastically improved the situation to the point where things are beginning to get back to normal-ish.

2. The old adage One Day at a Time is an important one to live by. While the world seems to be crumbling, it is not. What you can do is focus on what you need to do today – school work, projects etc… Do your best.

3. Use your time wisely, avoid procrastination. Set a schedule to get things done. Schoolwork, exercise, read, write stories, play games with your family (not computer games, but good old fashion ones or create something new.) Being active and engaged keeps you on task. In other words, keep busy!

4. Keep balanced. Manage your time wisely, don’t overindulge.

5. Avoid negativity. There is nothing worse for the psyche than negativity. It wears you down, brings on depression, bad habits and can grow into a vicious cycle. Make a gratitude list – small things that you are grateful for – a roof over your head, food on the table, good health, your education, a loving family and good friends. Keep it simple.

6. Create positivity – instead of focusing on the not so good things, create change. Think of your family, your home, your neighbors, your community. What positive things can you do? Remember there are people worse off than you. They need your good energy.

7. Be creative. Think of ways you can engage your left brain. Try something new, research or investigate topics that have always interested you but maybe you haven’t had the time.

8. This too will pass. It may get worse in places, but as we have seen there is change coming. Don’t have regrets that you didn’t do well or get something done. You cannot blame a virus or the circumstances. There is only you.

A lot of the above is not only personal but about school. Remember that how you do through these circumstances is important. Many of you have applied to boarding schools or university. With the recent news standardized test scores – e.g. ACT, SAT, TOEFL, IB exams, A Levels and possibly take-home exams for AP, schools, and colleges will need to rethink their side of admissions. What we do know is that how you manage this time, before the end of the semester/term will be the most important validation. KEEP YOUR GRADES UP, in other words. Schools will be looking closely at your grades and COVID-19 is not an excuse (generally speaking).

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If you are going to apply next year to schools, the same applies. But there are other things you should be doing if you are about to enter the admission cycle.

1. Research schools and research them deeply. Be broad and wide at first, then narrow over time.

1. Attend virtual tours and admission sessions

2. For schools that you are interested in, click on the More Information tab in admissions so that you get on their radar.

3. Talk to current students or alumni

2. Prepare for standardized tests even though they have been postponed.

1. Take a Duolingo English Test – many schools have added this to their English requirements either as a replacement for TOEFL or IELTS or add additional information.

3. If you are a junior, you can start working on your application:

1. Open a Common Application account if you are planning to apply to the US. Other countries you need to wait a while. Make sure you are opening an account for the next admission cycle 2020-21.

2. Start thinking about or writing your personal statement. I strongly recommend avoiding – How I Survived COVID – 19 as a topic. But instead, think about some of the factors that lead to change in you. Be a little more creative and thoughtful. It will be an overused topic.

4. Build your resume starting from the Grade 9 equivalent to now: sports, clubs, organizations, other activities, and interests.

1. Think about how these interests have changed, guided and developed you

2. Why do you do them? Because you are good at them or genuinely interested.

3. What have they provided you?

You have the ability to make your world right-side up. Don’t allow it to be upside down. Human intelligence has solved far greater problems and issues. Be part of the change even if it is in a small way. Work now and you will be better prepared for the future.

Stay safe, be healthy and as always remain grateful.

Hamilton Gregg is the founder of International Educational Consulting and has worked in education since 1985. He helps students and their families understand their personal and educational needs and find the right school to meet their requirements. If you are a student or parent who would like to ask Gregg a question on our blog, please email [e-mail]

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Photos: Unsplash, Hamilton Gregg

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