First-year college trend a social effect from COVID?

 

The event was so well attended it took on the feel of a festival. There was a large band with cheerleaders, giveaways, raffles, and games to play. 

 

Colleges typically organize such orientation and homecoming events when students return to college. But at Clemson this event was so widely attended it astonished the administration. 

 

Not only did first-year students attend this “welcome back to school” event, but also upper-year students who are typically blasé concerning such events. According to Tim Galbreath, associate director of undergraduate admissions, it was the most well-attended welcome event ever.

 

I asked Galbreath what else he was seeing that was unusual. He said the request for single rooms was sky high. Interestingly, these students want the opportunity to both socialize and have space to be alone.

 

This bimodal population is probably common across our nations’ campuses. Students arrive at college with uneven social experiences given the isolating effect of COVID. 

 

Clemson has beefed up its counseling services for teens who need to reach out and because they noticed the national uptick of students identified on the spectrum. The Spectrum program provides academic support as well as living and social skills. Clemson may invite certain groups of students to start classes in summer when there are fewer people on campus to help with acclimatization. 

 

I asked if the ACT/SAT test-optional remains the way of the future. He noted that while nearby state universities went back to requiring tests, Clemson does not require any for this academic year 2023-24 and will remain test-optional for 2024-25. 

 

Clemson is collecting data to see how students who didn’t submit any test scores performed compared to students who did. Interesting to note, many students missed out on the State Lottery Scholarships last year by not providing standardized test scores.

 

Concerning scholarships, The LIFE Scholarship provides $5,000 each year for four years, for a total of $20,000. Students must meet two out of three criteria: either score 1100 on SAT/24 ACT, or have a GPA of 3.0 on SCUGS; or rank in the top 30% of the class. The

Palmetto Scholarship requires higher standards and provides $6,700 per year.

 

If students attend a South Carolina college, it’s not too late to take or retake the SAT/ACT, even at the end of senior year. The SAT is offered again March 11 and May 6. The ACT is offered April 15. They may just qualify for a state scholarship.

 

Concerning admission, Clemson sent out notices to early applicants by Dec. 31, 2022. Now they’re reviewing regular decision applicants necessitating tougher decisions as they already have 5,000 more applications than last year. Some students will be offered the Bridge Program, Summer Start, and Wait list. All acceptances will likely be out by March 1.

 

C. Claire Law is a long-time resident of Daniel Island who loves to work with teens. She’s the author of “Find The Perfect College For You” (amzn.to/34znzrf) and “Control Your College Costs” (amzn.to/3t3c19s) available on Amazon.