Universities Invite Students: An Encouraging Trend

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities adopted a 'half-campus' model, where only a fraction of students were invited back to campus. This was an attempt to lower campus density and reduce the risk of virus transmission. An invitation to campus may also be extended to prospective students, inviting them to attend an interview or audition or complete an admissions test.

To attend an interview or audition

Interviews and auditions are a way for universities to get to know you better as a candidate and to see if you're a good fit for the course. They are not usually a defining factor in the admissions process, but they do contribute to your overall profile. The interview allows admissions officers to evaluate your reasons for applying and how well your goals align with what the university has to offer.

If you are invited to an interview, it could be with an actual professor or member of the admissions staff, or it could be with an alumni volunteer. It might be a panel interview or a one-on-one interview. Some universities also include a group task, discussion or written test as part of the interview process.

If you are applying for a talent-based degree such as music, acting, art or design, an interview or audition is likely to be part of the admissions process. For example, the Berklee College of Music requires a live audition and interview for Bachelor of Music applicants, while Bachelor of Arts applicants must complete an online interview.

If you are invited to an interview, it's a good idea to prepare in advance. You can do this by checking the practical details, such as travel and accommodation if it's in person, or making sure you have access to a laptop and a quiet place if it's online. You should also be ready to answer questions about your application and your reasons for applying, and to ask questions about the course and the university. It's a good idea to practise answering interview questions and think about how you will respond to unexpected questions or situations.

It's also important to dress smartly and appropriately for an interview, and to give yourself plenty of time to arrive. During the interview, remember to maintain eye contact and be aware of your body language. If you don't understand a question, ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase it.

After the interview, reflect on how it went and think about what you could improve for next time.

To complete an admissions test

When submitting test scores, it is important to note that most colleges participate in Score Choice, which allows students to choose which scores they want to send. This means that, in most cases, colleges will not see how many times a student has taken the SAT or ACT. However, some colleges, such as Georgetown and UT Austin, do not participate in Score Choice and require applicants to send all scores. Additionally, some colleges require official score reports during the application process, while others allow self-reported scores.

It is also worth mentioning that direct admissions, where colleges offer to admit students before they even apply, is becoming more common. This approach aims to simplify the complex application process and reduce the stress associated with college admissions.

To return to campus

Returning to campus during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a complex issue for universities and their students. While some universities, such as Harvard, Princeton, and Loyola University, have allowed students to return to campus, classes have largely remained online.

Harvard University, for example, invited its freshman class to live on campus in the fall of 2020 while most other undergraduates were required to learn remotely from home. This decision was made to reduce density and prevent the spread of COVID-19, with only 40% of undergraduates allowed on campus. Similarly, Princeton University announced plans to invite all enrolled students back to live and learn on or near campus for the spring semester of 2021, after a fully remote fall semester for undergraduates. However, most instruction would still be online, and strict guidelines would be in place, including mask and social distancing requirements, restrictions on visitors and travel, and mandatory participation in the university's testing program.

The decision to return to campus has been a difficult one for students as well. While some students have chosen to return to campus, even when classes are primarily online, citing personal and financial factors, others have expressed concerns about the potential risks of a coronavirus outbreak and the impact on their social experience.

Overall, the return to campus during the pandemic has been a challenging and complex issue, with universities striving to balance the educational and social needs of students with the health and safety protocols necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

To live on campus

Living on campus can be a great option for students, offering a range of benefits that can enhance their university experience. Firstly, it provides a sense of community and belonging, as students are physically immersed in the campus environment, making it easier to forge friendships, access resources, and participate in extracurricular activities. This sense of belonging is linked to higher academic success rates, as students feel more connected to their institution and are more likely to utilise campus programs and assistance.

The convenience of on-campus living is another advantage, with students being able to easily access classes, dining halls, faculty offices, and other resources. This proximity can also promote effective time management, as students don't have to spend as much time commuting, allowing for a better balance between academic and social life. Additionally, the cost of living on campus can sometimes be more affordable than off-campus options, especially when factoring in expenses like transportation and utilities.

For first-year students, living on campus can smoothen the transition to university life, as they are surrounded by peers going through similar experiences. This sense of camaraderie can be comforting and help students adjust to their new environment. Moreover, on-campus housing often includes meal plans, relieving students of the burden of cooking and allowing them to focus more on their studies.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to living on campus. One of the main concerns is the lack of privacy, as students often have to share living spaces and may be assigned roommates. This can be challenging for those who value their personal space and prefer control over their living environment. Additionally, the social aspect of on-campus life may lead to distractions and negatively impact academics if effective time management skills are not practised.

Overall, living on campus offers numerous benefits that contribute to a well-rounded university experience. It fosters a sense of community, enhances academic success, and provides easy access to resources. While there may be some drawbacks, such as limited privacy and potential distractions, the advantages of on-campus living often outweigh these inconveniences. Students can develop essential time management skills and enjoy the convenience and camaraderie that comes with residing on campus.

To attend as a visitor

If you are interested in visiting a university, it is best to contact the university directly to enquire about their visitor policies and procedures. Each university will have its own practices and guidelines for visitors, so it is important to familiarise yourself with these before planning your visit.

When reaching out, be sure to specify your purpose for visiting. Universities commonly invite prospective students to attend interviews or auditions as part of their admissions process. If you are considering applying to a particular university, they may welcome you to visit the campus, meet current students and staff, and learn more about the courses and opportunities on offer. This can be a great way to gain a first-hand experience of the university and determine if it aligns with your interests and goals.

In addition to prospective students, universities may also extend invitations to guest speakers or lecturers who are experts in their respective fields. These individuals are often invited to share their knowledge and insights with the university community, contributing to a rich and dynamic learning environment. If you have a particular area of expertise that aligns with the university's academic focus, you may consider reaching out to the relevant department to express your interest in visiting as a guest speaker.

It is worth noting that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities implemented partial residential returns, inviting only a fraction of their students back to campus to lower campus density and promote public health. This was particularly common among highly selective institutions, such as Princeton and Stanford Universities, which prioritised first-year students and seniors. If you are planning to visit a university during this time, it is advisable to check their current policies and any restrictions they may have in place.

Whether you are a prospective student, a guest speaker, or simply interested in exploring a university campus, it is always a good idea to contact the university in advance to ensure a smooth and informative visit.

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