These
are unsettling times for high school seniors with many still adjusting to new
online classes.
And
at the same time they are still trying to figure what to do after they graduate.
“There’s
currently a lot of anxiety,” said Carson Laundry, who was admitted to Quinnipiac
University.
Laundry
is among those planning for college in this midst of the coronavirus crisis.
“I
say mostly anxiety because everyone has been accepted to places or knows where
they are going next year at this point but they can’t do the admitted students day
or can’t go to an open house,” said Laundry.
Laundry
says he was accepted to Quinnipiac University in Hamden, which was forced to
cancel its in-person Admitted Student Day on campus because of the virus.
“At
the time we really were in a bit of a quandary,” said Eric Sykes, Quinnipiac University
Enrollment Management vice president.
Sykes
says they rushed to create the virtual Admitted Students Experience.
Right
now high school seniors can check out online videos exploring Quinnipiac’s different
schools, dorms and other facilities.
And
instead of an on-campus admitted student program this past weekend, the school
says some 1,800 people took part in live, online sessions with staff and current
students.
“We’re
living in unprecedented times. So it took a great deal of work. I’m thrilled at
the outcome,” said Sykes.
Carson took part in the event which he called helpful, though he
says it doesn’t quite replace an in-person visit.
“I’m
still hoping I get to go to Hamden in the fall and get to live on the Mt.
Carmel campus and have the traditional college experience,” said Laundry.
It’s
suggested high school seniors really explore online materials which more
schools are developing.
And
this type of college tour might be here to stay.
Quinnipiac plans to use the online experience in the future to help reach those who can’t easily travel to campus.
