How Coronavirus changed universities’ admission process

In the face of deferred exams, delayed results, and now, cancelled Class 12 examinations, students looking to enter university in 2020 face uncertain prospects.

The questions before students leaving high school this year range from understanding their options to knowing when they will actually get to university, causing a fair bit of confusion in the lives of the newly-18. Given the closure of international borders, the value of an Ivy League education and enrolling in global universities has been called into question. Meanwhile, Central and State government universities, a popular option for many students, have to work out ways to fill the vacuum created by delayed Class 12 mark sheets that are the mainstay of their admissions processes. 

For many students, their carefully laid plans are up in the air once again. The uncertainty of admissions processes and the realisation that campus experiences might not be the same again, have taken the place of the excitement and rush of applying to college.

As with many drawbacks of Covid-19, there is a silver lining, too. Indian universities, that have often been less than student-centric in their approach, are evaluating carefully how they can best support students who hope to enter the college-force this year. Universities are now increasingly focusing on adopting new-age and personalised ways of admitting students.

Innovative, young universities may have a stolen a march over traditional colleges in India in this regard. At Ahmedabad University a combination of academic results, faculty interactions, personal statements and a deep understanding of the context of each individual are used to admit students. This holistic admissions process is geared to understanding students and their context beyond mark sheets. While high school scores are one indicator of potential, the focus is on using different ways to bring to light the many ways in which young people can contribute and bring value to themselves and the larger community. 

At Ahmedabad University a combination of academic results, faculty interactions, personal statements and a deep understanding of the context of each individual are used to admit students. This holistic admissions process is geared to understanding students and their context beyond mark sheets.

With the admissions team working remotely, the University is ensuring support to each applicant, as they navigate the changing landscape of university admissions. Admissions are open at Ahmedabad University and the University is processing applications based on Class 10 and 11 scores, while students await their Class 12 results. 

About the author:

Hansa Sachdeva is Director of Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid at Ahmedabad University. She is a business leader focused on change and innovation in education. She has held strategic roles in the internet media, consulting and education domains, before joining Ahmedabad University. 

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha