The following language is from the Common App website (2022 - 2023):
Where can I explain how COVID-19 had an impact on me?
COVID-19 has affected students
in dramatically different ways. If you need it, the COVID-19 and natural disaster question in the Additional Information section
is a place for you to describe the impact of these events.
The following language is from the Common App website
(2021-2022), which gives you some idea of the evolution and framing of the question.:
The
COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives and postsecondary plans for many students. We want to reduce anxiety for applicants
affected by these events and provide them with a way to share their experience with colleges and universities.
Next year, on the 2020-2021 application, Common App
will provide students who need it with a dedicated space to elaborate on the impact of the pandemic, both personally and academically.
We want to provide colleges with the information they need, with the goal of having students answer COVID-19 questions only
once while using the rest of the application as they would have before to share their interests and perspectives beyond COVID-19.
Below is the question applicants will see:
Community disruptions such as COVID-19 and natural disasters can have deep and long-lasting impacts.
If you need it, this space is yours to describe those impacts. Colleges care about the effects on your health and well-being,
safety, family circumstances, future plans, and education, including access to reliable technology and quiet study spaces.
- Do you wish to share anything on this topic?
Y/N
- Please
use this space to describe how these events have impacted you.
The question
will be optional and will appear in the Additional Information section of the application.The response length will be limited
to 250 words.
The question will be accompanied by a more detailed FAQ to help students
consider the kinds of impacts they may wish to report, including illness and loss, housing and employment disruptions, and
shifting family obligations.
The new language will not replace the current Additional
Information question inviting students to discuss circumstances and qualifications not reflected elsewhere in the application.
That question, along with its 650 word limit, will remain.