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COVID-19 Effect: FAQs for Current Students

POSTED ON 04/27/2020 BY The Red Pen

COVID-19 Effect: FAQs for Current Students | The Red Pen

Applicants who have secured admits and are scheduled to start classes this fall are wondering how the current COVID-19 pandemic affects their education. Read on for some frequently asked questions:

I have an admit, but what do I do if the campus doesn’t allow on-campus classes this fall?

If your university decides not to allow on-campuses classes this year, they will offer you some options. The most obvious choice will be enrolling for the semester online. The next option is deferment to commence the programme in its next intake. Some might even delay the start of the semester. Currently, there is no clarity that any university can offer you for the August-September 2020 commencement. Since there is still time, stay optimistic and wait for the university to evaluate the options and get back to you, if the situation doesn’t improve.

My future university has declared that classes will start on time this fall. Should I go ahead with the visa process as usual?

Staying hopeful in these uncertain times is very important. Going about the visa process, as usual, will help you stay on top of your timeline when things take a turn for the better and universities declare they are beginning the fall term as usual. Remember, the hard copy of documents from the university do take some time to come through, so the sooner you act on your acceptance, the less pressure you will create for yourself.

What should I expect to happen if the situation doesn’t improve as we get closer to the beginning of the term? 

Most universities are working online with their students already. Virtual classrooms seem to be the norm. If things do not improve, they will likely continue conducting online classes. What you need to think about is, if you are happy to learn online until the situation gets better and you can head to college. 

Will there be a backlog in the visa process? Will I still be able to reach in time for freshmen week? 

Yes, there will be a backlog in the processing of the applications, so be prepared for delays in interviews. Once you receive your I-20 or other documents, you should contact the embassy and schedule your interview at the earliest available date. Keep the university informed about the delay, and depending on how long the wait is, you could ask the university to advise you on the next steps. As the situation is constantly evolving, universities will notify the students about their plans for the incoming class. 

Remember, keep checking your inbox and the university website for any updates. For more information, get in touch with us.