The Darkest Hour is Just Before the Dawn

Against this backdrop, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a suit against the National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC) in September for, essentially, repressing free and fair trade; specifically, the DOJ took exception with the practice of colleges requiring applicants to make an enrollment deposit at only one college by May 1st each spring.

Before the DOJ lawsuit, colleges recognized the sanctity of the May 1st deposit day, and they refrained from trying to lure elsewhere-deposited students to attend. When the deep pockets of the DOJ made any resistance to the suit by NACAC futile, NACAC re-wrote its Best Practices to suggest, rather than mandate, that colleges still respect the May 1st deadline.

The issue consumed the college admissions world last fall, with many colleges fearing that a “Wild West” landscape of poaching and incentivizing would emerge to wreak havoc on the stability of the already- fragile enrollment management situation at colleges and universities across the country.

There was a third factor that had been keeping college enrollment managers up at night—the shrinking of the international student applicant pool. For years, international students were a treasured demographic for college admissions deans; they are generally full-pay students and bring a much-desired geographic and cultural diversity.

China, in particular, exported tens of thousands of students to American institutions of higher learning. Over the last few years, these institutions started to notice a decline in international applicants, particularly from China, causing a robust revenue stream to dry up.

And then came COVID 19.

Colleges sent their students home. They cancelled admissions events and in-person applicant visits. Standardized testing dates were cancelled. The AP exam format and administration was altered. All of a sudden, colleges are faced with the lost revenue of housing and board refunds. All of a sudden, many colleges’ enrollment targets are once again in jeopardy.

The last month has seen a dizzying pace of admission and financial aid policy changes as colleges seek to reassure high school seniors and juniors. I have been moved by their genuine desire to serve their current and future students. I have been impressed by the creative ways they have sought to do this. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention!

So what does all this upheaval mean for high school students? What about the senior who thought she was going to her dream school and is now being told by her parents that she needs to go to the less expensive option, or the closer option? What about the junior who planned to take the SAT and ACT? Or who was going to be the captain of the lacrosse team? Or who had secured a killer internship for the summer? Are they now to be less-compelling college applicants next year because of these lost opportunities?

To the juniors, college reps will tell you that your application to college isn’t going to be diminished and that you will not be held responsible for things you cannot control. There are no high school students playing sports this season. No high school kids doing internships. No one taking the SAT or ACT. You are not falling behind relative to anyone else. Everybody is on “pause.”

High school seniors have a different set of concerns: How can I make a final college decision if I can’t visit? Now I can’t afford the college I thought I was attending! This whole pandemic thing has made me realize that I don’t want to go far away from home…or attend college in a city…To these seniors, college reps will say reach out to us! We aren’t travelling now and would welcome your calls. Tell us how your financial circumstances have changed and we’ll try and help!

If seniors engaged the college application process authentically and with an open mind, then they will have excellent, affordable choices among the acceptances they received. Or they can explore taking a year off before going to college.

This turmoil is a real opportunity for all constituents in the college application process—students, parents, and colleges—to step back and re-evaluate what’s important. Students and parents can ask themselves what has this whole episode shown me about myself? What do I value? What’s important to me in a college? And they can let the answers to these questions guide the search. Colleges can debate the usefulness of standardized tests in their application process (already the number of colleges deciding to become test-optional grows with each passing day). They will be challenged to deliver an exceptional experience to their students at an accessible price. They will have to be more nimble in their recruitment practices.

HRA Supports Every Student

At Hampton Roads Academy (HRA) in Newport News, VA, we celebrate the individuality of each student and are committed to creating a nurturing environment tailored to their unique needs. HRA’s focus on personalized attention ensures that students receive the academic guidance, emotional support, and extracurricular opportunities necessary for success. This dedication is rooted in a culture of respect and care that influences all interactions and initiatives.

HRA is also dedicated to making high-quality education accessible for all families. Through customized tuition assistance programs, we work to eliminate financial barriers, ensuring that every student can access the education they deserve. HRA takes pride in providing a wide range of resources and support to meet the needs of our diverse community with compassion and commitment.

HRA’s Commitment to Excellence

At HRA, education extends beyond the classroom. We strive to nurture the whole student through a comprehensive academic program that emphasizes honor, integrity, and personal growth. Our curriculum is designed to recognize and celebrate each student’s unique strengths within a supportive community.

With small class sizes and personalized attention, our dedicated faculty offers tailored support to help every student succeed. HRA creates a healthy, encouraging environment where students thrive academically, physically, and emotionally. This holistic approach empowers students to explore various academic and extracurricular activities, from sports to the arts.

Why Choose HRA?

As the Peninsula’s only independent school serving Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, HRA offers a unique educational experience. We are accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and are a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence.

Beyond academics, HRA provides numerous opportunities for student development. Our athletic programs foster teamwork, physical fitness, and sportsmanship, while our robust arts program encourages creativity in visual and performing arts. Additionally, our REACH (Real-world Experience and Academic Choices) Initiative connects academic learning with real-world applications, promoting personal growth, community service, and a commitment to shared values.

Schedule Your Tour of HRA Today!

At HRA, we deliver an exceptional education focused on character development and future success. Our curriculum cultivates critical thinking, effective communication, teamwork, and a spirit of discovery, shaping innovative and empathetic leaders for an evolving world. Serving families in Newport News, Poquoson, Hampton, and Williamsburg, VA, we invite you to schedule a campus tour of HRA and discover how our nurturing environment can help your child reach their full potential.