This Week in Admissions News | Week 15

28/04/20215 minute read
This Week in Admissions News | Week 15

The world of college admissions is ever-changing and for students planning to apply to universities, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments. We’ve rounded up the latest news and given our take on what it means for future and current college students. Check back each week to see what’s new!

1. Over 100 US universities have announced COVID vaccine requirements for fall 2021

In the last month, the list of US universities to formally announce COVID vaccine mandates has ballooned to more than 100! Rutgers University led the charge last month when it became the first US university to declare it will require all students and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before returning to campus. In the weeks that followed, colleges in nearly every US state have done the same, including the California State University and University of California systems as well as 7 of the 8 Ivy League institutions.

Crimson’s Take: The progress we’ve seen in the US with COVID vaccines and stopping the spread has been truly commendable in recent weeks. We applaud universities across the US for upholding a high standard of safety throughout the pandemic and we’re optimistic that if this momentum continues, COVID restrictions on college campuses will soon be a thing of the past.

2. Across the Ivy League, plans for a post-COVID fall semester are being put in place

With the start of the 2021-22 school year approaching in a few months’ time, all eight Ivy League universities have publicly shared plans with varying degrees of clarity revolving around “returning to some form of normalcy” in the fall (including vaccine mandates). Each university is proceeding cautiously with their fall 2021 plans, noting that “given the uncertain circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, all plans are subject to public health conditions and regulations.” Read more about what plans each Ivy member has shared here.

Crimson’s Take: After more than a year in lockdown, we’re thrilled to know that things are looking up enough for all the Ivies to publicly share plans for a post-pandemic experience for students and staff alike. Of course, if there’s anything COVID has taught us it’s that nothing is ever certain — but we’re staying optimistic about the prospect of colleges and universities welcoming their on-campus communities back in the fall with in-person learning and residential experiences.

3. Student body presidents at all 8 Ivies call for fossil complete fuel divestment by 2025

A joint resolution signed last week by the student body presidents at all 8 Ivy League institutions urges the universities to end new investments in the fossil fuel industry by 2021 and completely divest by 2025. The resolution states that climate change is “a global crisis that is a paramount threat to the lives and livelihoods of current and future generations necessitating bold, immediate action.”

Crimson’s take: At Crimson, we know that young people are the leaders of tomorrow and they have the power to build the society they want to be a part of. We’re inspired by these students’ recognition and articulation of the very real threat posed by the climate crisis, as well as their resolution for the Ivy League to make tangible strides towards reducing its footprint. We love to see students supporting a worthy cause and representing their peers so eloquently!

4. Oxford and Cambridge named first- and second-most Instagrammable universities in the UK

According to an analysis from the college-focused money saving app Student Beans, Oxford and Cambridge have been deemed “the most Insta-worthy universities” in the UK among a list of 50. The company analyzed over 6 million Instagram hashtags to determine the rankings and found that Oxford and Cambridge together amass over 700,000 hashtags on the platform! The top five are completed by the University of Leeds in third place, King’s College London in fourth, and the University of York in fifth.

Crimson’s Take: With many Oxbridge alumni on our global team, we’ve heard all about how beautiful both universities’ campuses are. How fun for them to be recognized as the picturesque gems they are! Both are featured in our roundup of the most beautiful college cathedrals in the US and UK — check it out here!

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