So glad the folks at the Common Application added the optional Covid-19 question for next year's applicants. Every student is affected by the pandemic but not all in the same way. With the new question, the students can briefly discuss the impact of Covid on their lives without needing to focus entirely on the pandemic in their main essay. And, Common App gives some pretty good advice on how to answer the question, too. Nice!

Here is the info directly from the Common App website:

“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.”