The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and COVID-19 have dramatically impacted life in 2020 in many ways and continue to impact students as well as their future plans for college.

According to ​Business Insider​, the top 25 universities such as Georgetown and Carnegie Mellon have released letters addressing systemic racism.

According to a poll conducted by the Patriot Post Staff, out of 21 seniors surveyed, 12 find it important that a college supports BLM because they want to learn in a diverse community that accepts all kinds of people.

Of course, there are other factors considered, and how colleges are responding to COVID-19 is important to students.

“The pandemic made me realize how important school versatility and ability to adapt is to me,” senior Rebecca Chiet said. “If a college wasn’t taking an active role to be there for students during challenging times such as these, it really paints a clear picture for me.”

Due to COVID-19, many SAT and ACT tests were canceled so over 400 colleges will not penalize students if their test scores are absent from their applications for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle.

“I am applying to more schools in order to ensure I get into a university,” senior Declan Rogers said. According to a survey by The Patriot Post, out of the 21 seniors surveyed, none are applying to different schools because of the new test optional policies.

“Test optional policies make applying easier so I don’t have to take the SAT like four times,” senior Gianna Clemente said. This year, students don’t have to stress about not taking the test or taking it multiple times to ensure a higher score.

“I think students are being optimistic about the pandemic and hoping it ends by the time they get to college,” Director of College Planning Sharon Bikounduo said.