Photo: Audrey Malo

Admissions is often described as a mix of art and science, and in recent years the rise of “big data” has tipped the balance toward science. The rule in admissions is that if you alter how you recruit or admit or enroll students—whatever you do—do so gradually. That way you know—or at least can guess—which lever you pulled had caused which shift in your enrollment model.

But the pandemic reshaped almost every dimension of admissions—and did so all at once. Now, admissions officials are left trying to untangle cause and effect.

Since the coronavirus pandemic started, an estimated three million students have not attended virtual or in-person classes. Many are taking jobs to help their families make ends meet. At times, the pressure is overwhelming.

Some 17.5 million young people between 16-24 are employed in the United States—and many to help their families get by. Seventeen-year-old Johanna Lopez is one of them. She juggles an exhausting schedule of remote school and part-time work at a fast-food restaurant. Despite her struggles, Lopez remains focused on the future. She hopes to go to college in the fall to become a music therapist.