Interesting topic for sure! I’m wondering though: are people making 4-year decisions (whose impact doesn’t even begin for another year) based on Covid restrictions now? I’m assuming that a year from now, things will be headed back to a (modified) version of “normal.” And that a year later, things will be relatively “normal.” I guess I’m not including the covid piece into the equation much at all for this cycle for my 8th grader.
Assuming Covid IS at play in the decision process – I guess I could see why PG apps might be impacted but if anything, I would think parents of 8th-graders might be nervous that 9th grade next year might be a less-valuable version of BS as it has been pretty much across the board this year. (Meaning virtual schooling at day-student prices for at least part of the year.). Also, I would anticipate financial impact of Covid to be a negative, both for school (meaning FA ability) and parents.
Lowered barrier to entry on the information front (zoom sessions instead of traveling) and on the application front (no SSAT required) would likely offset in the other direction.
It will be interesting to see.