In today's ICAN Blog we talk with Marissa Simplot, Senior Admission Counselor & Des Moines Regional Representative for the University of Iowa about the high school Class of 2020.
ICAN: What are the most common questions/concerns you are hearing from the Class of 2020?
Marissa: Some of the more common questions we are getting right now include questions about the housing and orientation processes as well as about how dual enrollment coursework and AP classes will transfer to Iowa given the changes to grading and testing this spring. In addition to these questions we are also getting questions about how classes will be delivered in the fall.
ICAN: Are you making any changes to graduation requirements for the Class of 2020 to enter the University of Iowa next year?
Marissa: The biggest change that we are making for 2020 high school graduates is that we are now accepting Passing grades on the Pass/Fail system. Other than this, students are still expected to complete their core coursework, submit their official test scores, and send in final high school and dual enrollment transcripts as normal.
ICAN: Are there any changes to the Orientation process this summer?
Marissa: Yes, there are some big changes to Orientation this summer. Traditionally, we have required every student to attend an on-campus Orientation session and these are typically 2 day sessions for our first-year students. This year, due to Covid-19, all of our Orientation sessions for June-July will be one day sessions and held online. Students will be meeting with their Academic Advisor individually through a Zoom meeting to select courses and go over institution policies and procedures.
ICAN: What advice would you give to the Class of 2020?
Marissa: Stay calm. Covid-19 has uprooted everyone’s normal, so we are all taking these changes day by day. Please know that your safety and well being is our top priority and colleges and universities are making decisions based on federal and state guidelines. That being said, we welcome all of your questions. This is a great time to reach out to your specific Admissions Counselor or the Admissions Office to ask about things that seem unclear to you or you want to know about. We are all here to help!
Thank you Marissa for taking the time to answer questions for us today.
