The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education in ways that admissions officers will be evaluating for years to come. From canceled extracurricular activities to remote learning challenges and family hardships, applicants have had vastly different experiences. The Common Application provides space to address these circumstances, but many students remain unsure about how to approach the topic thoughtfully and strategically. Understanding when, where, and how to reference the pandemic can help applicants provide meaningful context without overshadowing the rest of their application.
TL;DR: Students should refer to the pandemic in the Common App only when it provides important context for academic performance, extracurricular involvement, or personal growth. The Additional Information section is usually the most appropriate place to explain disruptions clearly and briefly. Essays should focus on insight and development rather than hardship alone. Above all, clarity, honesty, and reflection are more impactful than dramatic storytelling.
Understanding the Purpose of Discussing the Pandemic
Admissions officers review applications holistically. This means they evaluate academic records, extracurricular engagement, essays, recommendation letters, and contextual factors together. The pandemic falls into the category of context. It is not inherently a strength or weakness; rather, it explains conditions under which achievements or setbacks occurred.
Students should consider referencing the pandemic if it:
- Significantly impacted grades or academic performance
- Limited access to resources such as internet, tutoring, or safe study spaces
- Led to family responsibilities, job loss, illness, or caregiving duties
- Disrupted meaningful extracurricular activities
- Inspired new initiatives, interests, or personal growth
If the pandemic did not substantially affect a student’s path, there is no requirement to mention it. Admissions officers already understand that this period was unusual; unnecessary commentary can dilute stronger parts of the application.
Choosing the Right Section in the Common App
One of the most common mistakes applicants make is forcing pandemic-related explanations into the personal statement. While it can work in some cases, the pandemic is often better addressed elsewhere.
1. Additional Information Section
This is typically the most appropriate space to explain disruptions. The tone should be factual and concise rather than emotional or overly detailed. Students might write 150–300 words that clearly outline:
- What happened
- When it occurred
- How it affected academics or activities
- What steps were taken in response
For example, rather than stating, “Online school was really hard for me,” a more effective approach would be: “During the 2020–2021 school year, unreliable internet access resulted in missed synchronous classes and delayed assignment submissions, contributing to a decline in my math grade from an A to a B.”
This approach provides clarity without sounding defensive.
2. The Personal Statement
If the pandemic fundamentally shaped a student’s identity, values, or goals, it may serve as the foundation for a compelling essay. However, the focus should not be on the pandemic itself, but on transformation and insight.
Strong pandemic-focused essays often center on:
- Resilience in uncertain conditions
- Creative adaptation to limitations
- Discovery of new passions
- Leadership during crisis
The key distinction is that the essay explores who the student became, not just what happened.
3. Activities Section
If activities were interrupted, students can use brief descriptions to explain modifications. For example:
- “Varsity Soccer (season canceled due to COVID-19; organized virtual team training sessions).”
- “Community Tutoring (transitioned to online platform serving 20 students).”
This demonstrates initiative rather than loss.
Balancing Honesty and Perspective
Admissions officers read thousands of applications referencing the same global event. Standing out requires specificity and reflection. While hardship is valid, exaggeration or vague complaints can weaken credibility.
Students should avoid:
- Blaming teachers or schools without accountability
- Overgeneralizing experiences (“Everyone struggled, and so did I.”)
- Using excessive emotional language without reflection
- Presenting themselves solely as victims of circumstance
Instead, they should aim for balanced language. A strong explanation acknowledges difficulty while showing effort, adaptation, or growth.
Addressing Academic Performance Changes
The pandemic caused grade fluctuations for many students. When explaining academic dips, clarity and brevity are essential.
An effective explanation might include:
- The specific semester affected
- The reason for the change (family illness, workspace challenges, technology issues)
- Evidence of recovery or improvement
For example:
“During spring 2021, I assumed significant caregiving responsibilities for my younger siblings while my parents worked extended shifts. My GPA declined from 3.8 to 3.5 that semester. By junior year, after routines stabilized, my GPA returned to 3.9.”
This format emphasizes accountability and resilience rather than excuse-making.
Highlighting Growth and Initiative
While the pandemic created obstacles, it also opened doors for innovation. Some students launched community drives, learned coding independently, started small businesses, or advocated for mental health awareness.
Admissions officers value:
- Problem-solving skills
- Adaptability
- Leadership under pressure
- Intellectual curiosity despite constraints
When referencing pandemic-era initiatives, students should quantify their impact whenever possible. Metrics such as hours volunteered, funds raised, or participants served make accomplishments tangible.
For example:
- “Organized a mask distribution effort serving 300 community members.”
- “Created a 12-week online coding workshop with 25 participants.”
Specific outcomes convey effectiveness.
Avoiding Pandemic Fatigue in Reviewers
Because nearly every applicant experienced COVID-19 disruptions, admissions officers are highly familiar with common narratives. Essays that merely recount boredom during lockdown or frustration with Zoom classes may feel repetitive.
To stand out, applicants should:
- Narrow their focus to a specific, vivid moment
- Demonstrate introspection rather than description alone
- Connect experiences to long-term goals or values
For instance, instead of writing broadly about isolation, a student might describe tutoring a younger sibling in algebra and discovering a passion for education policy. The narrower focus brings depth and individuality.
When Not to Mention the Pandemic
In some applications, referencing the pandemic adds little value. If academic performance remained steady and extracurricular involvement continued with minimal disruption, mentioning COVID-19 may be unnecessary.
Students should ask themselves:
- Does this information clarify something admissions officers might misinterpret?
- Does it reveal meaningful growth or insight?
- Is it specific to my experience, rather than universal?
If the answer is no, space may be better used elsewhere.
Maintaining the Right Tone
Tone influences perception more than content alone. The most effective explanations are:
- Respectful – acknowledging shared hardship
- Measured – free of excessive dramatization
- Reflective – focused on lessons learned
- Forward-looking – emphasizing momentum
Admissions offices seek students who can navigate challenge with maturity. Demonstrating adaptability during a global crisis naturally signals readiness for college-level responsibility.
Final Considerations
Referring to the pandemic in the Common App is less about recounting events and more about providing context and illustrating character. Students should resist the urge to overexplore universally shared circumstances and instead focus on what differentiates their response.
Ultimately, the strongest applications treat the pandemic as one chapter in a larger story — not the entire narrative. By choosing the appropriate section, maintaining clarity, and emphasizing growth, applicants can ensure their discussion strengthens rather than distracts from their candidacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Should every applicant mention COVID-19 in their Common App?
No. Only students whose academic performance, extracurricular involvement, or personal circumstances were significantly affected should address it. If there was minimal impact, it is acceptable to omit mention entirely.
2. Is it better to write the personal essay about the pandemic?
Not necessarily. The personal essay should focus on identity and growth. If the pandemic serves as a meaningful backdrop to transformation, it can work well. However, many students may benefit more from using the Additional Information section instead.
3. How long should a pandemic explanation be?
In the Additional Information section, 150–300 clear and factual words are generally sufficient. Admissions officers appreciate brevity and clarity.
4. Can discussing pandemic struggles hurt an application?
When written thoughtfully, it does not hurt an application. Problems arise only when explanations seem exaggerated, defensive, or unfocused.
5. Should students mention mental health challenges during the pandemic?
If mental health challenges significantly affected academics or responsibilities, students may address them briefly and constructively. The emphasis should be on coping strategies, growth, and current stability rather than detailed clinical descriptions.
6. What if grades dropped but there was no dramatic reason?
Students can briefly explain general adjustment difficulties with specificity. However, they should avoid vague statements. If possible, they should highlight subsequent improvement.
7. Are colleges still considering the pandemic years differently?
Yes. Admissions offices remain aware that the pandemic created uneven educational environments. Context continues to play an important role in holistic review.
By approaching the topic with clarity, reflection, and restraint, students can ensure their reference to the pandemic enhances their overall narrative rather than overshadowing it.