College admissions in the time of COVID-19: Technology, training, and the secondary school counselor

ABSTRACT

The ever-changing role and expectations of school counselors have required the acquisition of many new skills. Technology is essential in their daily tasks, especially as guides through the college admissions process. The onset of COVID-19 has suddenly and quickly added a new need and use of technology to support students. The combination of resources required in completing the college admissions process, the knowledge needed by school counselors to provide adequate support, and the effects of COVID-19 on the overall process require attention in determining best practices and future research needs. This qualitative study focuses on school counselors' experiences using technology to assist in the college admissions process while also looking at these experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty school counselors were interviewed regarding the research topic, and data was then coded and analyzed to identify themes, insights, and future recommendations. The analysis results indicated that technology is essential in their everyday role and is becoming increasingly important in facilitating the college admissions process, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the part of constructive training and professional development plays a large role in the successful use of various technologies. Updated graduate school curriculum and a productive internship experience is another result of the data analysis. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)