Families taking a tour of Longwood in front of Lancaster Hall
Families taking a tour of Longwood in front of Lancaster Hall

High-school seniors ready to jump-start their college planning are in luck.

Longwood’s Accelerated Decision program—offering rising seniors the chance to apply to Longwood and get a same-day decision—is in full swing for fall 2021 enrollment. A new option for this year’s program is the opportunity to receive the admission decision either on campus or virtually.

“Receiving a college acceptance before beginning senior year is a huge relief for many students and parents,” said Jason McNair-Faulk, dean of admissions. “This year, especially, we are excited to give good news to qualified students who have worked hard to achieve their academic goals. To accommodate families who aren’t comfortable visiting campus just yet due to Covid-19, we’ve adapted our program to include virtual as well as on-campus visit and Accelerated Decision options,” he said.

Those who choose to visit campus in person can expect to see several safety measures in place. Face coverings are required at all times while inside Longwood buildings, social distancing is practiced during group events (except among family members) and cleaning protocols have been increased to disinfect high-touch surfaces across campus.

Lancer 101 sessions (virtual and on campus) cover the admissions process, financial aid, academic majors and campus life. The 30-minute sessions also provide time to chat with an admissions team member and have any questions answered. On-campus sessions are followed by a campus tour (limited to 10-15 students) led by a current student. Virtual attendees are invited to explore Longwood through the interactive campus map.

Brynna Boykin-Carter, who visited campus for the first time with her father, was relieved to receive her admission decision and happy to have a chance to tour Longwood. “Most of the college visits we had lined up have been canceled,” they said. “We’re glad to be here.”

To apply through Accelerated Decision, students should to choose a Lancer 101 event (on campus or virtual) that includes the Accelerated Decision option, then complete and submit the online application at least 48 hours prior to the visit event. On the day of the visit event, students can either bring or electronically submit their high-school transcript and, if desired, SAT/ACT scores (test scores are optional for students applying for fall 2021 admission). Following the visit event, students will receive an admission decision either in person or via email/phone. Nursing applicants and international students are not eligible for admission through Accelerated Decision.

Those admitted have until May 1, 2021, to commit to Longwood.

“I’m so relieved to have a college decision,” said Isabelle Whiteside, who attended a Lancer 101 with her family. “This gives me even more incentive to work hard during my senior year. I will definitely recommend this program to my friends who are ready to begin applying to college,” she said.

Lancer 101 + Accelerated Decision events are being offered now and will be continued through the fall. For more information, contact admisions@longwood.edu.

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